Memories of a Lifetime
RbA of Pittsburgh's Window Donation Kicks Off Centennial Celebration at YMCA Camp
For nearly 100 years, Camp Kon-O-Kwee Spencer has been a cornerstone of the greater Pittsburgh community. Nearly everyone you bump into has a memory and a story about their time at Camp Kon-O-Kwee Spencer. The camp is part of the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh area and has served families of all kinds as they’ve created meaningful memories and passed on traditions for generations. RbA of Pittsburgh has given back to Camp Kon-O-Kwee Spencer, a place that’s made an incredible impact on the community. The generous donation marks the beginning of a transformational journey for the camp, so it can continue to serve children and their families for years to come.
About Camp Kon-O-Kwee Spencer
Established in 1926, Camp Kon-O-Kwee Spencer has been a steadfast presence in the lives of countless individuals within the Greater Pittsburgh area. Nestled on 550 acres of serene, wooded landscapes, the camp annually serves 10,000 people seeking to enjoy the outdoors and embark on thrilling adventures. Camp Spencer, an extension of Camp Kon-O-Kwee, serves adults with special needs through its overnight camp. Participants get a full camp experience while developing important social strengths and life skills.
John Lally, a devoted trustee of Friends of Camp Kon-O-Kwee Spencer, a non-profit that supports upgrading the camp, shares a rich history with the site, and has personally felt its profound impact. In 2011, he assumed the role of board chair, a position he held for a decade. Lally emphasized the camp’s role in providing a unique and inclusive experience for those with physical, mental, and emotional challenges. “We often refer to it as a slice of heaven.” He went on to describe the change in campers when they’re surrounded by kids who are just like them. Whether children are missing limbs or have visible scars, campers feel like they can “let their hair down” and be themselves while at camp.
“I think there are a lot of things that happen in this environment that many people don’t get to experience. And I think that the camp makes a profound impact on people’s lives,” said Mack McElhinney, the executive director of YMCA Camp Kon-O-Kwee Spencer.
Lifelong Friendship & Divine Timing
This renovation was made possible thanks to a lifelong friendship between Lally and John Simmons, a project manager at RbA of Pittsburgh. United by a passion for hockey, the two friends often exchange text messages during NHL Pittsburgh Penguins games. When Simmons learned of RbA’s search for a community organization with a need for windows, Lally and Camp Kon-O-Kwee Spencer immediately came to mind.
“Our management team let us know they had funds to do a window or door project and I reached out to one of my friends, John Lally. I sent him a text message and said, ‘hey, our company has some money allocated to do a renovation project to help somebody in need’,” Simmons said.
Unbeknownst to him, Simmons reached out to Lally within the same 24 hours that the camp identified a need for windows for two of its buildings, Scolari Lodge and Thompson Lodge. The synchronicity of events, combined with the generosity of RbA of Pittsburgh, left Lally and his team speechless. Lally reflected on the moment he got the news from Simmons: “You guys won’t believe this. My good buddy, we go to hockey games together, he just asked if we have a need for windows. Can you believe this?”
Confirming the need, and after a thorough tour of the camp, the collaboration with RbA of Pittsburgh was swiftly sealed. “We're all here for the kids. We're doing something to make the camp better. And we're standing on the shoulders of some incredible people who came before us. We want to make this camp available for the next generation of kids,” Lally said.
Lally believes that everything falling into place for the renovation was no accident. Following two tragic events, the loss of Lally’s son and a fellow camper, Camp Kon-O-Kwee Spencer holds an even more significant place in his heart. He believes that this lodge renovation would not be possible if not for someone “pulling the strings”. “I wonder if those two kids put that thought in John Simmons’s mind to send me a text that day,” he said. Whether divine intervention or something else, the timing for the collaboration couldn’t have been better.
New Windows Make a Profound Impact
Fast forward to December 2023 when the RbA of Pittsburgh team arrived, they were bursting with enthusiasm and eager to get started. Michael Bazala (Mike), general manager for RbA of Pittsburgh, said, “We actually had people who have raised their hand and volunteered to be a part of this. It's incredibly special for us to give back to the community.”
The old windows in the camp really showed their age. Many of them were propped up with plywood. Some had broken insect screens while others didn’t open or close properly, resulting in foggy windows and drafty cabins. The crew of 15 installers from RbA of Pittsburgh immediately got to work. In total, they replaced 54 windows in two cabins, ushering in an improved and more comfortable environment for campers. And no more foggy windows means campers can enjoy the view from their cabins.
“Everybody's been so helpful. They've gone above and beyond with customer service. They've asked what we want and how we want it to look — colors and window types — making recommendations. They held our hand all along the way and made it a very easy process. Sometimes you can get bogged down with different contractors and get lost in the process. And Renewal by Andersen did not allow that to happen to us,” McElhinney said.
Now that the new windows open and close with ease, they will help the cabins to be nice and cozy on cold winter days and allow for a cool breeze during the summer heat. Their energy efficiency not only enhances the comfort inside the cabins but also should help lower the camp’s heating costs.
Strolling through the renovated cabins, McElhinney felt the immediate impact of the new windows. “It feels a little bit like home away from home. And I think that’s what we want to strive for; we want people to have that connection and have a sense of belonging.”
Looking Ahead
Approaching its 100th anniversary in 2026, staff at YMCA’s Camp Kon-O-Kwee Spencer sees the window replacement project as a big first step in a broader initiative. McElhinney said upcoming projects include renovations to bathrooms, enhanced accessibility spaces, and revamped bedrooms. RbA of Pittsburgh helped kick off the camp’s master plan, laying the groundwork for a continued positive impact on the community.
“We have 110 rooms on the property and 500 acres of things that we need to work on. The master plan of renovations will give us another 100 years,” McElhinney said.
Gratitude for Giving Back
For Simmons, he’s grateful for RbA's openness to employee input. He said he feels proud to work for a company that considers their employees and not only listens, but acts. “That's happened throughout my whole career at Renewal by Andersen. Our leadership team has always been open-minded to what anybody has to say. That's probably one of the reasons why I'm so proud to work here,” Simmons said.
Lally extended his deep appreciation to RbA of Pittsburgh, acknowledging the lasting impact of its substantial contribution. “I hope I convey not only our gratitude, but the impact that your windows are going to have on kids and adults today and tomorrow,” he said.
RbA of Pittsburgh’s impactful gesture transcends the mere replacement of windows at Camp Kon-O-Kwee Spencer, it marks a transformational milestone in the camp’s narrative. The newly refurbished cabins stand not only as structures but embody hope for shared experiences across generations. Campers now have a revitalized space to retreat to after fun-filled days of swimming, hiking, and adventure that will form lifelong memories. A testament to the enduring power of friendship, this philanthropic endeavor reflects the profound impact of a strong and compassionate community. We look forward to witnessing the camp’s centennial celebration and its continued legacy of serving this tight-knit community.
RbA of Pittsburgh’s impactful gesture transcends the mere replacement of windows at Camp Kon-O-Kwee Spencer, it marks a transformational milestone in the camp’s narrative. The newly refurbished cabins stand not only as structures but embody hope for shared experiences across generations. Campers now have a revitalized space to retreat to after fun-filled days of swimming, hiking, and adventure that will form lifelong memories. A testament to the enduring power of friendship, this philanthropic endeavor reflects the profound impact of a strong and compassionate community. We look forward to witnessing the camp’s centennial celebration and its continued legacy of serving this tight-knit community.
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