Fireside Chats at
Established 1925 Camp Daggett
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03001 Church Road
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Petoskey, Michigan 49770
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www.campdaggett.org
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Fall 2016
From The Desk of The Executive Director: ne of the best ways to identify and share Camp Daggett’s Mission is through the eyes of a child. In this particular case, through the words of a child. The Boyne City Kiwanis Club hosts an annual writing contest called the Eddie Essay Contest. Each 5th grade Boyne City participant selects a local charity in which they would like to gift monetary support if they were chosen as an essay winner. Upon winning, each winner is invited to an awards ceremony and asked to take the podium and read their composition in front of all those in attendance. I am proud and pleased to introduce Mr. Will Brown, first runnerup, for his Camp Daggett essay while representing the Boyne City Elementary School. In short, here is Will’s award winning Eddie Essay - word for word!
look for the letter that I’m going. It’s one of my favorite things to do in the summer. But some kids don’t get that joy. I think it’s important that all kids get the opportunity to experience summer camp, especially Camp Daggett.
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WIll BROWN, FIRST RUNNER-UP EDDIE ESSAY CONTEST
Camp Daggett
get to camp the counselors always give you a warm welcome into your cabin. The reason I would like to donate to Camp Daggett is so other kids can go at a reduced cost. All kids should go to Camp Daggett because it is an amazing experience and there are few things better to do during the summer. If I were a kid whose parents couldn’t afford the cost off camp and my friends were going I would be sad knowing the adventure that would be missed.
Camp Daggett is a place where boys and girls can go for one week during the summer. While at camp you can go fishing, kayaking, sailing, swimming and much more. You can learn about art, nature and sports too. When you
The reason I chose this charity is because I’ve gone there 2 years now and I know how much fun it is. Every time I go there I find something new to look forward to. When my mom signs me up for Camp Daggett every week after that I
Eddie Essay
By: Will Brown, 3-3-16
More in this issue ...
Camp Registration Coming up!
Another one of the reasons I choose Camp Daggett is because my dad was a counselor at the camp. My mom was also a consultant for See-North when it had its office there. She sometimes volunteers there, too. My uncle used to be a facilitator for the ropes course and I would love to do it. In conclusion, I choose Camp Daggett as my charitable organization so someone else can go there for less money, if they are deserving of it. Those kids who cannot afford the full tuition don’t worry about if they’re going to get into Camp Daggett, their worry, in many cases is if they will get food tonight or lunch tomorrow.
Will Brown won second place and donated his prize of $150 to the Camp Daggett Summer Camp Scholarship Fund. Will Brown truly exemplifies our motto, “The Other Fellow First.”
CDAC in Photos
Proudly submitted, Brent A. Marlatt Executive Director
Fundraiser Results
VE SA The
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Monday, January 02, 2017 Registration Form sent to 2016 campers.
Wednesday, January 04, 2017 Registration Forms delivered to Chamber of Commerce offices in Charlevoix and Emmet counties
Friday, January 06, 2017 Registration Form available on website on the Summer Camp tab.
Director Award Winners Summer of 2016 Week #1 June 19th - June 25th Erin Timmis (13) Week #2 June 26th- July 2nd Isabella DeBord-Peters (14) Week #3 July 3rd- July 9th Madeline Hass (14) Week #4 July 10th- 16th Quinn MacDonald (12) Week #5 July 17th- 23rd Eli Bennett (13) Week #6 July 24th- 30th Philip Valentic (14) Week #7 July 31st- August 6th Nathaniel Wurster (14) Week #8 August 7th- 13th Olivia Cosgrove (12)
Summer Camp Journal ur Summer 2016 was definitely one for the record books. It started in January with camper registration filling up in record time. We almost always fills up; especially the prime weeks, but this year every spot was filled by early March and many weeks had large waiting lists. I was happy for those campers who secured a spot last summer and only wish we had room for more who wanted to come to Daggett for a week. The summer camp season did not disappoint. Every aspect was wonderful; from the fantastic staff members to the marvelous weather, it was a classic summer of fun and excitement on the shores of Walloon. The only unfortunate thing about such a great season is that it went way too fast! In a blink of the eye I was saying so long to our last group of campers and staff.
