Ermete Raffaelli has been named the 2016 Recipient of the Harold L. Schappell Lifetime Achievement Award.

Ermete Raffaelli received the South Mountain YMCA Camps Lifetime Achievement Award at the organization’s annual Holiday Social. More than 65 individuals joined Board members, staff and camp alum at Canal Street Pub & Restaurant to pay tribute to one of Camps Champions. “Our organization has been blessed to have Uncle Raff as a volunteer and supporter. He is truly one of a kind.” ~ Nathan Brant, CEO

Mr. Raffaelli has been involved with Camp since its founding in 1948, first as a camper and then as a staff member prior to his years with the Reading School District. After retiring from the Reading School District Ermete rejoined the Board of Directors and continues to serve as an active member. He is currently an integral part of Camp’s Facilities Committee and serves on a variety of committees for the City of Reading. During his remarks at the Holiday Social, he spoke of the positive impact that Camp had on his life at a very young age and how his love of the mountain and the program continue to impact his life today.

A few words about the award: The Harold L. Schappell Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes and honors an exceptional individual that makes volunteerism and community service a way of life. Recipients embody a sense of compassion and responsibility for others expressed through their dedication to assisting individuals and organizations for the betterment of our community. Their extraordinary contributions truly make a difference in the lives of others and in the community. Lifetime Achievement Award winners receive a glass award in the shape of a flame or campfire. ly serving as honorary co-chair of our “Camp For All” capital campaign effort. In his remarks last night, he spoke of the impact his “Camp Family” has had over the years and his love of the mountain and the people that have been a part of this program. It was a beautiful talk.ly serving as honorary co-chair of our “Camp For All” capital campaign effort. In his remarks last night, he spoke of the impact his “Camp Family” has had over the years and his love of the mountain and the people that have been a part of this program. It was a beautiful talk.A few words about the award: The Harold L. Schappell Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes and honors an exceptional individual that makes volunteerism and community service a way of life. Recipients embody a sense of compassion and responsibility for others expressed through their dedication to assisting individuals and organizations for the betterment of our community. Their extraordinary contributions truly make a difference in the lives of others and in the community. Lifetime Achievement Award winners receive a glass award in the shape of a flame or campfire.

Previous Award Winners include the Inaugural recipient, Harold L. Schappell, retired Facilities Director honored in 2013, Glenn O. Miller, (aka Hugsy or Popsy), one of our Camp Legends in  2014, and Dr. John W. Gruber a Camp Champion in 2015.

Additional award recipients include:

Bill Ruth, Service to Youth, recognizing his commitment and leadership and for sharing his treasure of time, talent, experience and dedication. Mr, Ruth has directly contributed to and supported the organization, has inspired the launch of new programs or activities through his efforts, and has encouraged and motivated others to take leadership roles within the organization.

Janet McGann and Jacob Snyder, Youth Service, recognizing their significant service to the  Camp Conrad Weiser summer camp program. These individuals have been involved in and  committed to activities at camp, spent hours volunteering their time to benefit camp and the  children participating in camp activities and have motivated their peers to become actively engaged in the camp community.

DaBrian Marketing, Spirit of Giving, recognizing their demonstration of outstanding commitment to community service by providing financial or service support, leadership in our community, volunteer participation and commitment of workforce by being a role model for other businesses in our community.