Seeds of the Council Tree: How Camp Kon-O-Kwee Changed the World

While attending the YMCA World Council meeting in Toronto (July 20–24), members of our leadership team had the distinct privilege of meeting two extraordinary gentlemen whose paths crossed theirs in the most serendipitous way. Though they come from different parts of the globe, their stories are woven together by a single, powerful thread: Camp Kon-O-Kwee Spencer.

Mr. Ghassan Sayah, a former camp counselor from Lebanon, visited Camp Kon-O-Kwee (as it was then known) in 1966. Mr. Taweechai Termkunanon, a camper from Thailand, followed in his footsteps in 1967. Both men spent three transformative weeks at camp, followed by American home stays and visits to Harrisburg and Gettysburg. For both, and for their fellow group members, the experience was profound—not merely a summer excursion, but a life-altering catalyst.

Each of them was so deeply moved by the spirit of residential camping that they returned to their home countries and advocated for the creation of their own local residential camps. In Lebanon, Mr. Sayah became the Camp Director and eventually the President and CEO of the YMCA of Lebanon, establishing a camp where, during more peaceful years, youth from across the Middle East gathered. In Thailand, Mr. Termkunanon's involvement with the Y led to a remarkable career; after working with the United Nations for 27 years, he served as the General Secretary for the YMCA of Thailand and currently serves on their board.

The impact of that 1960s program extended far beyond Mr. Termkunanon alone. His visiting group included individuals who would go on to become a Thai Ambassador to the United States, a prominent scholar, and a successful businessman from Phuket—none of whom had ever traveled outside of Thailand before their life-changing trip to Fombell, Pennsylvania.

The legacy of that 1960s program continues to unfold. Early this week, Mr. Termkunanon made an emotional return visit to Camp Kon-O-Kwee Spencer, escorted by two of our board members: Cat Vargo and Anne Beitler. While much has changed, he was moved to discover several familiar sites, most notably the chapel where he vividly recalls singing "Kumbaya." He rounded out his visit with a tour of the recent renovations at the Allegheny Y—which he also remembered from his original time in Pittsburgh—and a quick trip to the Mt. Washington Overlook.

While we are still uncovering the history of this program—such as its official name and exact duration—we know that the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh funded the travel and camping expenses for these young people. It was an investment that yielded ripples of impact over the last 60 years.

Mr. Termkunanon and his group remembered fondly the influence of Uncle Herb and Uncle Clark Kerr, figures who clearly left an indelible mark on their lives. During the World Council meeting, Mr. Sayah shared a sentiment that moved us all: "I am so glad we met. For the first time in 60 years, I can say thank you."

If we view the Council Tree as the embodiment of Camp Kon-O-Kwee Spencer, then this program represents the seeds of the Council Tree - seeds that flew around the world, taking root and impacting countless children for generations. We are honored to be part of a legacy that spans decades and continents. And we thank those leaders from 60 years ago whose vision and commitment resulted in something that would long outlive them and continue to benefit so many! 

In our next Quarterly Stories from the Counsel Tree we look forward to sharing a full, first-hand recounting of these memories written by our dear friends from Thailand. Stay tuned.