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Summer camp is such an amazing experience. Every summer our staff gather together and have an absolute ball with over a thousand campers during our eight-week season. I love working with my summer camp staff and I have been blessed over the years with finding so many outstanding staff members. I search all over the state of Michigan and other parts of the country for these wonderful individuals. A little over three years ago I introduced international staff members to camp. The first counselor from abroad I hired was Albert de Vries, he is a college student from the Netherlands; an avid sailor, and he aspires to be a teacher after he finishes his schooling. Albert had such a wonderful time his first summer that he was able to return this year for another season. Albert, like so many of the counselors who work at Daggett loves his role at camp. In a recent post on social media I think Albert says it best about life as a counselor, so in his words…here’s Albert:
Flashback to MY summer ’16 6am. My alarm goes off and I shut it off quickly so it doesn’t wake anyone
else up. I roll onto my back and feel the early morning sun on my face through the fly screen on the window. I breathe and then throw back the covers and jump out of bed. I throw on some clothes, grab my towel and taking extra care not to wake any of the 10 sleeping boys I share my summer home with. During the walk to the showers, I realize how lucky I am. Who else can say they jump out of bed on a Saturday morning after 6 straight days of working 10/12 hours a day and then still have the energy to get up at 6 in the morning and be excitedly looking forward to the day ahead? No, I am not sick. Or drunk. The answer is simple. I lOVE my job. I am a counselor at a summer camp on Walloon lake and I can honestly say it is the best thing I have ever done. Every day I wake up and look out across the beautiful, crystal clear lake that looks like it has come straight off a postcard. I spend my days surrounded by nature, greenery, fresh air and the most inspiring, hilarious, incredible STAFF and CAMPERS. At home all my friends say to me “you’re so lucky to get paid to be on holiday all summer”. They are both right and wrong. Yes, I am lucky but no, I am not on holiday. Working as a camp counsellor is without a doubt the hardest and most exhausting job I have ever done, but it has rewarded me in ways I never imagined possible. Working at camp has given me confidence and energy I desperately needed. Before I left the Netherlands I lost all my focus for school and saw no point of working on my assignments. But when I’m at camp you can find me having dance parties in the middle of the Dining Hall, leading cheers with my boys, walking on stage like a complete idiot with the sole hope of making them smile. Continued Next Page
Continued from last Page ... Camp has given me friends from all across the globe. I have met people of different ages, different cultures, different social classes. I have had deep and meaningful conversations with people, people that mean a lot to me. Some of my closest friends live thousands of miles away but that doesn’t mean I don’t talk to them every day. I have been given the chance to learn new skills I never imagined I would learn I’ve learned how to think on my feet (try planning a campfire with s’mores only to have it rained out with 5 minutes to go and then having to entertain a bunch of disappointed 12-year-olds), to cook over an open flame and to care for someone other than myself. I’ve been introduced to new cultures and had experiences that really cannot compare to anything else. I have travelled to places I never thought of visiting before and had the time of my life. I have learned a lot about the world and also a lot about myself. Camp can change you for the better if you are willing to let it and it will give you memories that last a lifetime.
Yeah, some days are hard. The kids can be grumpy, you might miss home, the chocolate isn’t as good. But the positives outweigh the negatives a million times over. And all the hard work is so incredibly worth it to hear those 7 little words from the kids who have become your family over the past couple of months: (Albert back home on his brother’s Catalina) “I’ll see you again next summer, right?”
