Agency Principle Recognized for Volunteerism

Mark Shipley Awarded a Capital District YMCA President’s Award

The Capital District YMCA named Mark Shipley, President and Chief Strategic Officer of Smith & Jones, a recipient of a Capital District YMCA President’s Award for his volunteerism with YMCA Camp Chingachgook.

The President’s Award recognizes outstanding volunteers from the community and honors them for their service and commitment to the different YMCA branches and camps.

Shipley’s involvement in Camp Chingachgook, a children’s camp on Lake George, has spanned more than six years. He sat on the board of managers for four years and served as board chair for two years, where he also had a place on the CDYMCA board.

“Camp Chingachgook welcomes kids from all walks of life with open arms and helps them discover themselves while learning purpose, leadership skills, and how to get along,” said Shipley. “I am humbled by the important contributions everyone involved in Camp Chingachgook makes, and I am honored to be numbered among its camp friends.”

Under his leadership, Camp Chingachgook was able to increase capacity from 250 to 300 kids per session through expansion of the main dining hall, expansion of the waterfront, and installation of Yurt tents. He also took the camp from breaking even to bringing in a revenue in excess of $50,000 that was used to support YMCA urban youth programs in the greater capital region.

During this time, Shipley also instituted the first board of managers initiation, an annual board team building experience, and was involved in the early stages of the CDYMCA’s acquisition of Camp Wa Wa Segowea in the Berkshires.

Shipley, along with the other recipients, will be honored tonight with a dinner and ceremony at the Albany Marriott.

About The Capital District YMCA

The Capital District YMCA is a premier nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Its mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. For more information, visit www.cdymca.org.