The Camp Knickerbocker campus of the Boothbay Region YMCA has only been quiet for a few days between the end of another amazing summer season and the beginning of renovations to McEvoy Lodge.

On Monday, contractor JF Scott will begin selective demolition and renovation work and then will commence with the complete demolition and rebuilding of the building’s north side. This phase marks the start of a much-anticipated transformation of a building that has stood at the heart of Camp K for more than four decades. 

“We have been working on this project since 2024,” says Rose Mooney, the Y’s Director of Facilities. “The Y raised the funds needed at the time, but the project was subsequently delayed by requirements associated with federal HUD funding. That led us to phase the project. Phase I included underground infrastructure and landscape enhancements last winter. We paused construction to accommodate this year’s summer camp season, and now we are ready to begin Phase II.”

Unfortunately, the delay also increased construction costs. The Y must now raise an additional $650,000 to complete McEvoy Lodge before the 2027 camp season begins. The renovation of McEvoy Lodge represents the capstone to all the improvements at the Y which were made possible by the incredible donor support of the Y’s A Greater Impact Campaign. 

The McEvoy family and the Mildred H. McEvoy Foundation have been important supporters of the Boothbay Region and its YMCA for generations. Now, the Foundation is once again stepping forward with its support by offering to match all gifts and pledges to the McEvoy Lodge renovation, up to $100,000.

While this is an important construction project, the real story is much bigger than the renovations themselves. It is really about investing in children and the working families who rely on the Boothbay Region YMCA. 

Located on more than 65 acres on Barters Island Road, Camp Knickerbocker is best known for its signature summer camp, but its reach extends well beyond summer. The campus also supports after-school care, school vacation programming, and other YMCA activities that provide dependable care when school is not in session. 

Working families depend on the Y’s programs and trust that their children are safe, active, enriching, and joyful environment while they are at work. Camp K provides exactly that, while giving children the opportunity to swim, paddle, hike, make art, build friendships, develop confidence, and simply spend time outdoors. McEvoy Lodge is central to making all of that possible.

Built in 1984 through the generosity and foresight of the McEvoy family, the Lodge has served generations of children and families. Now, after more than 40 years, it is being transformed to meet today’s needs and prepare Camp K to serve future generations. 

The renovation will include a new wrap-around porch for gatherings and rainy-day programming, an enlarged kitchen, ADA-accessible all-gender restrooms, efficient heating and cooling, dedicated spaces for the camp nurse and camp director, new lighting, and renovated flexible spaces that can support programs throughout the year. 

“We worked with JF Scott when we recently renovated the Harbor Montessori School,” Mooney continued. “They were a great partner, and that project was finished on time and on budget. We expect the same with McEvoy Lodge. We are excited to upgrade a space that is central to our mission, and we hope the community will help us finish the funding needed to make it happen.” 

Meg Benvenuto, the Y’s CEO, said, “I am looking forward to meeting with people who are as excited about this project as I am. Some donors have already given generously, perhaps because Camp K is a place filled with their own memories. For others, this will be an investment in children they may never meet. 

Choosing to invest in Camp K's McEvoy Lodge is investing  in a stronger community for us all. When children have safe places to learn, explore, belong, and grow, they thrive. When parents have dependable care for their children, they can work. And when working families can remain in our region, our entire community grows stronger together." 

“When our community chooses to invest in our children, we're choosing to invest in our future.” 

If you are interested in learning more or are inspired to make a gift to support the McEvoy Lodge project, please contact agoodwin@brymca.org.