YMCA-Run Camp Algonquin Closing

Having driving past Camp Algonquin many times, I first went in when invited to see and climb on the team building equipment that had been installed.

The next time was to deliver some clothes for Hurricane Katrina victims.

Then there were a series of visits to do stories on NASA Education’s Veterans Stand Downs.

Looking for bodies in the Fox River near Camp Algonquin.

And, there was the November, 2008, incident in which three unsupervised Chicago teens drowned taking paddle boats out at night on the Fox River.

Then, there were the law suits.

Now a camp that was formed to serve inner city kids is closing.

Talk about irony.

The McHenry County Conservation District resolution is below.  The five board members present voted for it.  Two did not attend the meeting.

Here’s the content in a searchable format:

WHEREAS, the McHenry County Conservation District (hereinafter referred to as the “District”) is a unit of government authorized by the Illinois Constitution (II Const. Art VII §10); and

WHEREAS, the District is authorized and empowered “to enter into contracts, acquire and hold real and personal estate and take such other actions as may be necessary for the proper conduct of its affairs”; and

WHEREAS, property commonly known as Camp Algonquin was purchased by the District in August, 2004; and

WHEREAS, the YMCA of McHenry County (“YMCA”), an Illinois not-for-profit corporation, having its principal administrative offices in Crystal Lake, Illinois; and

WHEREAS, the YMCA and the District entered into a lease agreement for the use of a portion of the former Camp Algonquin property and buildings to further the activities of the YMCA not-for-profit organization; and

WHEREAS, the leasing of the property by the District to the YMCA is no longer in the best interests of the District.

WHEREAS, the YMCA of McHenry County has not made payment to the District of the rent required pursuant to the Lease Agreement; and

WHEREAS, the YMCA of McHenry County filed a voluntary petition for bankruptcy and has advised the District that it does not intend to attempt to assign the Lease Agreement for Camp Algonquin to another entity and that it will be asking the Bankruptcy Court to enter an Order terminating the said Lease Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of Trustees that the Executive Director is hereby authorized to create and execute all documents necessary to terminate said Lease Agreement between the District and the YMCA for the use of the former Camp Algonquin property as described within the terms of the lease agreement dated January 1, 2010.

DATED at Woodstock, Illinois, this 17th day of February A.D., 2011.


Comments

YMCA-Run Camp Algonquin Closing — 2 Comments

  1. Sad that three boys can STEAL these paddle boats with malice and due to their criminal actions drown. Now the family lawsuits close down the camp.

    Nobody accepts responsibility. Blame someone but don’t look at the fact that these boys brouight this upon themsleves.

  2. Justin, while I don’t KNOW that the drownings were the cause of the YMCA’s bankruptcy, I agree that it seems everyone is being blamed except for the folks most responsible… THOSE WHO STOLE BOATS AFTER DISOBEYING THEIR ORDERS and CURFEW.

    Seems like the District just made it easier for the YMCA to proceed with their bankruptcy and this allows the slate to be wiped clean and will enable the District to move forward with whatever lease agreement or use of the property they desire.

    That said, if they should decide to rent it out to some inner-city group again, I think we ought to take the whole board out for a ride on those same paddle boats AFTER the plugs are again removed for the season

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *