The three camps are Phantom Lake YMCA Camp, Camp Bluff Lake YMCA and YMCA Camp Benson.
When I first set foot on PLYC back in 1977, I was completely unsuspecting of the immense role camp would have on my life. Without a formal interview, and on the recommendation of my high school classmate Harry Kline, I signed on to work as a summer camp counselor for one month - from June 14 to July 15 - for a "whopping" salary of $235 plus room and board. Thanks to that four weeks in '77, I started a journey down a path to meeting life-long friends, becoming a professional camp director, and meeting my future wife.
I would go on to have leadership roles at these three YMCA camps. This website includes a compilation of photos collected from camp-connected weddings over the years of 1982-2016. It is my sincere pleasure to share with you this digital photo album and a few stories from these weddings. The photos in the above gallery, starting with one from my wedding with Fozzie, include:
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Jenny ("Fozzie") & Mike ("Mtn Mike") Wedding Reception on Lake Mendota, July 1997 - Phantom Friends Group Pic
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Linda & Dave Wedding Reception - Phantom Friends: "Beautiful Dresses"
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Linda & Dave Wedding Reception - Phantom Friends Group Pic
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Carolyn & Charlie Wedding Reception - Phantom Friends Group Pic
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Barb & Paul Wedding Reception - Phantom Friends Group Pic
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Lori & Dan Wedding - Phantom Friends Group Pic
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Jean & Joe Solemn Engagement Ceremony, PLYC Campfire Hill - Phantom Friends Group Pic
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Gina & Jim Wedding - Family & Phantom Friends Group Pic
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Anna & Nate Wedding - Bridesmaids (Anna & her sister Sara - Camp Benson)
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Bryn & Jon Wedding - Phantom "2% Club" Group Pic (Alan & Enika, Barb & Ken, Bryn & Jon, Lady Sue & Sir G and Foz & Mtn Mike)
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Bryn & Jon Wedding - The Groomsmen - Phantom Friends
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Megan & Kyle Wedding Reception - "GNO Friends" (Phantom)
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Molly & Steve Wedding - Garner/Gately Kids - Phantom
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Christine & Dan ("Cozmo") Wedding - Camp Benson Friends 1
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Christine & Dan ("Cozmo") Wedding - Camp Benson Friends 2
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Jeff & Kris Wedding - Jeff Bachelor's Camp at Star Lake Group Pic / Phantom Friends
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Heather & Kris ("Pudd") Wedding - Phantom Friends Group Pic
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Heather & Kris ("Pudd") Wedding - Wedding Party
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Susan & Tim Wedding - Brightbill Family Photo (All six Brightbill siblings went to Phantom / Camp Bluff Lake)
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Jenny & Mike Wedding - Phantom Pit Original Five (Jeff, Harry, Dan, Mike & Ted)
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Wedding Songs: For You by John Denver & Canon In D (Pachelbel's Canon) by Brooklyn Duo