I hope to see Albert again next summer as well as many of the other staff members who make Camp Daggett such a meaningful and memorable place for children. I imagine there are many campers already looking forward to next summer at Daggett, I know we are as well. Until then, have a great year and we hope to see you next summer! In the spirit of Daggett, John “JJ” Guirey
Think you would like to get involved with Camp Daggett?! Contact Grace Ketchum to get information on volunteer opportunities! grace.ketchum@campdaggett.org
Camp Daggett
Wish list Items Moderately Used or New Items Greatly Appreciated o Gator/Utility Vehicle/ golf cart o lawn Equipment (aerator, mower, shovels (square and spaded), rakes, etc.)
o 1” or 1.5” Fire hose o large sprinklers that will fit 1” to 1.5” hose o Garden hoses o Men’s Chest Waders: Sizes 10,11,12 o Fertilizer spreader o Heavy duty electrical extension cords o Power/hand tools o Sawzall – reciprocating saw o Tool boxes o 1 adjustable boat trailer 24-28’ for a pontoon o Couch/loveseat o Office chairs for summer camp office o large locking cabinet for summer camp office, (7’x4’x3’) o lamps o End tables o Dressers o Maple Syrup Equipment (spiels, evaporator, etc.) o Screened pop-up tent, 12’ x 12’ o Back Country water filters o Six (6) 14’ ladders (straight) o Ratchet straps for canoe trailer (need 16) o Ice fishing shanty
o Spool of 11 mm dynamic climbing rope o Waterproof camera for wilderness trips o 15 light weight 30 degree sleeping bags o laminator and laminating supplies o Plastic storage boxes o Camping tents, able to sleep 8-10 o Coolers for campouts o Replacement sails for Hunter 461’s o lifejackets for sailing and canoeing programs – (Youth to Adult sizes, vest style preferred) o Fly fishing equipment; rods, reels, fly tying equipment o Spin and bait casting equipment; rods and reels o Arts and Crafts supplies o lacrosse sticks and helmets o log splitter o Binoculars o Discs for Disc Golf o large Water tanks (200 gallon+) o Step ladders o Buddy heaters o Electric heaters o Animal live traps o Tarps o Clean wood chips o Residential refrigerators o Rain barrels
If you would like to give your support by purchasing or donating a wish list item, please contact Brent Marlatt at 231-347-9742 x 106.
Camp Daggett Adventure Center Captured
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or the last several months the Camp Daggett Adventure Center has been buzzing with activity. From our exciting and varied wilderness excursions over the summer season, to the chance to share new programs in leadership with fellow experiential educators at a conference in Kalamazoo, to our numerous team building opportunities and school climate programs with area northern Michigan schools; the programs and offerings at the CDAC are better than ever! We wanted to take the opportunity to share with you some of the great things happening at the Adventure Center and what better way to do that than with some wonderful images of the last few months. Enjoy! See you on the trail,
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Karen Marietti & Drew Baar
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CDAC Directors
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WIlDERNESS PATHFINDERS HEAD DOWN THE TRAIl ON NORTH MANITOU ISlAND. A “BEAR’S SHARE” OF WIlD BlUEBERRIES ENJOYED ON THE SHORES OF lAKE SUPERIOR. CONFERENCE GOERS PARTICIPATE IN OUR PATHFINDER: ExPlORATIONS IN lEADERSHIP PROGRAM. KAREN TAlKS WITH CONFERENCE PARTICIPANTS DURING OUR lEADERSHIP SEMINAR. PARTICIPANTS WORK ON THEIR PERSONAl lEADERSHIP MAPS AT A CONFERENCE IN KAlAMAzOO. DREW WORKS WITH PETOSKEY STUDENTS AT CENTRAl ElEMENTARY SCHOOl AS A PART OF OUR SCHOOl ClIMATE PROGRAM. #7 - EllSWORTH COMMUNITY SCHOOl; OUR NEWEST PARTNER IN THE SCHOOl ClIMATE PROGRAM UTIlIzES THE FUll VAlUE AGREEMENT AS THEY WElCOME STUDENTS TO A NEW YEAR. #8 - A GROUP WORKS TOGETHER TO “NOODlE” OUT A SOlUTION DURING OUR “PIPElINE” ACTIVITY. #9 - A HAPPY ClIMBER REACHING NEW HEIGHTS. #10 - WIlDERNESS CAMPERS GATHERING AROUND THEIR CAMPSITE. #11 - YOUNG PARTICIPANTS WORKING HARD AT A lOW ROPES INITIATIVE CAllED THE “WHAlEWATCH.”
