Colin McDonald Earns Honor as Camp Sloper's Alumni Scholarship Winner

Working with children has always been a passion for Southington’s Colin McDonald.

Over the summer, the Southington High School graduate had an opportunity to work alongside staff at YMCA’s Camp Sloper and he is pursuing a full-time career doing what he loves, making a difference in the lives of area youth.


Now McDonald, a four-year employee on Camp Sloper, will have a little help. He was named the 2013 winner of the Second Annual Sloper Alumni Scholarship and will receive $500 towards his education as he attends Central Connecticut State University for studies in elementary education.

The scholarship is part of an ongoing annual effort by the camp to reward dedicated staff, Camp Director Mark Pooler said.

"We know that our staff are our most valuable resource at YMCA Camp Sloper,” he said. “This scholarship program was developed as a way to invest in our staff and make sure they feel appreciated."

YMCA Camp Sloper’s Alumni Association created the scholarship fund in 2012. The scholarship is awarded to one staff member from the current camp season that is enrolled in a full time college program pursuing a career in a youth service related field.

The initial scholarship funds were raised at a spring fundraiser in conjunction with the Smokin’ With Chris Charity Night for the YMCA. Additional funds have been donated through the Corey Sullivan Memorial Golf Tournament.

"We are lucky to have such generous donors and Alumni that recognize the value of having trained and educated staff," Pooler said in a press release.

“The Alumni Association recognizes that the magic of camp comes from the amazing staff it employs each summer and has put this scholarship together as an investment in and recognition of the hard working staff members,” he said.

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