YMCA of San Diego County history

In 1928, the name was changed to honor one of San Diego’s most prominent citizens, George Marston.

In 1950, a long-time dream of camp staff began to take shape.

On October 23, 1956, the Evening Tribune reported that the Kiwanis Club of San Diego had taken on the expansion of Camp Marston in Pine Hills as a club project.

In 1959, Camp Marston entered a lease arrangement with the County Office of Education, and 6th-Grade School Camp began.

On July 1, 1962, the swimming pool at Marston was dedicated to the Downtown Kiwanis Club.

In 1963, Ralph Green served as camp's Program Director.

In 1967, Valentine Hoy became Camp Executive Director, replacing Parker Snow.

Marston has a long history of horseback riding, a program that was moved to Raintree Ranch in the 1970's.

1971 was a significant year for Y-Camp Marston! George Jessop Jr., Chairman of the Camp Committee, advised the Y Board of Directors that the Pine Hills Mutual Water Company had decided to sell some of their property adjoining Camp Marston.

On January 5, 1974, a severe snow storm hit Marston, knocking down power lines, trees and breaking gas lines.

In 1975, the Recreation Department of San Diego State University helped the Y initiate our own Outdoor Education, School Camp Program (now thriving, serving over 80 schools and 6,000 students annually).

On March 1, 1990, Tom Madeyski was appointed Executive Director of the Camping Services YMCA. Betty Allen was the Camp Manager, Michael Shipley the Caretaker, Brenda Steelman the Office Manager, Kathi Madeyski the Outdoor Education Director and Debbie Spaulding the Raintree Manager.