Sharparoon Blog

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1. Hello, Ms Dean. I am writing in response to your posting of 7-10-07 on the Sharparoon Blog. I hope my comments will help you to better understand what the New York City Mission Society was all about until the last three decades. My name is Jose Melendez. I am an alumnus of one of the former NYC Mission Society churches (The Second Spanish Church that later became the Presbyterian Church of the Crossroads); a former camper at Camp Sharparoon during the fifties; a counselor at Green Acres during the summers of 1959 through 1964; a former City Mission scholarship student; and a former Director of the Green Acres Family Camp programs (1970 and 1971) when Rev. Richard Pease was at the helm of the camping programs in Dover Plains, NY. I am one of hundreds of persons who were assisted spiritually and educationally by many of the ministers, Sunday school teachers, counselors, and social workers who worked for the NYCMS at that time. I have maintained contact over the years with at least fifty persons whom I met at the churches and/or the camps. I also maintain contact with friends whom I met in East Harlem and who my father used to drive to and from the many church and camp activities hosted by the NYCMS. I am pleased to say that those friends and I, as well as the other fifty persons, became good Christians and fairly successful American citizens of whom most folks can be proud. I have often been asked: “How were you able to attain a modicum of success in comparison to many other youths that resided in East Harlem?” I explained that there was not just one reason but many. Foremost was the support of my parents and other family members who encouraged me and were constantly figuring out ways to bring my aunts, uncles, and cousins together. This resulted in a binding commitment to supportive family life. I was also the beneficiary of a number of what we now call mentors who kept encouraging me to work harder at my studies and in my faith in God. Most of those mentors used to work for the NYCMS. They were the church ministers, Sunday school teachers, camp counselors, and social workers that used to dedicate themselves to uplifting our spirits and encouraging us to do what is right. Whenever I had to make a decision as to which path to take, I frequently asked myself, “Would they be disappointed in me if I chose this path?” I definitely did not want to disappoint them.

   Indeed, the CM of the past was quite successful at cultivating hundreds of persons who would not only strive to succeed personally but who were also willing to assist others in some way or other. All of my CM alumni friends have in some way been helping others to succeed in life. Each one of them would tell you that a great part of what they learned from the CM leaders of that era resulted not only in their being able to help themselves but also ignited within them a passion for helping others. The former CM leaders were not just taking youths to camp and forgetting them upon their return to NYC. The churches and their community programs were geared to work in tandem with the camp managers and social workers by following up in the city and assisting youths and their families with whatever professional help was needed. CM and the churches also hosted citywide activities for the youths of all the churches, including high school conferences, spring and fall camping retreats at Sharparoon and GA, and trips to colleges where we would meet with local young people. All of this was part and parcel of City Mission’s intent to ensure that we would have a better chance to succeed in life. Unfortunately, that part of the program philosophy was omitted from the CM plans and practices quite a while ago. CM tried to continue a camping program but made many avoidable mistakes, soon after having strayed from the successful formula that had been developed by Dr. P.J. Zaccara and strongly supported by Dr. David W. Barry and the Board of Directors during the fifties, sixties, and seventies.

   I am glad to know that you are willing to help raise funds to renew camping programs. I would gladly agree to assist you in that endeavor, except that I am unwilling to support any type of program with which the current NYCMS and its leadership is involved. It is clear that the Executive Director has no interest in any camping program; she does not care to renew any type of partnership with the churches in the city; and she apparently bullies and/or ignores board members who disagree with her so that they will resign.

   I fully understand that the former City Mission leadership operated in an era when wages were quite low for everyone and they relied greatly on volunteers and interns from many theological seminaries and colleges across the country. Back then, under the leadership of Drs Barry and Zaccara, CM sponsored numerous churches and community centers in many areas in the city.

   I also understand that camping programs are more costly and difficult to operate currently for many reasons. However, CM clearly abdicated its mission of striving to enable the development of persons who become not only good Christians but who are dedicated to sharing their skills to assist those who are less fortunate. It also seems to me and most of my friends that CM has given up working to assist people throughout the City of New York. It now only appears to work in one neighborhood only, except for a very few small projects elsewhere. Frankly, since their target area is very limited and since they rarely do any work with churches, the agency should simply omit the words City Mission from its official agency name.

   I and a few other alumni/ae are currently planning to see if we can develop an organization that would begin to figure out ways that at least a few NYC children can go to a camp that has a similar philosophy as the former NYCMS. There are a few camps that we are learning about. We hope that if we have a little success, we can expand to a larger and more significant organization. As such, we are asking for thoughts, comments, and ideas that we can use to develop by-laws and a mission statement that incorporate many of the principles that CM used to follow. For example, if we were to try to begin a camping program of our own in the future, we would:

   A. Hire an experienced Camp Director and assistants that will plan and implement (one or two-week) camping programs for NYC youths; including math/science/language/music programs.
   B. Hire racially/ethnically diverse staff, including at least a few from foreign countries.
   C. Assure that most management staff own college degrees or higher. Counselors (other than those in training) would only be college students or graduates.
   D. Mandate that potential staff members be screened thoroughly to assure the safety of all campers and staff.
   E. Mix campers racially/ethnically in the cabins.
   F. Include at least one project focusing on inter-group relations, studying various religions and cultures, etc. God knows that such a project is more important now than ever.
   G. Seek board members who care about improving the lives of people and not just simply agree to attend board meetings to rubber stamp what the Executive Director wishes. Moreover, Board members would be expected to visit the camping programs to observe and to provide constructive critiques.

