OTW Red Barn Walk 2026

• 1993 - My first summer at West End House Camp
• 2010 - My West End buddy introduced me to the beauty who became my wife
• 2024 - Our sons’ first summer at West End House Camp
• 2026 - Our first summer without my Dad…. 

On August 21 I will be walking in memory and honor of my dad, Harvey Wilk, who died on June 13th at the age of 76. I am taking part in the “OTW Red Barn Walk” to help support kids whose families cannot financially afford summer camp, specifically for the West End House Camp in Maine. 

When my dad signed me up to go to overnight camp at West End House, I was more fortunate than any of us could’ve imagined, because I fell in love! I had spent 4 summers elsewhere, but the early 90s economy meant it was time for a change. West End wasn’t as fancy, but the people were real and it felt like home! 

I was a camper and counselor for 9 years and I have continued to go up every summer since for Old Timer’s Week. I have served on the Board of Directors for the past 18 years, I have helped chair Fundraising and Alumni committees. I met my wife through a camp friend, and some of my closest friends on earth are kids I spent my summers with. Our sons are in their 3rd summer at camp and it has become their home away from home! 

I believe that all kids should have a chance to go to summer camp as it is the greatest gift to give a child - I kind of don’t really care what camp the kid goes to, so long as they get to experience overnight camp! This is where kids learn independence and responsibility in ways that they cannot at home, while creating lifelong memories and friendships. 

Sadly, a lot of families cannot afford to send their child to camp. West End House Camp is a non-profit and has always maintained a balance of full-paying, partially subsidized, and “campership" boys. The camp has relied on donations since James J. Storrow founded the camp in 1908 (yes, “that” Storrow, or Storrow Drive), and like everything else, costs continue to rise. 

In August, I will be up at camp with 150+ “Old Timers” and staff, taking part in the inaugural “Red Barn Walk.” The Red Barn at West End House Camp has always been a symbol of commitment. For decades, it was the turnaround point for Executive Director Bill Margolin’s daily runs before the camp awakened in the morning. More recently, it has become the iconic centerpiece of the Iron Man competition during Desert War - one of the summer's signature events. I will be walking in memory and honor of my dad, Harvey Wilk, who passed away right before this summer - my dad knew how much West End meant to me, and he saw such tremendous value in my going up every summer and in the relationships that came from it. 

My goal is to raise enough money to cover the cost for as many campers as we can, giving these children and their families a much needed break, and the opportunity to simply be kids and to get away. I would greatly appreciate your support, so please donate and help us change a boy’s life forever! And if this truly resonates with you, please feel free to pass this page along to others. 

Thank you so much, from the bottom of my heart. 

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As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, all contributions are fully tax-deductible. Together, we can continue the legacy that shaped us.