Nearly 100 years after the first campers gathered on the shores of Lake Wenatchee, Lake Wenatchee YMCA Camp is entering its next chapter, shaped by community leadership, thoughtful strategy, and a shared commitment to its future.
When the Wenatchee Valley YMCA made the difficult decision to sell the 25.6-acre camp property, thousands of alumni, former staff, and supporters mobilized to carry forward a place that has helped more than 50,000 young people build confidence, leadership, and a lasting connection to the outdoors.
What followed is a powerful example of community-driven conservation, supported by creative financing and disciplined real estate strategy.
A Community-Led Effort to Carry It Forward
The Friends of Lake Wenatchee Y Camp quickly organized to guide the future of the property and ensure outdoor environmental education could continue on the shores of Lake Wenatchee.
Fueled by alumni passion and community commitment, the Friends group raised early pledges, built a board of directors, and secured 501(c)(3) nonprofit status.
Throughout the process, their vision was clear: to ensure the camp remains a place where young people connect with nature, build leadership skills, and experience the transformative power of camp—while creating the time and structure needed to care for and conserve the property over the long term.
A Creative Structure for Long-Term Stability
The breakthrough came through a creative solution designed to provide long-term stability.
Through a legacy gift to the Wenatchee Valley YMCA including the purchase of the camp property, a $2 million endowment, and a 99-year lease back to the YMCA, the structure was put in place to support continuity of operations while allowing time for long-term stewardship to take shape.
The Friends of Lake Wenatchee Y Camp Board also made a meaningful contribution to support the lease arrangement, helping establish a strong foundation for the work ahead.
This approach transforms uncertainty into a durable path forward, one that supports both ongoing use and the continued care of the land.
Forterra’s Behind-the-Scenes Role
Forterra was honored to play a supporting role in this effort.
During a critical transition period, Forterra served as fiscal sponsor for the emerging Friends organization, providing financial stewardship, donation management, and organizational infrastructure as the group formalized its nonprofit status.
We also brought conservation real estate expertise and transaction experience to help navigate the complexities of ownership, fundraising, and long-term lease structuring.
This kind of behind-the-scenes support is core to Forterra’s work: pairing community vision with the tools and strategies needed to help it take root and grow over time.
Looking Ahead
Places like Lake Wenatchee YMCA Camp do more than provide recreation, they create lasting connections between people, place, and generations.
This project reflects an essential truth: conservation is not a single moment, but an ongoing commitment. With the leadership of the Friends of Lake Wenatchee Y Camp and the continued involvement of alumni and supporters, the work of caring for this place will continue to evolve in the years ahead.
We extend our congratulations to the Friends of Lake Wenatchee Y Camp, the Wenatchee Valley YMCA, and the many individuals who came together to make this possible.
To keep updated:
Friends of Lake Wenatchee Y Camp
Lake Wenatchee YMCA Camp: Press
