Chill for Change: Pond plunge to benefit YMCA summer camp

PORTLAND — Middlesex YMCA staff, YMCA Camp Ingersoll families and local supporters will be plunging into Job’s Pond during the sixth annual Chill for Change Jan. 18.

“YMCA Camp Ingersoll is more than a camp; it’s a family. If you have ever been to a Family Night at camp, you have heard Ben (Silliman, camp director) recite these words, and it is true,” according to a news release.

“Camp is filled with fun stuff: the ropes course, boating, nature, swimming, archery, and arts and crafts. This ‘stuff ’ transforms into opportunities to grow, develop, communicate, overcome challenges, resolve conflicts, and meet new friends with the addition of camp staff or professional role models,” according to the agency.

Counselors work to create a safe and supportive place for all campers.

“I have never seen my boys so engaged and excited to be a part of something as special as Camp Ingersoll. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to afford the opportunity to provide my boys with such a great experience,” one mother said in a prepared statement.

The goal is to make Camp Ingersoll accessible to all families. The organi

zation gives out over $120,000 in financial assistance every summer. Over the past five years, Chill for Change has raised nearly $50,000, which has supported camp scholarships for over 200 children, the release explained.

Each year, the individual who raises the most money will receive a certificate for a free session of camp. It can be used by the recipient or given as a gift, according to the YMCA.

The 2020 Chill for Change goal is $15,000 and 35 jumpers. Register at campingersoll.org, by clicking on the “Chill for

Change” link or download a participant packet. Jumpers can form a team or jump as an individual, but all jumpers must raise at least $100 to participate.

Checkin starts at noon Jan. 18 and the jumping will begin at 1:15 p.m.

For information, contact Ben Silliman at bsilliman @midymca.org or 8603422267, visit camping ersoll.orga or find YMCA Camp Ingersoll on Facebook.

Contributed photo Over the past five years, the Northern Middlesex YMCA Chill for Change, held at Job’s Pond in Portland, has raised nearly $50,000, which has supported camp scholarships for over 200 children.

Contributed photo Supporters of YMCA Camp Ingersoll in Portland posed for a photograph last year during Chill for Change, the annual plunge into Job’s Pond.