Our Mission

The Winnebago Alumni Association is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to giving the gift of a Camp Winnebago summer to boys who would otherwise not have the financial resources to attend. We believe that the eight-week camp program is about much more than enjoying yourself, improving your tennis serve, and learning the butterfly. We've seen how camp changes boys. It fosters self-confidence and instills values that last a lifetime. When camp works—and we think it does almost always—it's an experience that becomes part of you.

Part of what makes Winnebago so special is its long history of celebrating diversity. The first scholarship campers were, fittingly, members of Nebraska's Winnebago tribe, followed shortly thereafter by exchange campers from the Soviet Union. Phil Lilienthal, Winnebago's former owner/director, was a member of the Peace Corps and now runs camps for AIDS-affected children in Africa. His son Andy, Winnebago's current owner/director, is also a Peace Corps alumnus and has embraced the same commitment to diversity.

The Winnebago Alumni Association is independent of Camp Winnebago, but we share its values. We believe that camp is an invaluable experience in the development of boys into young men, and we want to make it available regardless of income or background. We hope you'll join us in our mission.

Our Board

Jim Astrove - President
Tucker Risman - Vice President
Matt Simon - Treasurer
Grace Astrove - Secretary
Charlie Bloom
Malik Garvin
Samuel Lewis
Peter Newman
Ethan Ris