In Memory of John Snowden

John Snowden was introduced to the YMCA while a teacher and coach for the Dallas Independent School District. A colleague at the time offered John a part-time job conducting after school and weekend programs at the YMCA. During this, a weekend campout was held at YMCA Camp Grady Spruce with a group of boys and this was the first time John experienced resident camp. This inspired him to get involved in camping and thus began his YMCA career in 1962 when he was hired as a waterfront director. The summer of 1963 he was offered a full-time position as a Camp Director. It was under the mentorship and guidance of Ray Bean, Executive Director for Camp Grady Spruce that he soared in his career.  This was the beginning of his 35 years in camping.

In 1972 John joined the YMCA of Greater New York as the Executive Director for Camping Services, which included Camps Greenkill, McAlister and Talcott, a branch of the New York City YMCA located 90 miles outside of New York City. He was instrumental in rebuilding Camp Greenkill after a devastating fire and this included winterizing for year-round use and a major sports center complex. These facilities enabled year-round programs and weekend groups, including outdoor education for youth. Camp Greenkill was host to World Gymnastics Training Camp, World Volleyball Training Camp and Judo Camp during the Summer. Both McAlister and Talcott continued as resident camps and flourished under his leadership of 25 years. This included a priority of annual fundraising to meet the needs of opportunities for youth who could not otherwise afford camp.

His responsibilities with the YMCA of Greater New York grew over his 25 years and he continued to serve as the Executive Director for Camping Services, Vice President for Camping and District Vice-President. In addition to his resident camping role, he provided leadership to the 28 YMCA Day Camps and implemented the standard that all camps be ACA Accredited.  John was a member of the American Camping Association for 35 years and his board service for ACA-New York included ACA Standards Visitor, Vice-President for Not for Profit Camps and Board President in the early 1990’s, when under his leadership during that time SCOPE was founded in 1991. John is proud to have worked with the ACA Board and supported Jay Jacobs vision for the creation of SCOPE during his tenure as ACA President.

One of the major highlights of John’s career was watching many of the young men and women that he had worked with and mentored become outstanding leaders in their careers and community. Many of these individuals were also campers.

John was honored to receive the Legend in Camping award at the 2012 SCOPE Dinner. This was the first of three Legend in Camping Awards that he received, the next was the Northeast YMCA Camping Conference Legend and he was the first to receive the New York YMCA Camp Legend in Camping Award when they celebrated their 100th year anniversary.  A humble man, he attributed his success to others. The others are the ones that he mentored and guided to successful careers and to his family, particularly his wonderful wife Pam Snowden, a true partner in camping and partner in life.

The family of John Snowden is so thankful to be able to continue his legacy in camping. Looking at the benefits of camp and the impact it leaves on those who experience it, is life-changing. SCOPE and its mission and the commitment to the long-term of “Beyond Camp” means so much to the Snowden family.