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Camp Daggett 03001 Church Road Petoskey, Michigan 49770 www.campdaggett.org Fall 2014 Fireside Chats at Established 1925 From The Desk of The Executive Director: S tatistics would prove that, overall, autumn is the favorite and most popular season when referencing national polls. I guess that I would also be part of this particular statistic. However, I do appreciate all seasons and most certainly respect the variety of elements that accompany each one of them. Our four seasons are unique in their own respective ways. Subsequently, in my strong opinion, autumn trumps the other three by ushering-in fall harvests, crisp cool air, and one of Mother Nature’s most brilliant spectacles, especially in our northern hemisphere laden with a variety of deciduous trees along with one exceptional conifer, the Eastern tamarack. Yes, the Larix laricina is the only true deciduous conifer that we have in our northern woods. I wonder if all the other conifer species subliminally snicker and ridicule this tree for doing such a strange thing each fall. “Huh, to disrobe and shed one’s needles – how absurd!” Dare to be different ...... But then again, I wonder if all the other conifer species first admire and marvel at its striking, nearly fluorescent, gold needles just prior to them gently trickling to the forest floor? Dare to be different ..... The Camp Daggett organization is not deciduous in nature (pun intended), nor do we lose our needles in the fall season. Yes, we are all thankful for lacking both of these happenstances. However, we do dare to be different in many ways. For example, how many residential youth programs in our neck of the woods have the luxury of enjoying a shoreline on one of Michigan’s most premiere inland lakes – Walloon Lake? Not many, but there are a select few. How many regional residential youth programs survived the trials and tribulations of World War I, The Great Depression, World War II, and in most recent history - the Great Recession? Again, not very many, but there are a few still remaining. As this pool of eligible candidates to the questions being asked gets smaller and smaller, here are a few more inquiries to ponder. How many residential youth programs had campers from 23 different states in 2014? And out of those programs, how many have remained true to their core traditional youth programming for 90 years? Hey, if it isn’t broke – why fix it? Now, here is the kicker. Are you ready for this one? Out of those programs, how many have remained technology- free for the well-being of its campers in order to ensure meaningful and memorable experiences exempt from the distractions of digital dementia? All fingers point to Camp Daggett. Approaching nine decades now, we have dared to be different in order to stand true to our mission statement. That statement being, “A tradition since 1925 of providing quality character building experiences through educational and recreational programs in a safe, fun environment; serving all ages with an emphasis on youth.” Keep in mind that the word “normal” is only a setting on the washing machine. Dare to be different ! Yours in service, Brent A. Marlatt Executive Director More in this issue . . . . . . See Inside CDAC Promotes Positive School Climate Memories of Camp Daggett by Clark Ketchum Director’s Award Winners

Camp Daggett Fall 2014 Newsletter

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Camp Daggett has provided meaningful and memorable recreational experiences for the young and young at heart for over 88 years. Embracing its values of respect, teamwork, caring and fun, Camp Daggett offers year-round programs from summer camp for youth to Adventure Programs for young people and adults. The Camp Daggett facilities are available to the public for events and activities as well. Camp Daggett maintains more than 1,400 feet of lake frontage on beautiful Walloon Lake and 118 acres of forests, wetlands and meadows. If you’re looking to get away and enjoy the great outdoors, or need a place to reflect and relax, Camp Daggett is the “home” you’ve been looking for. For more information, visit www.campdaggett.com.

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Page 1: Camp Daggett Fall 2014 Newsletter

Camp Daggett • 03001 Church Road • Petoskey, Michigan 49770 • www.campdaggett.org • Fall 2014

Fireside Chatsat

Established 1925

From The Desk of The Executive Director:

Statistics would prove that, overall, autumn is the favorite and most popular season when

referencing national polls. I guess that I would also be part of this particular statistic. However, I do appreciate all seasons and most certainly respect the variety of elements that accompany each one of them. Our four seasons are unique in their own respective ways. Subsequently, in my strong opinion, autumn trumps the other three by ushering-in fall harvests, crisp cool air, and one of Mother Nature’s most brilliant spectacles, especially in our northern hemisphere laden with a variety of deciduous trees along with one exceptional conifer, the Eastern tamarack. Yes, the Larix laricina is the only true deciduous conifer that we have in our northern woods. I wonder if all the other conifer species subliminally snicker and ridicule this tree for doing such a strange thing each fall. “Huh, to disrobe and shed one’s needles – how absurd!” Dare to be different...... But then again, I wonder if all the other conifer species first admire and marvel at its striking, nearly fluorescent, gold needles just prior to them gently trickling to the forest floor? Dare to be different.....

