Ryan shared his incredible kindness and laughter everywhere he went. One of the many communities he loved was Camp Belknap.
In June 2002, Ryan McCormack arrived at Belknap for the first time. Shortly after arriving at camp Ryan, being a good boy who liked to try new things, went off to play mini golf with some new friends. Upon arriving at the first hole Ryan, always ready to get the laughter going, immediately imitated Happy Gilmore’s unique style, crow-hopping his first putt and holding his putter hockey-style. His fellow campers found this hilarious, of course, and immediately began calling him ‘Happy’.
In the eight summers that followed, and in the years since, Ryan was known to many exclusively as Happy.
Happy taught us how to ‘Seek the Joy of Being Alive.’ His memory lives on in all of us who knew him.
Your donation will honor Happy’s memory by helping to send boys aged 9-16 to Belknap for years to come. Help us sustain the joy.
Colin Brown Recipient
In 2008, Ryan was awarded the Colin Brown award, which is presented in memory of Colin H. Brown to the Leader Corps Member(s) who exhibit most strongly Colin’s outstanding traits of attitude and dependability.
Leaders in Training, Summer 2009
Don’t let it be forgot that once there was a spot for one brief shining moment that was known as Camelot.