Dan Leeber

Dan Leeber is a camp alumnus whose first experience with the Y started with a man coming to his school to invite dads and sons to join the Y's Father-Son program back in 1960. Dan's dad was a tool and die maker who typically did not have a lot of downtime with his family. This program was the perfect opportunity to get away and have some one-on-one time as well as time with other dads and sons. They had campouts in fall, winter, and spring at Camp Ohiyesa. They learned many new skills both from the programs and from the many different talented dads that attended. It was here that Dan fell in love with camp.

At age 8, Dan was not old enough to go to Camp Ohiyesa but his mom convinced the Y that he could keep up, no problem. Dan had ADD so camp was the perfect place for him to be active with wide-open spaces to run, a lake to swim in and so many other outdoor activities. Camp cost $65 for a two-week session and Dan's family was happy to pay.

Fast forward two years, Dan and his brother Gary walked the streets of their neighborhood with a wagon full of Y thin candy mints and a 3x5 index card with their sales pitch written on it. They would walk a few miles selling their candies and when they sold out, they would call their mom, tell her where they were and she would pick them up. Dan and his brother sold more than enough candy to get to camp so they were able to use their credits at the camp general store or the craft wagon and did so for 5 years. Dan still has his belt buckle from camp! These valuable sales skills - dealing with heckling neighbors, successes and failures taught Dan great leadership skills. So much so that Dan has had a successful career in sales working in the automotive aftermarket industry.

Dan learned how to swim at the downtown Y and his swimming skills got better and better each summer at camp. He learned how to ride a horse, build a tack house, put in fencing, run a rodeo, boating skills and so many more fun, life-changing skills. He learned leadership skills, character development, and confidence-building all while having a memorable two weeks of summer at Camp Ohiyeas. His friends came from diverse backgrounds. "Camp was diverse before we were even talking about it" In all, Dan spent 7 years at camp either through coming to summer camp or through the Father-Son program.

Dan has decided to leave a legacy to the Y in his estate because "Camp enriched my life.

It enhanced a lot of things in my life and it made me appreciate nature and a lot of things some kids can't enjoy or experience." He wants to be able to give that opportunity to other kids who may not otherwise be able to participate in summer camp. "You don't get experiences like this and if I can do something to help a few kids give it a try I'm willing to do that." Not only is he leaving a Legacy, but he will also be giving an annual gift to help provide financial assistance now to those who live in underserved communities.

Camp Ohiyesa, Camp Ohiyesa
Home of winners brave and true
The other fellows first
Your comrades
Strong in friendship too