WESTFIELD-As trees were being cleared on the morning of May 17, Patrick Lusteg and Holly Allgaier were surveying the work that still needs to be done in preparation for YMCA Camp Shepard’s opening day next month.
Patrick Lusteg and Holly Allgaier spent Wednesday morning checking out the status of work being done at YMCA Camp Shepard in Westfield. Lusteg is the camp director and Allgaier is the program director. In the background is the popular swimming hole.
A scenic tour of the 105 acres of woodlands at 370 Northwest Road will be available to parents and kids during open houses on June 3 from 1 to 4 p.m., and June 10 from 1 to 4 p.m. Both events are conducted rain or shine and allow prospective campers to get to know the staff.
“A work group from Liberty Mutual came out on May 11 and focused on cleaning out our pool area, prepping our hiking paths and areas around the rope course, and cleaning out the pavilion areas,” said Lusteg, who serves as camp director, noting how invaluable local companies are in donating their time and resources. “We are also fortunate that a work group from Berkshire Bank will be coming out to the camp on June 7.”
Registration is underway for the summer sessions which includes themes of Stars & Stripes, June 26-July 7; Camp Spirit, July 10-21; Time Travelers, July 24-Aug. 4; Wet & Wild, Aug. 7-18, and a Super Week from Aug. 21-25. The camp employs 48 counselors and program specialists and is assisted by approximately 10 volunteers.
An avid outdoors woman, Allgaier is enthusiastic about her first year as program director.
YMCA Camp Shepard program director Holly Allgaier stands next to one of the most popular attractions – the rock wall – which allows four climbers at one time to ascend the structure.
“Ninety percent of our staff members were campers themselves and understand the important role they play working with kids,” said Allgaier.
Tour highlights will include the in-ground swimming pool, bath house with locker rooms, pavilions, arts and crafts and nature buildings, rock climbing tower, ropes courses, disc golf course, biking and hiking trails, picnic area, pond, swimming hole, basketball court, archery range, ball field and chalet for programs.
The ropes course was built by High 5 Adventure Learning Center, based in Brattleboro, Vt.
“The course includes 17 new elements that are spread all throughout our woods,” said Lusteg, noting elements range in size and style.
“Some of the elements are individual focused while most of them are group and team building focused,” he added. “Our course is built with progression in mind so that campers are taught basic skills and team building at first and slowly move element to element going up in difficulty and height throughout their time at camp.”
The “elements” include a 300-foot zip line in the woods; a two-sided rock wall; a vertical playpen with tires and ropes to ascend; a Shrek Bridge that is elevated 45 feet; a Multivine for a camper to use “vines” to walk across wire; Space Loops, allowing a camper to swing from loop to loop to get to an end point, and the Voyageur Crossing, allowing one camper to swing from platform to platform while groups help using ropes to swing the camper.
YMCA Camp Shepard director Patrick Lusteg stands underneath a vertical playpen which allows two climbers to ascend the team building structure at one time.
Additionally, the course includes a Holy Cow Swing sending a participant swinging over a ledge; a Burma Bridge for two participants to work together to cross; the Flying Squirrel, allowing a camper to swing in the air about 40 feet up; Envee, allowing campers to work together to cross wire using ropes; Full House, a low element used for team building; Initiative Wall, allowing groups to work together to climb over a 12-foot wall; Mohawk Walk, featuring groups of three who spot each other to safely traverse across wires while two feet off the ground; Wild Woosey, shaped like a “V,” for two participants to start close together and see how far they can get down the wire from two feet off the ground; Stem Climb, one participant climbs straight up a tree to approximately 40 feet which allows for a great view of the camp, and the Multi Swing, a low element used as a group activity to swing from side to side and complete different challenges.
Also, when camp opens there will be an additional 10 kayaks and life jackets for campers.
“Our arts and crafts shed is also being fully renovated by Adam Clarke and will feature new landscaping, a new refrigeration room, a new roof and new interior,” said Lusteg.
Both Lusteg and Allgaier are eager to put the finishing touches on the camp amenities and encourage area residents to attend the open houses.
“The thing that makes camp special is the friendships that are made here,” said Lusteg. “Whether it be with campers, staff, volunteers, or families; camp is truly a special place that is welcoming to all of the community. We focus on inclusion for all as well as enabling campers and the community we serve to grow as individuals all while being in a team building environment.”
Allgaier echoed those sentiments.
“I look forward to the meet and greet with the kids and getting them excited about what camp has to offer,” she said. “Once they make a connection their imagination can run wild.”