The Camp Daggett organization is not deciduous in nature (pun intended), nor do we lose our needles in the fall

season. Yes, we are all thankful for lacking both of these happenstances. However, we do dare to be different in many ways. For example, how many residential youth programs in our neck of the woods have the luxury of enjoying a shoreline on one of Michigan’s most premiere inland lakes – Walloon Lake? Not many, but there are a select few. How many regional residential youth programs survived the trials and tribulations of World War I, The Great Depression, World War II, and in most recent history - the Great Recession? Again, not very many, but there are a few still remaining. As this pool of eligible candidates to the questions being asked gets smaller and smaller, here are a few more inquiries to ponder. How many residential youth programs had campers from 23 different states in 2014? And out of those programs, how many have remained true to their core traditional youth programming for 90 years? Hey, if it isn’t broke – why fix it? Now, here is the kicker. Are you ready for this one? Out of those programs, how many have remained technology-free for the well-being of its campers in order to ensure meaningful and memorable experiences exempt from the distractions of digital dementia? All fingers point to Camp Daggett. Approaching nine decades now, we have dared to be different in order to

stand true to our mission statement. That statement being, “A tradition since 1925 of providing quality character building experiences through educational and recreational programs in a safe, fun environment; serving all ages with an emphasis on youth.”

Keep in mind that the word “normal” is only a setting on the washing

machine. Dare to be different!

Yours in service,Brent A. Marlatt Executive Director

More in this issue . . .

. . .See InsideCDAC Promotes Positive School Climate

Memories of Camp Daggett by Clark Ketchum

Director’s Award Winners

Page 2: Camp Daggett Fall 2014 Newsletter

Every day I feel blessed to work at a place that promotes feelings of acceptance, self-worth, and

teaches youth and adults to be more willing to accept the opinions and ideas of others, as well as appreciate that all people have value and can participate in peaceful solutions to problem solving. At the Camp Daggett Adventure Center (CDAC) we help people realize their potential as well as the group’s power for good.

Lately, when given the opportunity to work with the groups at the CDAC, I consistently hear about “how cool this place is” from the participants. When confronted with this statement I will ask them what makes it so cool? And inevitably they will respond that it has a high and low ropes course. What is fascinating is that they do not realize or mention that without their group here this place is just a building with a bunch of ropes, cables, and wood. The ‘cool’ is added when the people show up and are asked to put technology aside for a day and work on building relationships with those around them. I also believe that a large component to making the CDAC a ‘cool’ place is the staff, and while we often would rather be in the background of the group, to let their opportunities shine through; it is hard to deny the value of their contributions. Anyone who attends

one of our programs is exposed to a special type of leadership shared through our staff members that helps them create an exceptional experience for their group. As a result, we get to experience many special and ‘cool’ moments here at the CDAC, and some of these experiences are tabulated below - written by participants and staff members.

n Several years ago, I was working with a group of participants with various physical disabilities. There was a young man who had been in a wheel chair all his life and really wanted to try the zip-line. We all gathered around and were able to hoist him up to the platform. He was SO excited and smiling from ear to ear just to get out of his wheelchair. After he was hooked up at the top, he didn’t hesitate a moment. You could have heard his happy cries across Walloon Lake. “I’m flying!, I’m flying!” His joy was unbridled. He profusely thanked everyone again and again for “the best day in my life!” Everyone was laughing and crying with him. We take for granted those things we do every day with little effort or thought. Everyone has different skills and abilities. Working together, we helped him “fly,” he helped us learn to appreciate the small things in life.

n Upon entering the CDAC I will admit to some nervousness, our leaders for the day quickly put my tensions at ease.

