Anchored in Camp

In his poem “Ships,” Robert Rose describes the beauty of sail boats, saying, “Ships are the nearest things to dreams that hands have ever made, for somewhere deep in their oaken hearts the soul of a song is laid.”

YMCA Camp Warren’s sailing program is “robust and engagement level is high” according to Executive Director Jeanna Nesbitt. “Camp Warren has long had a tradition of teaching sailing, which began decades ago and continues today.” She shared that the current fleet includes over 30 boats and in 2024, 40 percent of campers participated in sailing as a daily activity.

She said, “I love talking about the sailing program, it’s really a well-built program! I got on a sailboat for the first time at Camp Warren, and eventually did sailing emphasis camp every year. I was a camper and a counselor on the 50/50 trips. It’s a hands-on program that teaches people how to handle stressful situations, communication, problem-solving and teamwork.”

Camper, Staff, Sailor

Brad Konkler’s earliest childhood memories are from Camp Warren. His dad Bruce was on staff from 1964-89, and his mom Marilyn served as the first female director when camp piloted a 5-day session for female campers in the 1980s. From 8-16, Brad was a camper and from 1980-84, he was on the Camp Warren staff as the sailing director for 2 years.

When asked about his memories from camp, he said, “Learning to sail as a kid under the careful guidance of the incredible staff at camp boils down to this one maritime rule learned at Warren: a captain’s first responsibility is for the safety of the crew followed by the safety of the ship. Now, many decades after my camper and staff days, I’m reminded this code served me well in nearly all aspects of my life including raising a family and leading professional teams throughout my career.”

As he spoke of his memories of camp, he was excited to reference a painting that he said, “captures the essence of my favorite memories of sailing at camp.”

In 1978, John Hagen (camper 1971-74, staff 1975-76) painted himself, David Katkov, Tim Brandow and Gregg Brandow sailing a D Boat on Half Moon Lake in the early 1970s.

Brad shared his memory of sailing:

On Half Moon Lake in the 1960s, ‘70s, and ‘80s, the two wooden 20-foot Class D scow sailboats were the largest in the fleet and maximized the “learn to sail” experience for campers and staff.

On windy days the joyful shouts of the skipper and crew echoed in the breeze as these mighty sailboats tacked back and forth across the lake within the boundaries of Cub Point and the highway buoy.

The sound of the sails luffing in the breeze raised excitement as the D boats naturally heeled over to one side as the crew “hiked-out” to windward for a memorable ride.

The cedar wood D boat hulls skimmed across the water and wooden masts strained in the breeze as the crew worked in harmony perfecting sailing skills and cementing lifelong Camp Warren friendships on the water.

As a camper, Brad developed a love of sailing while at camp. He also lived near Johnson Boat Works on White Bear Lake (sold and renamed in 1998, now called White Bear Boat Works) and spent time learning about boats and sailing.

In the late ‘60s-’70s, the sailboats were mainly all wood boats. Most were 16-foot Class X training boats, but Warren had also acquired a few 20-foot class D Scow boats. “They were few and far between. They never took off as racing boats in the Midwest. But they were cool — they were as big as you’d want on Half Moon Lake and required a lot of participation. It wasn’t just a ride.”

Brad remembers that “when you got to be a top ranked sailor as a camper, you could take one out. It was a coveted rank to achieve.” And when there were enough campers who could sail the D Boats, there was a regatta called The D Boat Challenge.

Future D Boat Regatta

In 2004, Brad and Dave Erickson located a beat-up D Boat in a barn in North Dakota. “It was rough, but solid.” Along with his children, and Warren friends Dave and Rick Searl, he spent 300 hours restoring the boat. (David Searl would go on to become Camp Warren’s executive director from 2014-19). Since that time, he has found two additional boats that he has been restoring and plans to have completed by Warren’s 100th anniversary in 2027.

Brad had the idea to use the D Boat in a regatta at the reunion. Executive Director Jeanna Nesbitt as well as several of Brad’s camp friends all loved the idea, and he’s been excitedly planning and working towards that goal ever since. After the reunion, he hopes to find homes for two of the three restored D Boat.

Camp Warren is seeking out past and present sailors to join in the fun. If you are interested in volunteering or participating in the regatta, e-mail Camp Warren. Information is below.

Upcoming Events

• Looking for Warren Sailors
  Calling all Warren Sailors! Tell us your sailing story, get on the regatta list, be part of pre-regatta fun, volunteer to help at the regatta!
• 100th Anniversary
  100th anniversary, coming in 2027 (date TBD). We are looking for reunion committee members and decade leaders.

If you are interested in the events above, email info@campwarren.org.