The person is 'C.B.' Kern, Dayton Y.M.C.A. Boys' Work Secretary from 1909-1917, whose outstanding work with youth was evident from the many testimonials and resolutions made in his memory after he died tragically and unexpectedly on June 3, 1917 at the age of 37.

The institution is organized camping, which 'C.B.' recognized as one of those unique experiences that can have such a profound, positive impact on the physical, mental, and spiritual development of youth. More of permanent value can be accomplished with a week in camp with a boy than months of casual contact, he wrote in a 1915 one-page report describing the activities of his summer camp, Camp Ozone, which was subsequently renamed Camp Kern in his honor on September 17, 1917.

The continuity of distributions from the Fund has been particularly helpful during the pandemic. From YMCA Camp Kern Executive Director Chris Addison on 4/17/2020, "Thank you so much for the foresight and the gift. These special circumstances have created a different kind of need at camp, and this donation will help us fill those needs. You have all done an absolutely tremendous job with the Fund and should be so proud of the benefits it has brought to camp and our campers over the years. We are obviously facing some challenging times ahead, but gifts like these will make a big difference."

We invite you to browse the Kern Fund web pages and learn more about the person and character of Carl B. Kern, the institution of organized camping which he embraced so strongly, and the activities of The Carl B. Kern Fund which serve to perpetuate the memory of 'C.B.' and support "the experience that lasts a lifetime".