Camp Stephens’ ‘biggest cheerleader’ rallies the troops

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This article was published 27/06/2016 (3445 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

When staff arrive for training at Camp Stephens, the summer camp in Lake of the Woods operated by YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg, one thing they can count on is a visit from Hal Studholme.

Studholme travels to the camp from his home in North Kildonan to deliver a lesson that covers the history of the camp, as well as its values of caring, equality, health, honesty, inclusiveness, respect and responsibility.

Studholme starts the lesson by saying, “When I founded the camp in 1891…”

It’s a joke of course, but the 77-year-old does have a long history at Camp Stephens. He first got involved in the 1960s when he was working for the Y in Winnipeg as an assistant physical director.

In the years that followed, he had a variety of roles at the camp, including camp director.

Since leaving his job at the Y in 1985, Studholme has continued to volunteer his time in a number of capacities, including assisting with staff training at Camp Stephens.

He makes no bones about the importance of summer camp.

“We change the world one kid at a time,” Studholme says.

Studholme has experienced first-hand the impact YMCA-YWCA programming can have. As a child growing up in Toronto, Studholme visited his local Y regularly.

“It was sort of a second home for me,” says Studholme, adding spending time at the Y went beyond just playing sports. “It was very much a place (where) you learned morals and values.”

Giving back was one of those values, and Studholme recalls volunteering at the Y starting at the age of 12.

“Everyone was expected to serve and be part of helping,” Studholme says. “It became a way of life.”

In 1960, on the day he graduated from the University of Toronto with a degree in physical education, Studholme was offered a YMCA-YWCA job in Manitoba. He moved to Winnipeg four days later.

Recently, Studholme has been volunteering his time on a planning committee for a reunion to celebrate the 125th anniversary of Camp Stephens. Alumni will gather at the camp July 30-31 to participate in outdoor activities and visit with old friends.

Studholme has done valuable work in the lead-up to the event, says Lisa Malbranck, co-chairwoman of the reunion event’s planning committee.

“I would describe him as Camp Stephens’ biggest cheerleader,” Malbranck says. “His love and passion for camp is quite astounding.”

Due to recent heart troubles, Studholme’s doctor recently advised him not to make the trip to the reunion.

Studholme says he is devastated he won’t be able to go to Camp Stephens for the first time in 55 years.

At the same time, he is excited young people continue to have meaningful experiences at the camp.

“Camp Stephens is a (place) that I hope will go on for a long, long time,” he says, adding his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren have all been involved at the camp.

“This is a place that has an enormous impact on people’s lives.”

If you know a special volunteer, please contact

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