They were warm, friendly and presented a professional, qualified demeanor. On more than one occasion I looked at our leader while our group stumbled through a solution to the task before us. They maintained a therapeutic silence and gave us time to sort the problem out for ourselves, stepping in only occasionally with a word of advice or clarification. We were able to learn that we had the answers if we all worked together and stopped waiting for someone else to fix the problem.

n After a day of doing trust activities on the field, low element team challenges, and individual high ropes challenges a student remarked that this was one of her best days at school. People were nice and decided to support each other instead of putting others down. It felt comfortable and even when the adults were not around we were able to solve problems and work as a team. It felt great to be included and I felt like I was making a difference for the team.

All of these stories illustrate the power of the team and the relationships we can build with each other when we realize that what we hold in our hearts is so much more powerful then what we hold in our hands.

See you at the CDAC,Karen & DrewCDAC Directors

CDAC Promotes Positive School Climate

DREW BAAR, CDAC ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

FACILITATES A POSITIvE SCHOOL CLIMATE PROGRAM

TO AREA YOUTH

THE INDOOR FACILITY, CAMP DAGGETT ADvENTURE CENTER

(CDAC) IN FULL SWING!

KAREN MARIETTI, CDAC DIRECTOR LEADS A

CORPORATE TEAM BUILDING PROGRAM

Page 3: Camp Daggett Fall 2014 Newsletter

Summer Camp Journal

Ihope this newsletter finds you doing well, and enjoying time with family and friends. I noticed that last week ushered

in the first day of autumn, which can only mean one thing…summer is really over. Now some might say we never really had a summer this year and I might have to agree with you. There were quite a few days when there were more swimmers huddled around the campfire than in the water. Still, no matter how many chilly, drizzly days we had, the resounding opinion from campers was that this was their “best week ever” at Camp Daggett. Of course camp people always think of the last day of summer camp as the end of summer - with the campers gone, sailboats on land, and the swimming raft pulled in; it just doesn’t seem like summer anymore. My staff has all gone back to school, but I know they are already missing camp; some have called or emailed me to chat about some of the great experiences we had this summer. This summer, our staff had an international flair as we had five staff from outside the United States. Two of our volunteers hailed from Germany and one from Mexico. We had two international camp counselors this year; Scotty, from Tasmania, Australia and Albert, from the

Netherlands. It was fun having them all at camp and while I am sure it was a unique experience for them, I can say we all learned a great deal from them as well. Look forward to more staff from “across the pond” in the coming years.

Overall, I was extremely impressed with how wonderful our Camp Daggett staff was this season. My faith in our future is renewed each summer as I work with these young college and high school students. I witness first-hand just how hard they work, and how much they care for your children. This caring mood of the staff has a positive affect on the campers; friendships are formed and memories are made each week in the cabin units around the camp. By Friday, there is a feeling of camaraderie amongst the campers as they prepare for the initiation of new campers, and the eventual end of their camping week.

As I reflect on the 2014 camping season, I am reminded of our motto that has guided us throughout the years, “The Other Fellow First.” Taking care of your fellow human beings and treating them as you would like to be treated is a concept that should never go out of style. I see this “Spirit of Daggett” every day during the summer

from staff members and campers alike. Traditions are strong at Daggett, and each Friday evening we still present one camper with the “Director’s Award” during the initiation ceremony. My area directors meet each week and help select one camper who has demonstrated our motto through their behavior during the week. It is quite an honor to be chosen for this award; the recipient receives a medal and their name is engraved on a plaque that hangs in Mac Hall.

As I end each week with the campers, I ask them to practice our motto, “The Other Fellow First” throughout the year; at home, in school, and in their communities. I always hope they can share this character-building attitude with others they meet. In this small way, they are sharing the, “Spirit of Daggett.” Have a peaceful end to 2014, I hope to see all of you again next summer, on the shores of Walloon.

