Renewing the Magic

Renewal by Andersen of Greater Michigan helps with an extensive transformation of YMCA Camp Eberhart

Ryan McGann grew up on the shores of Lake Corey, spending his summers at YMCA Camp Eberhart in Three Rivers, Michigan. For him, it was a place of adventure and personal growth, where he made lifelong friends and learned valuable life skills.

Now a design consultant for Renewal by Andersen of Greater Michigan, he’s experiencing a full-circle moment: contributing to the replacement of 38 donated windows in Camp Eberhart’s cabins through our Renewal Cares initiative, ensuring that the magic of this special YMCA camp continues to shine brightly for generations to come.

A Project with a Personal Connection

For Ryan, Camp Eberhart isn't just a place; it's a part of his life story.

"I've been going to Camp Eberhart since I was four years old," Ryan says. His father once served on the camp board, and Ryan now lives just across the lake. Ryan’s fiancée is the camp's maintenance director. He learned to fish, sail, and kayak on these very shores. "The camp is a pillar in my life," he says, reflecting on the generations of his family who have supported its mission. 

“It pulls on our heartstrings. My family's done a lot to keep the pride up for the Y, keeping us involved. My dad was involved, and that has come down to me, to my sister, and hopefully the next generation as well.”

For more than a century, YMCA Camp Eberhart has been dedicated to enriching the well-being of children from all walks of life, many of whom attend thanks to scholarships from the camp. It's a place where kids learn to sail, build rockets, and grow in confidence.

As COO of YMCA of Greater Michiana and Camp Eberhart Director, Denise Peters, explains, “YMCA Camp Eberhart is a magical place where kids can come and they can grow in all ways: in social skills, in their own confidence, and just being in an environment and autonomous without their parents here. And just learning all new things and how to get along with all different kinds of people. This place, all year long, provides that magical opportunity to grow as a human being."

But even magical places face practical challenges. The camp’s beloved, but aging, cabins were showing their years, especially their windows. Drafty, inefficient, and often with broken seals, the old windows were a constant concern.

So when Ryan heard about the state of the windows, he knew he had to help. He brought the idea to donate windows to his team at Renewal by Andersen, and the project was given the green light. For Ryan, seeing the project come to life was an emotional experience. "I was choked up," he admits. "To be able to give back to the camp that I love, that has given me so much… it’s a magical place."

It seems everyone agrees on this one word: magical. “Why do I call it magical?” asks Denise. “Because people can grow at every point. For instance. I've been here for a long time, around kids for a long time, learned a lot, done a lot in my life, but I grow every day here at camp.”

The Situation: Window Replacement Past Due

To say the old cabin windows had seen better days would be an understatement. Years of use and exposure to the Michigan elements had taken their toll. Many windows were screwed shut, their glass was broken, or they were simply boarded up. Screens were a luxury long gone.

These weren't just cosmetic issues; they were matters of safety and comfort. The drafty, inoperable windows made it difficult to keep the cabins warm in the winter and cool in the summer. For a camp that hosts more than 7,000 campers, including outdoor education students, annually, this was a significant problem.

“They were really in rough shape,” Casey Arndt, a sales manager for Renewal by Andersen of Greater Michigan, describes. “It was pretty obvious coming out here that there was a need, and we felt like we were the company that could solve that.”

The poor condition of the windows was also a maintenance headache and a drain on the YMCA's limited resources. Every dollar spent patching up old windows was a dollar that couldn't go toward providing scholarships for children who might not otherwise be able to experience camp.

The historic Baker Cooper Cabin was recently restored. It had been sliding down a hill, so the main part of the building was repaired. Unfortunately, the camp ran out of funding for window replacement on the cabin. Renewal by Andersen came to help just in time.

“It’s super awesome to save that historical building,” Denise reflects. “I first thought, no way would somebody be so generous as to do that and for somebody outside of camp to understand the magic that happens here. It was totally awesome to think someone could understand that and then want to give back to the camp.”

Transformation in Action

The transformation at Camp Eberhart was a true team effort. Renewal by Andersen installed 38 brand-new, custom-built windows across four bunkhouses, including a mix of glider, casement, and double-hung windows. These weren't just any windows; they were full-frame replacements designed to be weather-tight, secure, and easy for campers and staff to operate.

Five different crews from Renewal by Andersen of Greater Michigan—including installers, managers, and even design consultants like Ryan—donated their time and expertise to make it happen. The energy on site was incredible, fueled by a shared sense of purpose.

"This is a feel-good day," said Sean Wood, Associate Install Manager, who helped lead the project. "It's an amazing feeling to know you're making an impact on the lives of these kids." He explained that the company culture at Renewal by Andersen is built on integrity and a willingness to help, and this project was a perfect reflection of those values. The team installed the windows with care, ensuring they would last.

The financial significance of the project is huge. “Here in Michigan, we have all four seasons, and so the cabins take a big hit. They do get worn," Denise explains. “It is very expensive to keep this camp up. I mean, it's over 200 acres and several infrastructures that need to be managed and taken care of. So the windows make a huge impact on our camp.”

A Lasting Impact for Years to Come

The effect of the window replacement was immediate. For the first time in years, fresh lake air could circulate through the cabins. Campers could enjoy natural light and clear views without worrying about broken glass or drafty frames. The cabins are now safer, cozier, and more comfortable for everyone.

Beyond the immediate improvements, the project provides a significant long-term financial benefit for the YMCA. The money saved on maintenance and energy costs can now be redirected where it matters most: to the camp's scholarship fund. "A lot of our school groups that come here are scholarship groups because they can't afford it," Denise explains. "Funding that could be used for scholarships is often diverted to building infrastructure."

“Renewal by Andersen, thank you,” says Denise, voice full of emotion. “From the bottom of my heart.”

Go Behind the Scenes

Watch the video of the transformation of the camp and hear from Denise firsthand.

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