It Takes a Community hen it comes to Camp Daggett it takes many “communities”. Camp Daggett has been around for over 91 years. That would not have been possible if it had not been for all the support it has received over the years. Our “communities” include service clubs of Charlevoix and Emmet counties, members of the Walloon Lake Association, Walloon Lake Conservancy and Walloon Lake Country Club, schools, organizations and churches of Charlevoix and Emmet counties, the many campers and their families that have participated in summer camp through the years and others that have participated in Camp Daggett programs, events and activities. In addition the two local community foundations, the Charlevoix County Community Foundation (CCCF) and the Petoskey-Harbor Springs Community Foundation (PHSACF), have been wonderful supporters along with a number of other private donors, family and corporate funds. We depend on these “communities” to provide financial support and volunteers.
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2016 has seen tremendous support both financially and with our volunteer base. In January and February Bearcub Outfitters of Petoskey sponsors snowshoe demos and the
Torchlight Snowshoe events. These are free to the public to participate due to the generosity of Bearcub Outfitters. They provide a number of raffle items and there is a donation jar. Close to 1,000 individuals of all ages participated and over $2,500 was raised for camper scholarships this year. In addition to all of the Bearcub staff there were over 40 volunteers that helped those evenings. In March the Camp Daggett Father Son Weekend brought over 50 participants to enjoy a weekend together. There were activities from building birdhouses to learning to play harmonicas. Again we had a number of volunteers helping to make this a great success. In May the Mother Daughter Weekend had 60 participants and their activities included indoor and outdoor activities including learning to play harmonicas as well. There was a crew of volunteers that helped with this event also. In June, the 13th Annual Golf Benefit was held at the Walloon Lake Country Club. This was the most successful golf benefit in the history of the event, thanks to the efforts of several key volunteers! There were 96 golfers, 27 volunteers and 34 additional guests for the cocktail hour, auctions and dinner! This event is done to raise scholarship
he Charlevoix County Community Foundation (CCCF) provided funding for the replacement of some of the park benches around Camp Daggett. The old ones had fallen apart in many cases and were beyond repair. They were getting so rough that our campers could get scratches and slivers off of them. The new ones are made of a composite material that requires little or no maintenance and are expected to last for many years. They became the seat of choice for many campers and staff this summer!
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dollars for children to participate in Camp Daggett programs. Just over $100,000 was raised. This would not have been possible without the support of our volunteers, the Walloon Lake Country Club, sponsors, auction item donors and all who participated. We cannot say “thank you” enough times!! In July the 8th Annual Kayak for a Cause on Walloon Lake was held. This is a two day event, although the weather made the 2nd day a shorter one than usual. 23 kayakers participated in the paddle around the lake. Between the raffle of a kayak donated by The Outfitter of Harbor Springs, the sponsorships, money raised by kayakers, dock flags sold and donations, over $19,000 was raised! In addition, $5,500 from the Golf Benefit was raised through cart sponsors, who each sponsored a kayaker by sponsoring a cart. This event specifically raises money to support the Camp Daggett Adventure Center (CDAC) and its programs. Many of the dollars raised go to provide scholarships for youth serving groups and schools to participate in CDAC programs. Kayak for a Cause on Walloon Lake was a great success thanks to the kayakers, volunteers and all that supported this event through their sponsorship and
The Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation (PHSACF) helped Camp Daggett provide more rhythm and music to Camp Daggett with the tuning of the piano and the purchase of music and musical instruments. This is a resource that will be available for not just the summer campers but other groups as well that participate throughout the year. Both the Father Son Weekend and the Mother Daughter Weekend saw participants learning to play harmonicas this year as well.
