Supporting Camp Wenonah’s Ropes Course
With the help of a grant from the Winona Community Foundation, the Winona Family YMCA proudly reports the successful revitalization of its beloved ropes course at Camp Wenonah. The original goal was to ensure the safe and continued operation of the course by certifying staff and completing a professional safety inspection — a critical step following changes in support that led to an expense not previously budgeted. All ropes course staff received professional training and certification, and the course passed inspection, allowing programming to launch on time and with full confidence in safety standards.
This summer, Camp Wenonah saw a surge in participation, with over 220 campers registered — a significant increase from the previous year. Campers came from across Winona County and neighboring areas, representing a diverse mix of backgrounds.
One unexpected but welcome outcome was a noticeable boost in staff confidence and team cohesion, thanks to the high-quality training experience. Based on this success, the camp has now integrated ropes course certification into its annual budget and staffing timeline to ensure ongoing success.
A memorable moment from the season was the introduction of the ropes course to preschool campers, ages 3 to 5. For many, it was their first camp experience — and the ropes course stole the show. Parents shared heartwarming stories of their children returning home filled with pride and excitement, thanks to the adventures made possible by this grant.
An important part of the Winona Community Foundation’s mission is realized though awarding community grants to meet the ever-changing needs of the community. Funding for this program comes from generous people, like you, who invest in the community and the Foundation. Whether through direct donations, establishing endowments, or holding charitable funds at the Foundation, these diverse sources of funding are instrumental in supporting the community grant program. As a result, local nonprofits in the Winona area greatly benefit from this program, which has become an essential asset in meeting the needs of the community.
