YMCA Camp Cory - Significance

Significance

YMCA Camp Cory is one of the oldest camps in the State of New York; however, its predecessor was a Rochester YMCA camp called Camp Iola. Since Camp Iola was founded in 1892, including this as a part of Camp Cory's history places it among the oldest continually running resident camps in the nation. At current, it would appear that Camp Cory is the seventh-oldest camp in the world.

Camp Cory's sailing program utilizes mainly JY15s, which have all but replaced the much older Wright-built K-Boats acquired by the camp in the 50's. K-Boats, named after the famous Kohinoor Diamond, are no longer manufactured. Although its fleet has been significantly reduced in recent years, Camp Cory once had – and possibly continues to have – the largest fleet of K-Boats in the world. In 2008, the camp received a donation of two J-24 boats.

The camp draws its attendance predominantly from Rochester and its suburbs, although campers often come from Syracuse, Buffalo and other towns in New York. In the past, campers have come from such places as Missouri, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Virginia, Florida, Columbia, Sweden, Brazil, Spain, and Japan.

Camp Cory uses a significant amount of new media and social media in its advertising and in keeping in contact with parents and alumni. For example, photos of all-camp games and evening programs are sent out via Twitter, as they occur.