Major gift secures long-term future of Lake Wenatchee YMCA Camp

LAKE WENATCHEE — A major philanthropic agreement backed by a longtime regional business leader has secured the long-term future of Lake Wenatchee YMCA Camp, capping a year marked by community advocacy, fundraising and renewed attention to the camp’s role in the region.

The Wenatchee Valley YMCA announced that Dean Weidner, CEO of Weidner Apartment Homes, has purchased the camp’s 25-acre property and will lease it back to the YMCA for $10 per year for 99 years, ensuring the site remains dedicated to YMCA programming. Weidner has also committed a $2 million endowed gift restricted exclusively to camp support, providing long-term financial stability for operations and future programming.

Earlier this year, the YMCA announced plans to sell the Lake Wenatchee camp property after years of subsidizing its operation by roughly $200,000 per year, while participation declined and capital needs mounted. At the time, YMCA leaders said the organization was exploring alternative ways to expand outdoor recreation opportunities for the community if the property were sold.

That announcement prompted a strong response from camp alumni, former staff and community members, who formed Friends of Lake Wenatchee YMCA Camp. The group elected a founding board and launched fundraising and outreach efforts aimed at preserving the camp and keeping it accessible to future generations.

The newly announced agreement resolves many of those concerns, protecting the camp property while also creating a financial foundation for its future. YMCA officials said the arrangement allows the organization to both preserve the historic site and continue developing expanded outdoor recreation opportunities elsewhere.

As part of the transition, the YMCA announced that traditional overnight camp programming will pause in 2026. The pause is intended to give the organization time to work with YMCA of the USA and Friends of Lake Wenatchee YMCA Camp to reimagine and strengthen the camp experience. Officials said they anticipate resuming overnight camp programming and launching expanded, year-round outdoor recreation opportunities in 2027, the camp’s centennial year.

The Lake Wenatchee agreement is the latest in a series of major philanthropic investments supporting YMCA programs in North Central Washington. Earlier this year, the Foundation of Caring Fund, established by the Carl and Betty Campbell family, donated $750,000 toward the YMCA’s “Building What Matters” campaign for a new facility in downtown Wenatchee, helping advance plans for expanded capacity and accessibility.

Together, the preservation of Lake Wenatchee YMCA Camp and continued investment in new facilities underscore the YMCA’s role as a core community resource, supported by both grassroots advocacy and significant local philanthropy.

YMCA leaders said they will continue working with community partners and supporters as plans for the reimagined camp and expanded outdoor recreation programs move forward.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media