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YMCA Combats Vandalism With Comedy
By: Kevin Upham

Standish--The YMCA Camp on Otter Pond has gone through its share of ups and downs this summer. Four days before the camp opened it suffered its worst case of vandalism in years. On the site, picnic tables were chopped up, basketball hoops were shredded and about 100 bullet holes were found in the climbing wall.

Contractors helped rebuild and picnic tables were donated. A great deal of time and work was done to make sure the camp opened on time for the kids and repaired as much as possible.

The camp has been a haven for kids from downtown Portland since it opened in 1971. They accommodate just under 100 kids a week and close to 70% receive financial aid.Right, children enjoying one of the many activities at Otter Pond YMCA camp. YMCA photo

Anne-Marie Brown of the YMCA commented that as a non profit organization, it is difficult for the YMCA financially from such acts of vandalism.

A successful Comedy Benefit Show was held on July 7. The Comedy Connection donated the space and had over 150 guests. George Hamm, a stand up comic, had a lot to do with the success of the fundraiser. He heard about what happened to the camp and was upset by what happened. This motivated him to help and soon after speaking with the Comedy Connection they immediately offered to donate the room for the fundraiser, and the YMCA worked on marketing and selling tickets.

George Hamm hosted the Comedy Benefit Show and said the night was a great success. The show was sold out and Hamm said it earned around $2,500 for the YMCA. "The response was really really good and everyone was happy," observed Hamm. "The comics were glad to be a part of it," he added.

Brown thought the Comedy Benefit Show was a good opportunity to "stop and enjoy the moment and bring friends of the Y for a good time." Left, boys enjoying cotton candy. YMCA photo

L.L. Bean also donated a kayak, paddle and life vest, which was sold by raffle on Friday.

Additional support is always needed. Vandalism has been an ongoing problem for the YMCA Camp on Otter Pond. Another act of vandalism took place just before the Comedy Benefit Show. The YMCA is working with the community to involve people to keep watch.

A meeting was held to protect the camp site and it was attended by many community members, including State Representative Gary Moore of Standish. He stated that the intent of the meeting was to mitigate problems with vandalism and find ways to keep the camp open to the public. He noted that the YMCA has always been generous in letting the public use their land.

In addition, Moore said that a neighborhood crime watch may soon be in effect. Local residents can phone the police if they see suspicious activity near the YMCA camp. Moore said that there will be frequent weekend and evening patrols of the area.

Donations can be sent to, YMCA, 70 Forest Avenue, Portland, ME 04101