YMCA Camp Kern Announces Volunteer of the Year

YMCA Camp Kern Announces Volunteer of the Year
John Matthews received award of appreciation

[Dayton, OH 04/01/11] – John Matthews was awarded Volunteer of the Year for YMCA Camp Kern. His connection with the YMCA goes back to his father (for whom a room is named in the Moore building).  His Dad was involved in the YMCA in Norwood for many years. John first began coming to camp with the fifth graders from Wyoming City Schools where he served as the Outdoor Education Director. Through the Wyoming Outdoor Education program John became active in the 101 Conferences. He also served as chairman of the YMCA board for several years.

Though some health problems have limited a lot of things that John has been involved with recently, going to the Kern Board meetings and the retreat held in January for the YMCA Camp Kern Board Members and Staff is a top priority for him.  He is a strong believer in the values that are put forth by the Y. Something John has used as his motto from Y High at Woodward High School is “I’m third”, which means ‘God is first, others second and myself third.’

The award was presented during the YMCA's 140th Annual Meeting at the David H. Ponitz Center at Sinclair in Dayton recently. The event raised over $19,000 for the YMCA's annual Strong Kids Campaign.

The event consisted of a silent auction, dinner and a program where volunteers and staff were recognized for their contributions to the success of the YMCA of Greater Dayton.

We feel very blessed that John is a part of our YMCA Camp Kern Family and thank him for all he had done for us. John is a hero to the YMCA Camp Kern.

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About the Y
The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,687 Ys engage 21 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. The YMCA of Greater Dayton was established in 1870 and now offers twelve locations throughout the Miami Valley. www.ymcaonline.org