ABOUT US
OUR HISTORY
Since 1919 YMCA Camp Winona has been a place where youth can come to learn, grow and have fun in a wholesome and safe environment. Our goal is to provide each person with an experience that will help them grow and reach their potential.
Operated by the Volusia Flagler Family YMCA, Camp Winona is a 68 acre facility nestled along the shores of 66 acre Lake Winona. Our programs have continued to provide fun and excitement in a safe atmosphere. That is why YMCA Camp Winona is “a place in the woods that finds a place in the heart!”
In 1919, then General Director of the Daytona Beach YMCA, L.R. Reynolds, found a pristine spot on the edge of Lake Winona in DeLeon Springs and pitched tents there with several boys from the YMCA. Reynolds liked it so much, that later that year the YMCA obtained 40 acres on Lake Winona from a neighboring farm and Camp Winona was officially born. The new camp would be used by the county’s three Y locations, New Smyrna Beach, Daytona Beach and DeLand.
Electricity was added to the camp in the 1930’s. Improvements continue to this day with new buildings and programs. Every year more and more people come to Camp; as a summer camper, with a retreat group, volunteering, as a staff member. Camp Winona is one of the oldest camps in the south, and it has hundreds of thousands of people in it’s family. When you come to Camp Winona, you’re part of history, tradition, and community.
STAFF
Hi, my name is Emma Alacan-Gray, and I am so excited to announce I will be your new Associate Executive Director at YMCA Camp Winona. This is my 18th summer at Camp and my 10th year on staff. At 5 years old I started here as a camper, and every role since has deepened my love for this place. I hold a Master’s degree from Florida State University, along with Lifeguard, Ropes Course, and Trauma-Informed Care certifications. As our new Associate Executive Director, I’m excited to help Camp Winona develop into an even bigger resource for our community and grow closer to our roots and traditions. My goal is to continue expanding programming through university and church partnerships, connecting with other local non-profits like us, and deepen our relationships with nearby schools. At the heart of it all is what first brought me to camp: creating a place where kids feel safe, seen, and challenged to grow. I look forward to connecting with you all and hope to see you at one of our upcoming events!
Summer Staff
Our Summer Staff is made up of Professional Role Models. This means that all our staff understand not just their responsibility to care for your child but that they are a positive influence in your child’s summer.
Staff are hired from all over the world. American staff and international staff provide campers an incredible experience and is one of the highlights of coming to Camp Winona.
Staff are interviewed and reference checked. We hire fun, energetic counselors ready to show how exciting camp can be. Employment is dependent on a drug screening and clear background check.
Our staff go through two weeks of staff training minimum. Here they cover everything from camp songs to emergency procedures. Additionally all staff receive First Aid, CPR , AED for the professional rescuer. Many of our staff become lifeguards as well.
We maintain a ratio of 1:6 campers minimum and our youngest cabin groups being 1:5.