contributions. Many of our supporters for this event are members of the Walloon Lake Association and the Walloon Lake Conservancy. Service clubs who have adopted a cabin at Camp Daggett help out annually with getting cabins ready for summer campers and in some instances provide additional dollars for equipment and scholarships. They have done this for many years. Camp Daggett would not exist without the support and participation of all of these “communities”. If you have missed an opportunity to contribute this year, there is still time. Camp Daggett has not traditionally done an Annual Appeal, but we will be sending one out in October. This will be for general support. Camp Daggett is a wonderful resource for all and to maintain it is a formidable undertaking. The Board of Trustees and staff of Camp Daggett feel that they have a responsibility to assure that this resource is here for generations to come. We can only do this with your continued help and support. If you wish to volunteer or contribute, please contact Grace Ketchum, Development Director at grace.ketchum@campdaggett. org, 231-347-9742 x 118, or 231-373-0520 (cell).
In addition the CCCF provided support for the purchase of Crazy Creek chairs for the wilderness campers, a new shed to store summer camp equipment and a new archery range for summer camp. The PHSACF has provided funding for the development of a new and improved website. These are all in the process of being completed. We will have more about these in the Spring 2017 newsletter along with pictures.
Kayak for a 13th Annual Cause Golf Benefit 8th Annual
on Walloon Lake
Thankyou 2016 Paddle Sponsors
Platinum Sponsor: Bear Cove Marina Gold Sponsors: Walloon Central Power Sports & Marine, The Outfitter of Harbor Springs, Bulmann Dock and Lift & Personal Graphics Silver Sponsors: Burt Lake Marina, Bearcub Outfitter of Petoskey, Columbia Sportswear, Evening Star Joinery, Fustini’s Oils & Vinegars, Harbor Brenn Insurance, Michigan Lake Products, Michigan Lake Products, Ryde Marine & Walloon Lake Association Bronze Sponsors: Dr. Patrick Alguire, Chemical Bank & Edgewater Design Group
2016 Kayaking Crew
Ryde Marine for kayak rentals and letting us borrow their trailer to get them to the kayakers. Charlie Withoeft, Maintenance Director, for picking up and Brent Marlatt for returning them. Camp Daggett for a Saturday morning brunch. The MCcMurrays for hosting Saturday dinner. Fustini’s and Kilwin’s for providing the snacks for the “We Did It Party.” Walloon Lake Association for providing Sunday lunch and Rick and Donna Gross for providing a place to have lunch. Bear Cove Marina for use of their launch site and picnic area. Brent Marlatt, Jerry Hepner, Drew Baar and Bob Esford for manning the spotter boat
2016 Steering Committee
Bob Esford, Co-Chair. John Heinzelman,Co-Chair. Karen Marietti, CDAC Director. Margaret Bowers, Liaison to the Marketing Committee. Laurie Ford. Mary Ling. Laurie McMurray. Beth Rynbrandt. John Scholten. Jon Wilcox
2016 Kayaking Team KAYKER
SPONSOR
Catherine Bair
Kilwin’s
Kristen Bates
Boyne Marathon
Enos Bacon
Terry & Kathleen Kittleson
Jennifer Dilworth
CREATE Community Arts
Mike Farrimond
East Jordan Rotary
Jim Ford
Harbor Springs (Silver)
Laurie Ford
Evening Star Joinery
Kathleen Harter
Kiwanis of Little Traverse Bay
Karie Jeisel
John DiMartino
Sarah Klebba
ProClean North
Meagan Krzywosinski
Charlevoix Kiwanis
Mary Ling
Ginop Sales
Karen Marietti
Inspired Living
Brandon Morrill
Stone Funeral Home
Viviana Pawlick
The Print Shop
Jock Rader
Bella Vita Restaurant
Joyce Riordan
Mitchell Graphics
Shari Saddison
ODAWA Casino Resort
John Scholten
PHS Class of 56 for Clark Ketchum
Nicole Seymour
Petoskey Plastics
Lisa Stempky
Wequetonsing Cottage Care
Lisa Ford Walsh
Mason & Kammermann
Justin Weisler
Boyne Valley Lions Club
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
