About Us

Our History

Since 1919 YMCA Camp Winona has been a place where youth have 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, YMCA Camp Winona is nestled among 68 secluded acres of oaks and pines on the shores of our 88 acre spring fed Lake Winona. Our heritage and 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. In the 1960’s, girls were welcomed and fun in the sun ensued co-ed. Every year at Camp, 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

 

Oliver Gregan, Executive Camp Director

Oliver started his camp career at YMCA Camp Jewell, in his home state, Connecticut. He eventually became the Summer Camp Director there in 2018. He’s worked across multiple locations including Vancouver, Canada at YMCA Camp Elphinstone and in New Jersey at YMCA Camp Bernie. Oliver became the executive director of Camp Winona in 2021. 

Oliver is a graduate of Western New England University with a bachelors in history-education. He was class president, student senator, coordinator of local volunteer projects and service trips. He also played linebacker for his college who won their division twice and competed in the division III playoffs. 

To assist all camps he co-hosts the First Class Counselors podcast with Matt Wilfred to support camp professionals internationally. He also serves on the YMCA Camp Voice Committee, Campfire Conference Planning Committee and the Florida Y Alliance executive committee. As part of his community he helps on the McInnis Student Activity Council and is a representative with the District Advisory Council. 

Oliver enjoys the outdoors and loves being outside. He is a big fan of football but is willing to play any game or sport. A fun night of board games or keeping up with the latest Star Wars or Superhero show/movie is a happy night. A skilled chef in the kitchen and over the campfire makes dinner invitations a hot commodity!

 

Sydney Blair, Assistant Camp Director

 

 

 

Austin Moore, Camp Facilities Director

Austin started his venture into the camp world in 2016 as a lifeguard at Camp Timber-lee in Wisconsin. Since then he has continued on as a student-athlete at Trinity International University earning his Bachelor Degree in Social Science and playing on the soccer team, while returning to camp in different roles through the summers. While in University he discovered his passion of craftsmanship and maintenance and joined as a student-faculty at the school while completing his degree. After graduating and marrying his bride, he joined in to help improve the facilities at Camp Timber-lee as a part of their Maintenance team. Since then he has come to join the leadership team at Camp Winona to help bring insights, create new projects and assist in the longevity of the camp’s facilities as the Property Manager.

 

Since joining in November of 22’ he has improved current programs, helped organize and structure the maintenance side of the facility and enjoys creating activities for the camp’s guests. Austin and his wife and two kids enjoy an active lifestyle with trips to the beach, iced lattes and discovering the rich history of central Florida.

 

STAFF SPOTLIGHTS

Meet some of our other staff in our staff spotlights

Summer Staff

Because a high-quality staff is the heart of a camp experience, we set high standards for the young men and women that join our summer team. We look for young adults who will serve as outstanding role models by exhibiting high standards mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. We also look for creativity, an outgoing personality, an appreciation for the outdoors, and the ability to provide leadership while being a team player. Our staff participates in a 10-day intensive pre-camp training, which includes First Aid and CPR.

Every employee at camp must pass a criminal background check, drug testing, and reference checks before they are hired to work at YMCA Camp Winona.

Board of Directors

Interested in becoming a Board Member?

• Branch Board Job Description
• Prospective Board Member Information