What is Friends of Camp Kenan?

Friends of Camp Kenan is an incorporated non-profit organization dedicated to providing support for the facilities and program at Camp Kenan. The idea originated after a 1995 canoe trip to Algonquin Provincial Park in Canada, where a group called the Friends of Algonquin Park was very active.

The concept was proposed to the late Gil Mosher, the retired Executive Director of the Lockport YMCA, who warmly endorsed the plan. During the winter of 1995-96, a number of people met several times and gradually got the organization off the ground. Among this group was Bob Mosher, Ken & PJ Haak, Bill Neidlinger, Kevin Clark, Bill Heller, Ron Main, Bob Billingsley, Jeff Tracy, and of course, Goose.

Our first event: a staff reunion at camp in the fall of 1996. The gathering was dubbed "Goosestock". Its purpose was to raise funds for the benefit of camp, but also to re-establish ties with old friends. Over 200 people were in attendance that first year which featured a spagetti dinner, oldtimers basketball game, all-comers softball, softball-golf, two evening campfires, chapel, endless songs and stories, and the re-kindling of the Spirit of Camp Kenan.

Goosestock is now held annually. Donations have totaled in the thousands of dollars, and the Friends have adopted Headquarters as a responsibility.

Who is Friends of Camp Kenan?

We welcome all those people who, over the years, have served on the staff of Camp Kenan in any capacity. Join us as we actively celebrate the Spirit of Camp Kenan!

Friends of Camp Kenan's Board of Directors provides leadership and management of the Friends of Camp Kenan events, fund raising efforts and accounts. On Saturday, September 18, 2010 the “torch was passed” from the founding members and, along with the Old Gray Goose, a new group of individuals were voted onto the Friends of Camp Kenan Board Directors. Annual elections held at Goosestock will present opportunities for new board members to join the board.

Learn more about our current Board of Directors »

What has Friends of Camp Kenan done?

Friends of Camp Kenan works with the current Camp Kenan director to help fulfil needs around camp that directly support program.