The Camp Daggett Thirteenth Annual Golf Benefit broke all records for participation and funds raised. It was a tremendous success thanks to the
support from sponsors, contributors, participants and volunteers. Funds raised this year were more than double what was raised in 2015! 96 golfers enjoyed lunch before teeing off to play a round of golf at Walloon Lake Country Club, an exclusive private golf course located on Walloon Lake. After golf the golfers were joined by friends and family for cocktails, silent and live auctions and a fabulous dinner, hosted by the Walloon Lake Country Club. Prior to dinner Katlyn Smith shared with those present what Camp has meant to her as a camper and how she raises dollars for scholarships for other children by selling lemonade. Funds raised from the Golf Benefit provide scholarships for children and youth to attend Summer Camp and participate in year-round programming with the Camp Daggett Adventure Center. We also wish to thank all of our generous donors and supporters for your ongoing commitment to Camp Daggett. As we celebrate 91 years of providing memorable experiences for children we want to thank the many individuals and organizations who have given of their time, energy and resources to help ensure that Camp Daggett will be here to benefit future generations. The smiles on the faces of these children are proof that your investment is making a difference. If you would like to know how you can help or wish to contribute, please contact Grace Ketchum, 231347- 9742 x 118, grace.ketchum@campdaggett.org.
THANK YOU TO OUR EVENT SPONSORS AND CONTRIBUTORS SPECIAL THANK YOU
HOLE-IN- ONE SPONSORS
Ralph and Patti Miesel Terry and Laurie Marrs Ron and Cathy Scriven Walloon Lake Country Club
Fletch’s GMC Buick Audi of Petoskey Irish Boat Shop
50/50 AND “FUND THE MISSION” SPONSOR Ralph and Patti Miesel
DINNER SPONSORS KorthaseFlinn Insurance and Financial Service “One Man’s Opinion” – Jerry Donnelly and Friends
LUNCHEON SPONSOR Joe and Muriel Alexandrowski EJ USA (East Jordan Iron Works) Ralph and Patti Miesel
COCKTAIL RECEPTION SPONSOR Friends and Family of Clark “Sam” Ketchum
TEE SPONSORS Steve and Renee Alexandrowski Jim and Marcia Bonahoom Dave Kring Chevolet Cadillac Jeffery and Catharine Lowe HFP, LLC (Burns Clinic) Hill Schroderus and Co Ralph and Patti Miesel Personal Graphics Mike and Bobbie Tweddle W.W. Fairbairn & Sons
MONEY SHOT CHALLENGE Don and Margaret Austin Brown Motors
PUTTING CONTEST 4 Front Credit Union Charlevoix Rotary Club
CART SPONSORS Cart sponsors are also sponsors of kayakers for Kayak for a Cause on Walloon Lake, July 1-17, 2016 Bella Vita of Boyne City ( Jock Rader, kayaker) Boyne City Marathon (next to Family Fare) (Kristin Bates, kayaker) Boyne Valley Lions Club ( Justin Weisler, kayaker) Charlevoix Kiwanis Youth Foundation (Meagan Krzywosinski, kayaker) CREATE Community Arts Studio (NEED A KAYAKER!) John and Ann DiMartino (Karie Jeisel, kayaker) East Jordan Rotary (Mike Farrimond, kayaker) Evening Star Joinery, Inc. (Laurie Ford, kayaker) Ginop Sales (Mary Ling, kayaker) Inspired Living (Karen Marietti, kayaker) Kilwin’s Quality Confections, Inc. (Catherine Bair, kayaker) Terry and Kathleen Kittleson (Sue Bouwense, kayaker) Kiwanis of Little Traverse Bay (NEED A KAYAKER!) Mason & Kammermann, P.C. (Lee Ford Walsh, kayaker) Mitchell Graphics ( Joyce Riordan, kayaker) Odawa Casino Resort (Shari Saddison, kayaker) Petoskey Plastics ( Greg Brown, kayaker) PHS Class of 56 in memory of Clark “Sam” Ketchum ( John Scholten, kayaker) The Print Shop (Viviana Pawlick, kayaker) ProClean North (Sarah Klebba, kayaker) Stone Funeral Home (Brandon Morrill, kayaker) Wequetonsing Cottage Care (Lisa Stempky, kayaker)
Anyone interested in kayaking or in supporting a kayaker can go to the website, www.campdaggett.org and register or get more information.