In the spirit of Daggett,

John “JJ” GuireySummer Camp Director

There are Camp Daggett Endowment Funds in both the Charlevoix County Community Foundation (CCCF) and the Petoskey-Harbor Springs Community Foundation (PHSACF). In addition to giving to Camp Daggett directly, you may also make gifts to either of these endowment funds. For more information you may contact CCCF at (231) 536-2440 or PHSACF at (231) 348-5820. You may also contact Grace Ketchum, Development Director, at Camp Daggett, (231) 347-9742 x 102 or (231) 373-0520 cell.

CHARITABLE GIvING

2014 Camp Daggett Director’s Award Winners

Ashley Lamb (Age 12)

Angelina Knight (Age 14)

Michael Disser (Age 9)

Jasmine Wiatrolik (Age 14)

Jackie Swadling (Age 7)

Emily Delves (Age 14)

Olivia Issa (Age 14)

Marin Matthews (Age 10)

Megan Blake (Age 11)

Page 4: Camp Daggett Fall 2014 Newsletter

Kayak For A Cause On Walloon Lake: An Even BIGGER Splash in 2014!

2014 KAYAKERS AND CREW AFTER THE BIG EvENT

KAREN MARIETTI, CDAC DIRECTOR AND

vISIONARY OF THIS FUN AND SUCCESSFUL EvENT

We, at the CDAC, would also like to thank all of the volunteers and the Walloon Lake Home Owners who purchased flags and cheered on the team as they kayaked by their docks. We would also like to thank Laurie and Mark McMurray who provided a fabulous dinner after the first day of the event, and the following sponsors in support of the event: Bear Cove Marina, Bulmann Dock and Lift, The Outfitter, Walloon Central Power Sports and Marine, Walloon village Marina and Tummy’s, Bearcub Outfitter, Burt Lake Marina, Columbia Sportwear, Evening Star Joinery, Manchester Real Estate, Mason, Kammermann & Rohrback, PC, Michigan Lake Products, Personal Graphics, Ryde Marina, Wallloon Lake Association, Dr. Patrick Alguire, Bahnhof Sport, Bank of Northern Michigan, and Edgewater Design.

So far we have supported over 20 groups and 1,000 students with the funds raised. Thanks again for giving of your time and resources to make this event such a huge success.

Hope to see you all again next year!

Karen MariettiCDAC Director

T he 2014 Kayak for a Cause on Walloon Lake was a wonderful event that would not have happened without our kayakers:

We worked as a team to raise scholarship funds and equipment for the CDAC, accomplishing our goal and raising $52,810 with a match from the Doll Leosel Foundation.

Kristen BatesJodi BrookeMike FarrimondJim FordLaurie FordKarie Jeisel

Mike KilbournMary LingKirk LufkinKristin LufkinBrandon MorrillJack Rader

Joyce RiordanNancy SalarMichelle SulakValerie WilsonMauri WintermeyerTracy Wintermeyer

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

“The Other Fellow First”Established 192503001 Church Rd • Petoskey, MI 49770 • (231) 347-9742 • www.campdaggett.org

The Camp Daggett Eleventh Annual Golf Benefit was a great success thanks to the tremendous support from our sponsors, contributors, participants and volunteers. 80 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. 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. Many individuals and organizations 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, 231-347-9742 x 102, [email protected].

Annual11thGolf Benefit

THANK YOU TO OUR EVENT SPONSORS AND CONTRIBUTORS

SPECIAL THANK YOUWalloon Lake Country Club

Ron and Cathy Scriven

TITLE SPONSORSHIPTeam Captains

Ralph BeebeTom Denewith

Jerry Donnelly, TrusteeMike Farrimond, Trustee

Sandy HamiltonJerry Hepner, Trustee

Clark Ketchum, Trustee Brent Marlatt

DINNER SPONSORSKorthase Flinn Insurance and Financial Service

Ralph and Patti Miesel

LUNCHEON SPONSORSEJ USA

TEE SPONSORSThe Bank of Northern Michigan

The Bay View AssociationThe Charlevoix Rotary Club

Dave Kring Chevrolet CadillacGlen’s Markets

HFP, LLC (Burns Clinic)Hill Schroderus and Co.

