Maple Syrup Day

Dale believes the lessons he learned at Camp Miller far surpassed anything a traditional classroom could offer. Camp taught him resilience, confidence, leadership, creativity, and the belief that growth happens when young people are trusted with responsibility and supported by caring adults. That belief is why Dale chose to establish the Dale Maynard Johnson Endowment Fund for YMCA Camp Miller.

I belonged to the Uptown Minneapolis Y for years. For me, it was a place to work out—nothing more, nothing less. When my wife and I moved to Duluth nine years ago, I joined the Downtown Duluth Y—again, simply to work out. Three years ago, my world was turned upside down when my wife died unexpectedly. Two years later, I had open-heart surgery. I began to feel a growing need for other people, if I was to have a full life in the time I have remaining. I found those people at the Y.

The Y community is remembering a special volunteer, Dave Rutford, whose dedication and generous spirit left a lasting mark on all of us—especially at YMCA Camp Miller.