Wenatchee Valley YMCA to sell camp property, create outdoor recreation endowment

WENATCHEE— The Wenatchee Valley YMCA announced Friday it will sell its nearly century-old Lake Wenatchee Camp property to fund a multi-million-dollar endowment aimed at expanding outdoor recreation offerings for area residents.

The organization plans to begin marketing the 25-acre property this fall following the conclusion of the 2025 summer camp season, according to YMCA President and CEO Dorry Foster.

"The Wenatchee Valley YMCA will be embarking on an audacious strategy to dramatically increase the number of local residents who can experience outdoor recreation, including overnight camping experiences," Foster said.

The Lake Wenatchee Camp currently serves approximately 300 campers annually, with 125 from Chelan and Douglas counties, representing just 1.24% of the local school districts' population for the age groups served.

According to the YMCA, the camp has faced mounting financial challenges, with capital and operating losses totaling more than $2 million over the past decade. Officials cited that camp buildings no longer comply with current child safety policies, and necessary renovations would cost "tens of millions of dollars."

"The needs of kids and families in our area are changing and the Wenatchee YMCA must adapt its programs and services to meet those needs," Foster said. "The development of an outdoor recreation endowment will allow the Y the ability to better serve its members and the community and do so in a financially sustainable manner."

Cindy Ulrich, President of the YMCA Board of Directors, acknowledged the emotional weight of the decision.

"We are incredibly grateful for the many years of memories created at the camp and the impact it has had on countless young lives. While this decision was not taken lightly, we believe this brings a new opportunity to create partnerships with State Parks, Forest Service, and recreation businesses in our community that share our mission, providing more opportunities for everyone to access the outdoors," Ulrich said.

The endowment will fund adventure-based programs, outdoor education, leadership development, and overnight camping experiences at other Northwest camps. The YMCA stated it would work to ensure a smooth transition for former camp staff and volunteers, with many expected to participate in the new programming.

After summer 2025, the camp will continue offering group rentals and outdoor education "when we can," according to the announcement. The organization has commissioned an appraisal of the property and sought guidance from third-party partners.

YMCA leadership noted that it remains unclear whether proceeds from the property sale will help fund construction of a new facility or reduce long-term debt for the new YMCA campus on 5th Street in Wenatchee.

"We believe these decisions will help the Wenatchee Valley YMCA be successful in supporting kids and families for the next 100 years," Foster added.

The Lake Wenatchee YMCA Camp has operated for 98 years.