   Note: It is my understanding that only one board member visited the camping programs during the watch of the current Executive Director. That is a significant difference from the many former CM board members that used to visit regularly. In fact, I remember at least two board members who volunteered to work at the camps for a week or two.

   Certainly, these are only a few ideas but they are essential to operating a successful program.

   Some of my friends are still hoping that CM will relent and try to salvage the camp program. Even the feasibility study intimated that there might be ways to salvage the camp property. However, with its current leadership and staff, in my opinion, CM should not operate any type of camping program.

   Concerning the feasibility study, it’s too bad that former NYCMS church leaders or members were not interviewed; at least to learn how “it used to be.” The study team could have at least contacted a few of the persons who have written messages (many from churches) on the sharparoon.com BLOG. It is also unfortunate that the study team conducted no surveys of the Dover Plains town officials or the local commercial establishments to evaluate their relationship with the camps before it changed under the current leadership. Certainly, convivial relations with the town are critical for a successful camp program. Minimally, such interviews would have shed some light on the differences between the camping leaders of the past versus the CM leaders of today. There is no doubt in my mind that survey results would have noted the poor inter-group relations skills of the more recent camping leaders.

   Ms Dean. Perhaps there is a way for you and many of the Sharparoon alumni to work together. Perhaps you would consider working with us to develop an organization such as what I mentioned above. If you agree, please let me know via the BLOG and we can try to start from there.

   Jose Melendez

   Comment by Jose Melendez — August 19, 2007 #

2. To the Alumnae of Camp Sharparoon, July 10, 2007

   I have been a board member of the New York City Mission Society for many years and only recently resigned because of all the inside bickering on the board. I was hoping, by resigning, things would straighten out; however, that has not been the case. Nothing has been straightened out and I believe all this infighting has masked some issues that need to be put in writing on this blog.

   My main concern is the camp. Years ago, while on the board, I made the suggestion of contacting the alumnae and having them involved in the camp and possibly even on the board. It has come to my attention that there has been discussion about closing down the camp. I feel strongly that the alumnae can make or break the possibility of the fore closure/sale of the camp. I have been informed that the operating costs of the camp run $180,000 annually. Honestly, even w/insurance and other costs this seems extremely high. W/ the opportunity to reconnect alumnae, I really think there is a very good chance to keep the camp open. I really wonder how many of the board members have been to see the camp?

   The Y board visits Camp Hugeunot every year.

   I want to start by forming an alumnae base, which I actually thought had been started years ago. The major issue is money. If the alumnae and other sources can’t come thru w/the money support, I sadly fear the closing of the camp. I propose to raise $500,000 to get the camp up and running, and to have as an operating budget.

   I also realize that the programs are what make a camp. So along w/the reopening of the camp, a discussion and decisions need to be made re: programs for the children, computer being one of them.

   My background is that Dina Merrill, who is one of my mother’s good friends, proposed me to the board. I do sit on other boards; boards and alumnae associations that I have seen raise $1,000,000 each year. So I know there is hope. The other board members of these two organizations (one is YMCA/YWCA Camp Hugenot) know that camp meant a great deal to the alumnae. I understand that I am not alum; but I have seen from these two other organizations how vital a role the alumnae play. This is the basis for some of your friendships, relationships, business contacts and the joy of your early years together.

   It has also been called to my attention that a May 24th, 2008, reunion is in the workings at a nearby facility because the NYCMS is charging $2300.00 for the use of the Camp Sharparoon facilities. (FYI: the initial charge was over $3,000) I will look into this, because there is no real reason that the reunion should be any place but at the Dover Plains Camp Complex.

   I have until September to get a list of alumnae that will help financially and otherwise. I want to do as much as possible by e-mail and try and get an incredible turnout for Camp Sharparoon in May. (We found out that a former camper of the YMCA/YWCA is Harry Belafonte.)

   I also need alum to take responsibility for the development of the alum list of contacts/donors.

   Please feel free to contact me in Wyoming for July/august at 307.733.6603 if you need to talk. Otherwise, email is the best at floradean at aol dot com. Thank you for your time on this critical matter.
   Virginia Lynch Dean

   Comment by VIrginia Lynch Dean — July 10, 2007 #

3. I would like to start out with a quote:Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, the mind can achieve.
   Dr. Napoleon Hill

   The N.Y.C.M.S. camp program can be saved. The camp system has a history of taking city children out of the their element, and helping them see a goal and make it happen. If you look at the comments on this website, it tells you all. There are still memories to be made, children who may be going down the wrong path, can be turned back to make a difference.
   This world better look around and see what is more important. Some forgot, but we better wake up and start helping each other again. We must pay it forward. I will help in any way shape or form. You all know how to contact me.
   I will end with another quote:
   Great works are performed, not by strength, but by perseverance.
   1. Samuel Johnson

   Comment by Robert Melendez — July 2, 2007 #

4. I feel that the camp should be saved, but the following should be done:

   1) Need to get a spokesperson
   2) Join with other similar organizations to support the camp.
   3) Find other organizations outside the state that may be willing to utilize the facility.
   4) Offer day and overnight camps. The camp grounds is big enough for it.
   5) Create a division that totally just focuses on the camp sites if one doesn’t already exist. (Offer internships for students to help support this effort.)

   But by all means, do the best we can in saving the facility.

   Comment by Marlene M. Leon — June 28, 2007 #