Tom Kranz, John Duntley, and Mike Bussey share a remarkable legacy. Each built an extensive career with the YMCA, served as executive director at YMCA Camp St. Croix, and rose to senior leadership positions. Beyond their professional accomplishments, all three made a lasting commitment to the Y camping program by setting up endowment funds and including the Y in their wills. The goal has always been clear: get kids to camp.
“I was adamant, in my entire career and with the staff that I worked with, that we will not deny kids financial assistance if there is a need,” said Kranz.
For these seasoned camp leaders, creating a sense of belonging was at the heart of everything they did. From scholarship support to day-to-day interactions, making sure others felt seen and valued inspired the legacies they left.
“We said to our staff at St. Croix that you can’t let a camper walk by you without engaging them,” Bussey recalled. “You have to know their names, even if they’re not in your camp or cabin.”
For Kranz, the calling to build a welcoming community began with his own Y camping experience in the 1960s. “When I was at camp, nobody knew that I was a scholarship kid. My counselor and the other kids didn’t know,” Kranz shared. “We all had the same boots and blue jeans. I could fit in and just be a normal kid.”
Duntley, who later supported 250 camps nationwide as YMCA of the USA Senior Camping Specialist, emphasizes the role of planned giving in sustaining this mission.
“If you have additional funds from endowment giving, that makes such a huge difference. It was phenomenal to have that cushion to send more kids to camp or fix another fence or cabin door.”
These three Y visionaries are continually reminded of their impact. Former campers have recognized them everywhere — from house shows in New Brighton to hotels in Boston — and even the current Senior Vice President of Adventure & Wellbeing Michel Tigan, remembers Duntley from her time as a DayCroix camper.
“The ability to bring kids into a community, to love them, and to encourage them inspires and makes a huge difference going forward,” said Bussey. “That’s why providing financial assistance and strengthening camps with endowment funds is critically important.”
Three former Camp St. Croix directors with truly legendary Y legacies, Kranz, Duntley, and Bussey each carried the values of Y camping far beyond the woods of St. Croix. Mike Bussey retired from the Y in 2009 after serving as Director General of the Jerusalem International YMCA. Tom Kranz retired in 2019 following his tenure as Vice President of Camping for the YMCA of the North. John Duntley retired in 2018 after shaping programs nationwide as YMCA of the USA Senior Camping Specialist. Through their exceptional careers and generous legacy gifts, they remain united by a shared commitment to one goal: ensuring that every child can experience the enduring influence of a childhood spent at camp.