Summer camps: the very words evoke an intoxicating blend of nostalgia, innocence, adventure, and camaraderie. From the first summer camps that emerged in the late 19th century, offering a retreat from the encroaching urban sprawl, the concept of ‘roughing it’ to build character was a potent selling point. The YMCA was no exception, running camps that focused on nature, outdoor activities, and personal growth. The 1950s marked a significant era in the YMCA summer camps’ history, providing a fascinating glimpse into the times and the lasting impact they had on generations of camp-goers.
The Evolution of Summer Camps
As we rewind the tape of time to the dawn of the 20th century, the popularity of summer camps was just beginning to take hold. Starting from fewer than one hundred camps nationwide in 1900, the numbers swelled to over a thousand by 1918. As the popularity of camps grew, they began to shift away from their ‘roughing it’ roots. Camps started introducing amenities like movies, radios, and tennis lessons, signaling a softening of their earlier rustic ethos. However, YMCA summer camps of the 1950s held onto the classic appeal of outdoor activities and the charm of simple, character-building experiences.
A Snapshot of YMCA Summer Camps in the 1950s
Nestled on the shores of Silver Lake in New York, Camp Arthur G. Hough was a bustling hub of YMCA summer activity during the 1950s. Thanks to a treasure trove of Kodachrome slides discovered by Steven Martin, we can take a colorful journey back to the camp life of 1957 and 1958.
The YMCA camps were designed to encourage independence, responsibility, and a love for nature. Campers slept in wigwams, tents, or open dormitories – all options that urged the young inhabitants to take care of their personal space and learn self-sufficiency. The visuals from the slides depict scenes of children reveling in their rustic sleeping quarters, their faces alight with excitement and pride.
Outdoor activities were the heart and soul of the YMCA camps. Canoeing, archery, and hiking were among the most popular activities that campers indulged in. There is something uniquely enchanting about a 1950s Kodachrome slide of children paddling a canoe across the mirror-like surface of Silver Lake or a group of boys with bow and arrows in hand, practicing their aim with gleeful concentration.
More Than Just Outdoor Activities
However, the YMCA summer camps were more than just physical activities. Handcrafts, dramatics, campfire-making – these formed an integral part of the learning experience. These skills not only added to the campers’ repertoire but also fostered teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving abilities.
Today, YMCA Camp Arthur G. Hough still exists, continuing the legacy of fostering growth, character, and a love for nature in young hearts. Here are some fascinating photos that were taken at YMCA Camp Arthur G. Hough, on the shores of Silver Lake in New York in 1957 and 1958.
