YMCA Hayo-Went-Ha Camps has entered into a conservation easement agreement with the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy (GTRLC) to permanently protect more than 350 acres of forests, shoreline, wetlands, and wildlife habitat at Camp Hayo-Went-Ha.

This agreement permanently limits future development on the property while allowing camp operations to continue as they do today.

A conservation easement is a voluntary legal agreement between a landowner and a land conservancy that permanently protects land from future development.

The agreement stays with the land forever, even if ownership changes in the future.

No.

YMCA Hayo-Went-Ha Camps remains fully owned and operated by the State YMCA of Michigan/Hayo-Went-Ha Camps. Ownership, management, programs, and operations will not change.

No.

Camp traditions, programs, wilderness trips, daily schedules, and camper experiences will remain exactly the same.

Camp will continue to operate as a private residential camp.

No.

The property will remain private and access to camp will continue to be controlled entirely by YMCA Hayo-Went-Ha Camps, just as it is today.

All proceeds generated through this initiative will be invested in Hayo-Went-Ha Camps' permanent endowment.

The principal will remain protected, while annual investment earnings will support:

• Long-term camp sustainability
• Defeered maintenance and with two 100+ year old camps this is a never ending need
• Stewardship of camp lands and facilities

No.

The endowment creates important long-term stability, but philanthropy remains essential to support:

• Camperships and scholarships
• Capital improvements
• Leadership programs
• New initiatives and future growth

Campers will continue to experience the same adventures, traditions, friendships, and personal growth opportunities that have defined Hayo-Went-Ha Camps for more than 120 years.

Most importantly, today's campers can know that Hayo-Went-Ha Camps will be here for their children, grandchildren, and future generations.

This is one of the most significant stewardship decisions in Hayo-Went-Ha Camps' 122-year history.

By protecting both the land and the mission of camp, we are making a lasting commitment that Hayo-Went-Ha Camps will remain a place where young people discover confidence, connection, leadership, and belonging for generations to come.