Early History

 

In 1913, Poughkeepsie YMCA Board President William W. Smith, General Secretary Leland Shaw, and Camp Director Frank Van Ness led YMCA volunteers and staff to establish a place where boys could have positive life-changing experiences through the adventures of group camping. The Camp’s Indian name means “he who comes by the water to give” and the initials of Wa Wa Segowea honor W. W. Smith.

 

In 1928, YMCA President William W. Smith II (W. W. Smith’s grandson) relocated Camp Wa Wa Segowea to beautiful Harmon Pond in Southfield, MA. He and Dr. James Harrington purchased the 555 acre Foley Farm, creating Smith Park for the YMCA families of Dutchess County. YMCA volunteers and staff began construction on this spectacular land in the Berkshires selected by Herbert Hart and Leland Shaw.