The Cheshire YMCA was founded by a small group of area leaders who recognized the importance of the international YMCA movement and the need to offer positive and rewarding experiences to children. The vehicle initially chosen to offer positive programs and experiences was a summer camp. Although the YMCA was not incorporated until 1921, in 1913, the Cheshire YMCA was organized, and in 1914, the first camp program for 30 boys was held at nearby Swanzey Lake. In 1919 the YMCA leased 63 acres in Richmond, (our existing location), erecting several buildings and three tents. Many of the original buildings still stand. In honor of an early Board Member (Elgin Jones) who had received a warm welcome while visiting South Dakota, the camp was named Takodah and the motto “Friendly to All” adopted in 1916.
In 1919, the YMCA bought the property and in 1921 employed Oscar L. Elwell as the director for the new Camp Takodah. “Uncle Oscar,” as Mr. Elwell lovingly came to be known, and his wife, “Aunt Francis,” were fully aware of the vital need for a YMCA-directed camp for children, and they were quickly encouraged by the support of the Y’s Board of Directors and Cheshire County parents, children, religious leaders, professional groups, youth advocates and others. The Elwells were so convinced of the need and impressed by the community’s support that they spent the next 50 years of their lives working to help boys and girls and broadening Camp Takodah and other YMCA programs.
The Cheshire YMCA purchased a building at 25 Leverett Street in Keene. From that day on this small building has housed the administrative staff and made it possible to hold meetings in a central location for the many volunteers that make this Y happen.
In the 1980’s the Cheshire YMCA developed the highly successful unique two-segmented Heritage Tour program for middle-school-aged adolescents. The first segment is the New England Heritage Tour for 7th graders, which culminates with a 3 day trip to Plymouth, New Bedford, Boston, MA, and more. The second segment is the week long American Heritage Tour for 8th graders, which takes students to Washington, DC, Gettysburg, Philadelphia, Ellis Island, and the Amish country.
In March of 2005, the Cheshire YMCA moved it administrative offices to 32 Lake Street in North Swanzey. Our new office was made possible by countless volunteer hours to help us plan our move and make it a reality. We are grateful for our modern office facility which supports our staff team and helps us professionally pursue our mission.
Today, programming at the Cheshire YMCA continues to focus on summer camp, seasonal Outdoor Education partnerships with schools and community groups, Adventure Travel, Cultural and Historical Travel, and Heritage Tours for teens. We are chartered with the YMCA of the USA as an independent camp.