Dale Heimbach Wheeler Memorial Campship Fund

To know Dale Wheeler was to know energy in motion: a dynamic, vibrant, active, and committed woman. Dale’s involvement with the Duluth YMCA may have started in many ways, but when she married Tom Wheeler, she became part of the family that was instrumental in the founding of the Duluth YMCA in 1882. The Duluth YMCA was not only significant in Dale and Tom’s lives, but also became important in the lives of their three children: Carrie, Nathan, and Andy. All are Camp Miller Alumni along with their own children.

Dale had strong beliefs in the maintaining of healthy bodies and minds. She was drawn to the area of youth development, particularly concerned about the difficulties girls encounter during the Middle School years, where they often lack the support needed to grow and thrive. The prevalence of drugs, as well as social insecurity, emotionally vulnerability, and lack of motivation were further concerns to Dale.

Not one to sit back, Dale willingly accepted a position of leadership on the Camp Miller board at a time when the camp was changing from a boys’ only camp to co-ed. She was convinced that the camping experience would be positive, helping girls grow into young women. She gave willingly of her time and talents to help the YMCA, not just at Camp Miller, but also during the Building Addition Fund Drive.

Dale was tragically taken from us in the fall of 1983 at the age of 33. Her family and friends then established the Dale Heimbach Wheeler Memorial Campship Fund. Hundreds of girls have received campships to attend Camp Miller on this scholarship by using the earnings from the fund held by the YMCA and with contributions by the Heimbach and Wheeler families.

The following criteria are to be considered for the selection and awarding of campships to girls who:

  1. Display Leadership
  2. Would benefit from a camping experience
  3. Have an aptitude for learning
  4. Embrace the “spirit, mind, and body” ethic endorsed by the YMCA
  5. Are Middle School age (11-14)

The objective of this campship is to build girls into young women leaders, honoring the legacy of Dale H. Wheeler.