A Lifetime of Memories Inspires a Gift to Camp Erdman

Dr. John Corboy, a retired ophthalmologist and founder of the Hawaiian Eye Center, vividly recalls the summer he spent at YMCA Camp Erdman at just ten years old. “It was a magnificent experience—a pivotal moment in my young life,” he reflects. “Living in a cabin with 11 other energetic boys and our counselor taught me invaluable lessons about myself and the world.”

Dr. Corboy fondly remembers the unique charm of Camp Erdman—from its breathtaking natural surroundings to its tight-knit, communal spirit. Meals were a highlight, served family-style with campers competing for neatness and good manners. “Each cabin had its own waiter and dietitian,” he laughs. “The reward for the cleanest cabin? Seconds on dessert and a trophy.” These simple traditions created lifelong bonds and a sense of belonging.

While Camp Erdman provided plenty of fun and games, it also offered life-shaping lessons in responsibility, resilience, and community. “Bringing together kids from different backgrounds helped us grow,” Dr. Corboy says. “There were moments of challenge, but what I learned about friendship, teamwork, and facing adversity has stayed with me ever since.”

Now, as Camp Erdman approaches its 100th anniversary in 2026, Dr. Corboy is paying it forward with a generous gift to help restore and improve camp’s aging infrastructure. His contribution will support critical repairs to cabins, facilities, and systems that have weathered decades of use by generations of campers.

“Camp Erdman gave me one of the most meaningful experiences of my childhood,” he says. “I want to make sure that future generations have that same opportunity—and that the physical place itself is strong and sustainable for years to come.”

Dr. Corboy believes that preserving places like Camp Erdman is more important than ever. “Young people need spaces like this—away from screens and distractions—where they can connect with nature, with each other, and with themselves,” he says. “It’s a gift we should all want to protect.”

He encourages others who have fond memories of Camp Erdman to consider giving back. “If it changed your life, as it did mine, now’s the time to make sure it can continue to do the same for someone else.”

Thanks to Dr. Corboy’s generosity, Camp Erdman will continue to be a safe, welcoming, and inspiring place for Hawaiʻi’s youth for generations to come.

To read more about Dr. Corboy’s adventures—including his time at camp—check out his autobiography, The Life and Times of ‘Little Johnny Corboy,’ Volume 1.