Odawa Resort and CasinoPersonal Graphics

The Petoskey Kiwanis ClubW.W. Fairbairn & Sons

MONEY SHOT CHALLENGEBrown Motors

PUTTING CONTESTBay Winds Federal Credit Union

Wequetonsing Cottage Care

HOLE-IN-ONE SPONSORSFletch’s of Petoskey

Irish Boat Shop

CART SPONSORSBoyne City Marathon (next to Glen’s Market)

Boyne Valley Lions ClubCharlevoix Kiwanis Youth Foundation

John DiMartinoEvening Star Joinery, Inc.

Ginop SalesTo Honor Camp Staff (anonymous donor)

Kilwin’s Quality Confections, Inc.Mason, Kammermann & Rohrback, P.C.

Petoskey PlasticsThe Print Shop

CONTRIBUTORSAmerican Spoon Foods Barrel Back Restaurant

Blarney Castle Oil-EZ Mart, Shawn GrayBoyne USA

Café Sante/Red MesaCamp Daggett Adventure Center

Chateau ChantalChestnut Valley Golf Course

The Circus ShopDave Kring Chevrolet CadillacHarry Dixon, Walloon Lake CC

Friske’s OrchardsFustini’s Oils and Vinegars

The Grand Hotel, Mackinac IslandGrand Traverse Pie Company

Julie Guirey, Local ArtistHarbor Point Country Club

Scott McKenzie, AuctioneerMackinaw Trail Winery

Brent Marlatt McLean and Eakin Booksellers

Meyer Ace HardwareNapa Auto Parts

Odawa Casino ResortPetoskey Bay View Country Club

Petoskey Brewing CompanyPlath’s Meats

Pond Hill FarmsPretty Woman BoutiqueBrian Sanderson, PBVCC

Sky’s the LimitShepler’s Mackinac Island FerryShot Makers Golf Center, LLC

Stewie’s StonesRalph and Mike StoweSturgeon River Pottery

Tommy’s of Walloon LakeMike and Ralph Stowe

Michelle PrenticeWalloon Lake Country ClubWequetonsing Country Club

White Cedar Rustics

GOLF BENEFIT COMMITTEE

Bob BokramDeb Brown

Jerry DonnellyCrystal BlumkeGrace KetchumBrent Marlatt

Brian SandersonAmanda Truman

Page 5: Camp Daggett Fall 2014 Newsletter

As we approach the end of the year, we like to look back at the groups we have served.

This is important because it allows us to remain true to our motto of “The Other Fellow First” with focus on our community. The “other fellows” included a wide variety of groups from all over Michigan.

After nine weeks of Summer Camp, we again opened the Lodge for rental. The first group this past fall was “Transition Zone,” a 6-day residential camp for youth with visual impairments operated by a partnership with the Michigan Commission for the Blind and Challenge Mountain. The camp allowed the participants an opportunity to get to know other people with visual impairments and to gain independence techniques and vocational skills that will last a lifetime. The campers kept very busy with activities that included horseback riding thanks to the Exceptional Riders Program, team building initiatives at the Adventure Center, and an actual Prom Night complete with a DJ, decorations, and dancing.

The Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians conducted a youth retreat at Camp that included team building at our Adventure Center, canoeing, a camp-out in our yurt, and lots of fun games and activities.

Although we are primarily a children’s camp, we also 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 program with a retreat and orientation at Camp.

The Rotary Club Foreign Exchange Students were back again this year. There were 24 high school students from a variety of different countries accompanied by their sponsors, spending a weekend at Camp to get orientated for the year to come. I believe this makes 21 years that they have been coming to Camp.

Camp also hosted a wedding at our newly remodeled sailing pavilion that features a beautiful terrace area overlooking Walloon Lake. It was a perfect Fall day with leaves showing a bit of color.

October will bring us an over-night visit by Saint Francis School from Petoskey. They will be learning some team building skills at our Adventure Center. The Petoskey High School will also have a group here spending the night while enjoying the Adventure Center.

We will be ending the 2014 year with the Traverse City High School Basketball Team and South Lyons Ski Team in December.

