On Friday, May 8, at Camp Watia, friends of the project, community members from the 14 westernmost counties, volunteers, donors and elected officials gathered to celebrate the start of construction and the public phase kick-off of the capital campaign.
Friday’s celebration included camp activities, camp tours, lunch, and the ground breaking ceremony featuring special guest speaker, Michell Hicks, Principal Chief, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
“This project will bring together diverse cultural groups from across the region. Camp Watia will serve a critical need for all of our children, including, and perhaps most importantly, those currently unable to afford a resident camp experience. We will be able to provide an important social, emotional, educational, and physical impact in the development of those children who can most benefit from such an experience” said Dr. Bill Hathaway, YMCA Board Chair, and Capital Campaign Co-Chair.