A summer at YMCA Camp Widjiwagan in the 1960s, coupled with a father’s dedication to charitable giving, profoundly shaped Greg McNeely’s philanthropic mission to get kids back outside and into the wilderness. Greg is a proud Widji alum whose passion for the outdoors is as vibrant as the camp itself. Following in the footsteps of his father, Donald McNeely, a Y supporter who established a YMCA endowment fund in the 1990s — Greg honors his father’s legacy by actively contributing to his family’s fund.
Greg’s father was a remarkable man who led by example. He tackled challenges head-on, nurtured a loving marriage, inspired his children, and worked tirelessly to give back to his community. To manage daily stresses, Greg’s father regularly ended the day with a sauna — a healthy habit that invigorated his body and spirit. These qualities deeply influenced a young and impressionable Greg. During summers at Widji throughout the ‘60s, the McNeely brothers each spent time relaxing in the sauna after a full day of camp activities like canoeing, swimming, and archery. Greg fondly recalls, “Nothing was better than taking a sauna in the evening to refresh for the next day.” Now, he continues this tradition, enjoying sauna sessions several days a week and credits them for his healthy lifestyle.
Greg’s parents prioritized getting their children to spend time outdoors and enjoy nature. This inspired Greg to honor his parents’ commitment by contributing to his family’s endowment. The McNeely fund opened in 1991 and has been providing dollars where needed most at camp for over 30 years. Greg humbly shared that his family has always believed deeply in the value of Camp Widjiwagan and the lasting impact it has on young campers. The experiences youth gain at Widji last a lifetime.
For unrestricted endowments like the McNeelys, their fund supports everything from youth-focused programming, to staff development and trainings, advanced trip scholarships, and capital improvements.
Today, Greg is enthusiastic about supporting the building of two saunas at Camp Widjiwagan. The new saunas will support the next generations of campers with the adored “Dip Sauna Dip,” a Widji tradition where one jumps in the frigid Burntside Lake, then relaxes in the sauna, and follows it with another plunge in the water. A tradition Greg warmly remembers.
Though Greg’s days as a Widji camper are now distant and fond memories, something he will never forget is the exhilaration from jumping in the lake after the sauna. His goal is to share that joy with the next generation of campers by giving back.