The second weekend of March will bring our sixth annual Father & Son Weekend. We will be looking for some fathers, step-fathers, grandfathers, “Big Brothers,” and their sons who want to enjoy some quality time together. We will have ice fishing, fly tying, nature study, maple syrup production, and a great time at the Adventure Center. The Harbor Springs Outdoor

Club will be back with archery and paint-ball target ranges. Last year the Michigan Department of Natural Resources provided a trailer that allowed participants a computer-aided simulation hunting experience. Not sure what they might have planned for us next year. And of course, our weekend menu will feature a variety of wild game dishes. If you know of anyone that would like to participate in next year’s event on March 13-15, 2015, please call Ed at 231-347-9742, ext.112. Space is limited, so please don’t delay!

We will also have our fifth annual Mother & Daughter Weekend on May 1-3, 2015. It will include archery, yoga, nature hikes, pontoon boat rides, the adventure center, crafting projects, and some great food. Mothers, stepmothers, grandmothers, or “Big Sisters” and daughters age 7-17, who want to spend some quality time together, please call Julie Guirey at 231-347-9742, ext. 101 to learn more about this special weekend at Camp Daggett.

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.

Thank you very much,Ed Leverenz Facilities Manager

The Lodge “Log”

Page 6: Camp Daggett Fall 2014 Newsletter

My first experience with Camp Daggett was either in 1948 or 1949 when I became a two week camper. I was either in the 5th or 6th grade at that time. I was very thankful for my grandmother who paid the camper fee, enabling me to be with my friends from school. While I had less and didn’t live with parents, attending camp put me on an even footing with so many other young boys. Doing crafts, swimming, softball, tetherball, campfires, chores like peeling potatoes, picking up and garbage removal, being a “jumper” for meals, etc. made this a truly memorable experience. Many of my fond memories as a child came from the time I spent at Camp Daggett.

In the late 50’s and early 60’s I became involved with Camp Daggett again as a member of the Petoskey Jaycees. As Jaycees we took on the responsibility of many tasks for camp; one of these was the repair, painting and installation of the docks and their removal and storage when camp closed. There were many jobs from raking leaves, cleaning out the cabins, painting, etc. that we accomplished. Our club had 45 to 75 young men who were gung-ho for this type of activity and many had children going to camp sessions.

Our club took on building one of the first modern cabins as you come down the drive from the service building area. I would say on average we spent 3 weekends in the spring and one in the fall for this project. The club always hosted a family picnic in the spring for the club members.

In 1963 I was appointed by the Jaycees to be their representative on the Camp Daggett Board of Trustees. At that time I was twenty six years old and had been a member of the Jaycees for five years.

When I attended my first board meeting I was really impressed by the membership of the board.

Persons like Ken Diller from East Jordan, Doug Jardine from Harbor Springs, John DiMartino from Boyne City, Glen Casey, Bill Blanchard, Marilyn O’Neil and Reverend Dudley Burr, etc. from Petoskey.

During the early years on the board, all three of my children, Steve, Crystal and Joe attended Camp Daggett; with Crystal becoming a CIT.

There have been many changes over the 50+ years, but probably the most important one was when we elected to go co-ed staff. We were having such a struggle in obtaining counselors who would only get to work 5 weeks. By going co-ed we could obtain staff for 10 weeks, and for college students this was an important factor. Had we not went to a co-ed camp, I strongly feel that Camp Daggett would have struggled to be a viable asset for the youth of Charlevoix and Emmet counties. The first co-ed staff was hired in 1971. The next big thing was to build new cabins for the girls on the opposite side of the boys. Luckily there was a Federal program called CETA that helped with the labor costs. Art Treloar who had retired from PHS and was an Industrial Arts instructor took charge of this project for the Board, and we ended up with excellent cabins and restroom facilities for the girls. This was started in 1975 and co-ed camping started in 1976.

The next major move was to replace the old dining hall and kitchen. Plans were started around 1987 and by 1990-91 the building was up and running. This gave Camp the opportunity to be a year-round facility rather than one that was used for 10 weeks and then closed down. The concept of being a year-round facility had been discussed by the Board at various times in the twenty years before it happened. We ran some special outdoor education programs in the Spring and Fall beginning in 1983 to see if this was a viable idea, and it was.

