(Photo from seattleymca.org)

Though it’s more than 60 miles from here, Camp Colman – operated by the Greater Seattle YMCA (WSB sponsor) – has multiple ties to West Seattle. Many local kids go there for their first overnight camping experience. And now the Y is raising money to add four cabins to the camp – with some of the namesakes locally linked, too. First, here’s the Y’s announcement:

Four new proposed cabins at the YMCA’s Camp Colman means 2,000 more youth and families will have the opportunity to experience the fun and growth that only happens at camp. The Y will name one cabin in honor of former Camp Director, George Nichols. Only through community support can the Y reach their $150,000 per cabin goal. You can give to Camp Colman at seattleymca.org/CampGive.

Camp Colman sits in the southern Puget Sound’s Case Inlet. Each year thousands of campers make new friends, learn responsibility skills, try new things, unplug from screens, enjoy swimming and boating in the lagoon, and skits around the campfire. The four new proposed cabins will allow thousands of more campers to get off waitlists and into the outdoors.

One cabin will be named after former Camp Director George Nichols. For many campers and leaders, the Nichols family is synonymous with Camp Colman. Nichols has been a key mentor, role model, and camp director for generations of campers. He served as the Program Director, Physical Director, Camp Colman Director, and Camping Services Executive Director for more than thirty years.

“George Nichols has left an indelible mark on Camp Colman campers,” recalled community member Anne Bentrott-Wise. “All my children and grandchildren went to Camp Colman in part because of his leadership. The time has come to honor George and his family with the building of the Nichols Cabin, and we are excited to offer our support.”

Two other new cabins are named Cruzen and Bosco (Bostrom & Code). Construction is planned to start this spring and reach completion in the fall. In addition to the four new cabins, the Y is raising money for a new marine education center, and purchase of 20 additional acres adjacent to Camp Colman. You can learn more about other Y camp improvements as part of the Opportunities for All campaign at seattleymca.org/new-improved-overnight-camps. Join the Camp Colman fundraising victory event at Fauntleroy Church on March 30 at 9:30 a.m. RSVP by emailing ca******@*********ca.org by March 20.

Camp Colman is dedicated to strengthening community by nurturing the potential of youth, promoting healthy living and fostering social responsibility. If you have questions, please contact Director of Philanthropy, Magill Dickerson-Lange, ml****@*********ca.org.

The Fauntleroy Community Association‘s newest quarterly edition of Neighbors has further explanation of the cabin namesakes’ local links:

Dating from 1912 when the Colman family began inviting Fauntleroy youth to their summer home on Horsehead Bay, the camp moved to its present site in the mid-60s. George’s YMCA tenure was from 1963 to 2002. … Construction will start this spring and include two other cabins funded to honor long-time Fauntleroy families. “Cruzen” is made possible by a generous gift from Adah Cruzen honoring Earl and the Cruzen family. The other, dubbed the “Bosco” cabin, will honor the Al and Pearl Bostrom family and Alki’s Bob and Mary Code family. Al was youth director at the downtown YMCA and Bob currently serves on the Y’s Camping & Outdoor Leadership Board.