CONTRIBUTORS 1911 Restaurant at The Terrace Inn, Bay View American Spoon Foods Arcadia Bluffs The Bay View Association Bella Vita, Boyne City Birchwood Farms Golf Club
“The Other Fellow First”
Blarney Castle Oil-EZ Mart, Shawn Gray Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Board of Trustees Boyne USA (Solace Spas and Bay Harbor Golf Club) Camp Daggett Camp Store Chestnut Valley Golf Course Mark Dudenhoeffer Fletch’s of Petoskey Gordon’s Food Service The Grand Hotel Harbor Point Country Club Pete Kelbel, Golf Professional, WLCC Grace Ketchum Kilwin’s Quality Confections Lilac Tree Hotel, Mackinac Island Scott McKenzie, Auctioneer Maple River Pub and Golf Club Meyer Ace Hardware Millie’s on Main, Mackinac Island Petoskey Bay View Country Club Petoskey Brewing Company Plath’s Meats Michelle Prentice Sky’s the Limit Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry Joe Stakoe Ralph and Mike Stowe Thunder Bay Golf and Resort Walloon Lake Country Club Wequetonsing Country Club White Cedar Rustics Yankee Rebel Tavern, Mackinac Island
GOLF BENEFIT COMMITTEE Crystal Blumke Jerry Donnelly Grace Ketchum Brent Marlatt Laurie Marrs Ralph Miesel Brian Sanderson Amanda Truman Joe Villemure
Established 1925 03001 Church Rd • Petoskey, MI 49770 • (231) 347-9742 • www.campdaggett.org
The lodge “log”
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amp Daggett is more than a summer camp. We are open all year offering a variety of programs. One of the areas available is our beautiful lodge. As we approach the end of the year, we look back at the groups we have served and the many activities we sponsor. This is important, because it allows us to remain true to our mission of “The Other Fellow First” with focus on our community. The “other fellows” included a wide variety of groups from all over Michigan. We begin in March with a discussion about Maple Syrup. Yes, Camp makes syrup. Syrup is made by boiling sap which contains about 3% sugar until it gets to a concentration of 66% sugar. Pretty simple, but it requires a lot of sap to make that 100% Real Maple Syrup with a bottle. It requires around 35 gallons of sap to make 1 gallon of syrup with the other 34 gallons being removed as steam. We started producing syrup here at camp about 10 years ago with only 4 trees being tapped and cooking the sap in a large kettle from the kitchen on our outside grill. We produced a half gallon of syrup that first year. This year we tapped right around 350 trees and produced about 70 gallons of syrup. We have a homemade
evaporator that is 15’ long by 5’ wide but we still use 5 gallon buckets to collect the sap from the trees. If you are around next March or early April, please stop by and see all the buckets hanging on the trees at camp. Be warned though, we may try to recruit you to help collect buckets from the trees! March is also when we have our annual Father/Son Weekend. We are looking for fathers, step-fathers, grandfathers, Big Brothers, and their littles who want to enjoy some quality time together. The activities include ice fishing, fly tying, nature study, maple syrup production, and our Adventure Center (CDAC). The Harbor Springs Outdoor Club will be back running archery. I am not sure what the Michigan Department of Natural Resources will bring this year, but they are always very popular, educational, and fun. You will learn all about bird hunting from Pleasantview Kennels, including a live bird dog demonstration. Be prepared for our weekend menu that includes a variety of wild game dishes. If you know of anyone that would like to participate in next year’s event on March 10-12, 2017, please call me at 231-347-9742 ext.112. Space is limited. We also host our own Mother/ Daughter Weekend in May. It includes yoga, nature hikes,
