Executive Director

About Camp Y-Koda

Camp Y-Koda is an 80-acre camp located just west of Sheboygan Falls bordered by the Sheboygan River to the north and east. The camp was founded in 1969 by the Sheboygan County YMCA and has been offering summer camp experiences ever since. Camp Y-Koda features a beautiful stretch of the Sheboygan River for canoeing, kayaking, tubing and nature studies. The property has a low and high ropes course complete with a zip line and forty foot climbing wall.

We pride ourselves on having something for everyone at Camp Y-Koda.  From arts and crafts camps to Apostle Island sea kayaking, we have a camp for every child.  Camp Y-Koda is the perfect setting for a summer day camp experience featuring a high ropes and challenge course, a zip-line and climbing wall, canoeing, kayaking, row-boating, tubing, archery, bb gun, arts and crafts, swimming at the beach and the pool, and so much more!

MISSION

Camp Y-Koda promotes responsible stewardship of our environment and enhances participant quality of life by offering hands-on education opportunities. 

Our vision is to strengthen our community by connecting youth and families with the outdoors by providing valuable outdoor experiences. 

HISTORY

Camp Y-Koda was founded and purchased in 1969 by the Sheboygan County YMCA. At the time of purchase the land where camp currently sits was the 80-acre Silver Stone Shetland Pony Farm, with not a tree on the property. The property itself borders by the Sheboygan River to the North and East. 

The conversion of the site into a full-fledged summer camp was a dramatic and intensive undertaking, but through the commitment of past Y leaders and countless volunteers. 

In 2001, Camp Y-Koda merged with the Plymouth Outdoor Skills Center and officially became known as Camp Y-Koda Outdoor Skills and Education. The merger combined two organizations that shared the same passion of providing valuable outdoor experience to youth, families, and community members at large. 

In 2014, we have expanded our sites with a partnership with Maywood Environmental Park. This has been a great opportunity to reach the community with the city of Sheboygan. 

In 2018, Camp Y-Koda partnered with Sheboygan Area School District and Maywood Environmental Park to start a Nature Based 4K Program (which is now known as the Y-Koda Nature School) in the fall. Our program aims to develop the whole child through daily explorations and play in the outdoors through the seasons. 

Position Summary

The Executive Director of Camp Y-Koda provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for multiple program areas including:

• Summer Camp programs
• Maywood summer and school-year programming
• School district partnerships
• Annual fundraising initiatives
• Camp Y-Koda facilities and grounds

This leader works closely with staff, volunteers, and the YMCA Executive Team to ensure program growth, safety, member satisfaction, and financial sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Staff Development:

• Recruit, hire, train, schedule, and supervise staff and volunteers
• Coach, mentor, and oversee staff performance, including conducting performance evaluations 
• Develop strategies to motivate and engage staff
• Design training programs and develop team competencies

Strategic Planning & Program Development:

• Collaborate with the YMCA Executive Team on long-range strategic planning
• Lead the development and improvement of programs to meet community needs
• Monitor program participation and evaluate effectiveness

Operations & Facility Management:

• Oversee facility scheduling and equipment use
• Develop policies and procedures to ensure high-quality member experiences
• Maintain program statistics and operational reporting

Financial Management & Fundraising:

• Develop and manage program budgets
• Monitor financial performance and recommend adjustments
• Lead aspects of the annual fundraising campaign and major gifts

Community Engagement:

• Represent the YMCA in the community
• Develop partnerships with businesses, organizations, and government agencies to expand and enhance the YMCA’s reach

Support YMCA boards and committees and attend leadership meetings