As I contemplated what I would write about for this newsletter, I was thinking about how much Camp

Daggett has meant to so many people over the years. They were campers or Board members, volunteers that helped at Camp Daggett or staff, many have sent their children or grandchildren; the common thread being their passion for Camp Daggett and the impact it has had.

My involvement with Camp Daggett began close to 40 years ago. My husband, Clark Ketchum, introduced me to the camp. It was obvious that it was very important to him. Since then I have met so many more people that share his commitment to Camp Daggett. It is an honor to be associated with an organization like Camp Daggett and I feel privileged to be able to work on behalf of Camp Daggett as the Development Director.

I came across something he wrote this past year about his experiences with Camp Daggett. I am going to let him tell the story, since he has served in all of the above mentioned capacities.

Grace Ketchum Development Director

Memories of Camp Daggett by Clark Ketchum, Emeritus Board Member

Continued on Next Page . . .

Page 7: Camp Daggett Fall 2014 Newsletter

“A positive attitude

is a person’s passport

to a better tomorrow.”

— Anonymous

January 2015SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

1 2 3

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

25 26 27 28 29 30 31

“ A diamond is just a piece of charcoal

that handled stress exceptionally well.”— Unknown

Camp Daggettwww.campdaggett.org

New Year’s Day

Martin Luther

King Jr.’s

Birthday

Now Available!

Pick up locally atMcLean & Eakin

307 E. Lake Street, Petoskey

Available Online at www.campdaggett.org

Our Newsletter, Wish List and Event Acknowledgements are all available on our website for you or your friends’ convenience.

n How will I know when my child is ready for sleeping at camp?

n My child is on a special diet, how are meals handled?

n Can I call my camper during the week?

Available online at www.campdaggett.org

A sampling of

FAQ

Camp Daggett: “Then & Now”

2015 Limited Edition

Calendars

All proceeds will benefit Camp Daggett!

The last real piece of the puzzle was the development of the outdoor ropes course and then the construction of the new indoor Adventure Center. This was proposed in April 1998 and in December 2002 this facility was dedicated. For the first time in the long history of Camp Daggett the facilities were truly first class; full time staff was professional in every sense and the ability to serve our communities year-round was in place.

I had the privilege of going to Camp Daggett when Walter “ Mac” McMillan was the Director and his family played an important role, working closely with him and as part of the staff. I have known every Camp Daggett Director since Mac, and had a hand in hiring several of them. With the help of John DiMartino we talked Jerry Donnelly into becoming the business manager in 1975 and eventually he became the Director. Little did we know how important this decision would be. Jerry brought back the Spirit of Camp Daggett that had been missing when Mac left. During the years between 1967 and 1975 there were a number of Directors. This did not allow for consistency in the operation of Camp Daggett and many of the past traditions were slipping away. Jerry was instrumental in bringing these traditions back to Camp Daggett and the campers.

In 1972 we brought back our first director, Mac McMillan as a board member. This was another highlight during my tenure on the board. I served as president of the Camp Daggett Board of Trustees in 1974-75 and was the Board President during our Fiftieth Anniversary Celebration. Now 40 years later we are about to celebrate 90 years in 2015! The story of Camp Daggett has always been the dedication of the board of trustees, the response by the Charlevoix and Emmet communities with their time and financial support, the many supporters of Camp Daggett who have made Northern Michigan their summer home, and the talented and dedicated staff that make it all happen at Camp Daggett.

Continued from Previous Page . . .

Memories of Camp Daggett

Page 8: Camp Daggett Fall 2014 Newsletter

Life Long Friendships ... Cherished Traditions ... New Experiences

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PAIDPermit No. 122Petoskey, MI

49770

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03001 Church RoadPetoskey, Michigan 49770

Phone: (231) 347-9742E-Mail: [email protected]

Website: www.campdaggett.org

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Please visit us online for additional information and year-round updates at www.campdaggett.org. Thank you! VISIT US ONLINE