rock climbing, pontoon boat rides, CDAC activities, and great food. Next year’s event will be May 13-15, 2017. Mothers, stepmothers, grandmothers, or “Big Sisters” and littles aged 7-17, who want to spend some quality time together, please call Grace Ketchum at 231-3479742 ext. 118 to learn more about this special weekend at Camp Daggett. We hosted a variety of school groups this past 6 months. This spring included the Atlanta Schools conducting a 3 day science camp. May brought us the Pellston Public Schools 6th grade and Sanborn Elementary from Alpena. These schools participated in our Adventure Center, while spending the overnight in our lodge. We finished May with the Boyne City Middle School for their annual mini summer camp with around 100 children enjoying 3 days of camp. This was their 20th year using Camp Daggett for this fun and educational experience. This newsletter would not be complete if I did not talk about our Special Needs Camps. We were visited by New Campus from Traverse City and our local Char-Em Intermediate School District. The children enjoyed boat and hay rides, singing by the campfire, catching frogs at the nature pond, and of course a fun educational day at the CDAC. Camp is a great place to host a party. This year he had a couple High School Senior Post Graduation Parties, a 25th Wedding Anniversary Party, a Baby Shower, and a wedding. After a great 9 weeks of summer camp we hosted 2 women college soccer teams; Davenport University and Alma College. These 3 day training camps included team building at CDAC.
Fall also brought us St. Francis Elementary from Petoskey and the Petoskey Middle School Student Council. These children came away with some great memories besides many lessons learned. The Sault Tribe of Chippewa Native Americans returned again this Fall to conduct a youth retreat here at camp that included our team building program at CDAC. Another Native American group, Joseph K lumsden Bahweting from Sault Sainte Marie, attended camp for 3 days. 108 children enjoyed canoeing, swimming, making smoked fish and breads over an open fire, and had some great learning experiences at CDAC. Although we are a children’s camp, we do host corporate groups here for conferences and seminars. One such group that meets here is leadership little Traverse, a group of local business leaders who start their year-long leadership program with a retreat at camp. We also had EJ Iron Works and Irish Boat Shop holding conferences in our lodge on beautiful Walloon lake. The Rotary Club Foreign Exchange Students were back again this year. There were 27 high school students from around the world, plus their sponsors, spending a weekend at camp to get orientated for the year to come. I believe this makes 23 years that they have been our guest. We are always looking to host additional groups and if you are interested in using Camp Daggett, please call Ed leverenz at 231-347-9742 ext. 112. Thanks for reading, Thank you very much, Ed leverenz Facilities Manager
Our Newsletter, Wish list and Event Acknowledgements are all available on our website for you or your friends’ convenience.
03001 Church Road Petoskey, Michigan 49770 Phone: (231) 347-9742 E-Mail: camp.info@campdaggett.org Website: www.campdaggett.org Return Service Requested now Us K let .org ing? ett Mov dagg You .camp w ww
Non-Profit U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 122 Petoskey, MI 49770
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Please visit us online for additional information and year-round updates at www.campdaggett.org. Thank you!
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