Bill Munsey Campership

On July 12, 2016, the YMCA Camp of Maine Board of Directors was very pleased to announce the establishment of the "Bill Munsey Scholarship"! It was an honor to name a scholarship after Bill for his extraordinary commitment to the camp. Bill initiated the Scholarship Fund with a $1000 donation.

During his speech to commemorate the new scholarship, Bill shared this quote with the campers, counselors, and the rest of the Board: "The greatest use of your life is to so live your life that the use of your life will outlive your life." Bill has certainly done just this through his family, career, and time with The YCamp of Maine. Many of you may have even met Bill in the past as he has been part of the YCamp family for over 70 years:

Camper- 1946 to 1951
CIT (Counselor in Training)- 1952 to 1953
Counselor- 1956 to 1959
CIT Leader- 1960 to 1962
Board member- 1966 to 2018

Some of Bill's favorite camp memories include meeting campers and counselors from many countries while enjoying the variety of camp programs being offered. He participated in a wide range of activities from crafts to athletics (especially enjoying tennis); to the waterfront where he learned how to swim and canoe. He also remembers overnight camping trips and the morning thought of the day which would include a password like "respect", "sharing", or "giving" to inspire the campers. When he transitioned to being a counselor, he truly enjoyed working with campers to help them have the same great experience at camp as he did!

Bill's role on the Board of Directors was an important one to him because it  gave him the opportunity to thank camp for his many years as a camper and counselor. He helped open the door for many new campers to have a fun experience while also growing and developing so that they may one day become counselors and possibly Board members themselves. One of those opportunities for Bill was opening up the camp to be co-ed. His daughter, Julia, went to YCamp the first season she was allowed to as a girl! Julia ended up working as a counselor at YCamp and has also served on the Board of Directors. Today, she has a busy career and continues to give back to her community.

Bill spent 50 years working in college admissions. This profession also allowed Bill to open educational doors to many young students.

Bill was honored to serve on the YCamp Board where he made an impact for so many years. The Board of Directors was very fortunate to have him as such a steadfast and devoted member - YCamp certainly would not have been the same without him!