Canby Grove spared?

Portland YMCA might

keep camp operating

By JOHN FORTMEYER
CNNW publisher
    CANBY — Canby Grove Conference Center might get to see its 83rd year after all. And an 84th — and beyond — thanks to YMCA of Columbia-Wil-lamette.
    In what Canby Grove leadership sees as a potentially miraculous answer to their prayers, the Portland-area “Y” organization contacted the camp about a possible acquisition. That initial communication on July 15 came only about a week after the non-profit camp’s executive director, Ray Schnickels, had an-nounced to stunned staff that the 82-year-old facility would close in October due to financial struggles.
    The following day, YMCA President and CEO Bob Hall and Vice President Steve Hunter toured the 74-acre camp on the Molalla River. By early August, Schnickels had signed a memorandum of understanding with the YMCA, which would assume Canby Grove’s assets and liabilities.

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