The YMCA announced the news on its website, noting that both parties “agreed to end operations.” The organization says the last day will be May 22.
ANNA, Texas — After 19 years of collaboration, Collin County and the YMCA have mutually agreed to close the doors to the Collin County Adventure Camp.
This decision marks the end of a long-standing partnership that began in 2006, bringing joy and adventure to thousands of children from schools and churches every year.
Nick Echtenkamp, Vice President of Operations for the Dallas YMCA, expressed the difficulty of the situation.
“It’s tough for us as a YMCA and the county leadership. Nobody is excited or happy about the closure of camp,” Echtenkamp said.
The YMCA has managed the camp’s operations while Collin County owned the land and facilities. The camp, which resides in the City of Anna, spans 400 acres and features trails, courses, ranges, a climbing wall, and even a zipline.
The YMCA announced the news on its website, noting that both parties “agreed to end operations.” The organization says the last day will be May 22, the last week of the spring season and just before summer.
While the decision was difficult, Echtenkamp explained, “The reality was there always had to be a business model that matched the service we were able to provide. That’s left us where we are today.”
Several factors contributed to the closure. The COVID-19 pandemic forced the camp to shut down for most of 2020, and in the years following, demand shifted from extended overnight bookings to more short-term, daily reservations. Additionally, the rising costs of upkeep and repairs became unsustainable for both the county and the YMCA.
“At this time, we do not have any additional information to share regarding the contract,” read a statement from Collin County.
While the county has remained tight-lipped about the closure, Echtenkamp highlighted the impact on the camp’s staff stating, “It’s really hard. For some of them, this is life for them.”
The YMCA plans to transition the seven full-time and 40 part-time counselors into new roles within the organization.
As for the future of the 400-acre site, its fate remains uncertain, with the county yet to make any decisions.
