~ CAMP DAGGETT ON WEST ARM OF WALLOON LAKE ~
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Camp Daggett
Camp Motto:
"The Other Fellow First"
(Walter J. "Mac" MacMillan was responsible for the Camp Motto)
Camp Motto:
"The Other Fellow First"
(Walter J. "Mac" MacMillan was responsible for the Camp Motto)
The below photo (Undated) is from Little Traverse Historical Society Photo Collection and labeled...
~ Father of Camp Daggett ~
Watson Snyder, Jr. (Mr. Camp Daggett)
Jerry Donnelly, a long time Camp Daggett director, offered that Watson Snyder, Jr. was one of the early proponents of scouting in Petoskey. Snyder, undoubtedly, was in on the Rotary Club's passion to provide a summer camp for boys. The Rotarians were pursuing the endeavor to solidify the Boy Scouts of America in Petoskey. The Rotarian philosophy of "service before self" was not yet developed at the time when Camp Daggett was first started in 1923 on two different locations on Walloon Lake before settling on the present site in 1925.
~ Guiding Spirit of Camp Daggett ~
Walter MacMillan
Walter MacMillan
In its booklet Petoskey Rotary Club 50th Anniversary 1921-1971, the Rotary described (on page 7) the Camp Daggett Project in its own words: "At the Rotary meeting of Feb. 1, 1922, George Rice, chairman of the boy's work committee, spoke on the need of a full time director for boys work both in and out of school. George was authorized at that meeting to select a committee and to proceed to work on that project. The following school year Walter MacMillan was secured by the school board and for many years carried out the work of a full time director of physical education and maintained a city wide recreation program."
The article continued:
The article continued:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
An in-depth History of Camp Daggett has been written by Jerry Donnelly, one of the many Camp Daggett Directors.
The history from 1922 through 2012 can be accessed on the Camp Daggett web site by clicking HERE.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
An in-depth History of Camp Daggett has been written by Jerry Donnelly, one of the many Camp Daggett Directors.
The history from 1922 through 2012 can be accessed on the Camp Daggett web site by clicking HERE.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This 1882 Petoskey City Record article with a Paxton, Illinois, article reference told that Paxton was “highly recommending” the H.R. Daggett family, upon their “removing to Petoskey, Michigan, where they will make their future home. The change was made necessary by the health of Mrs. D. which her many friends will hope may be improved by the change…. Here [Paxton] their children have been born to them and reared from the cradle to young womanhood, beloved for the kindness of heart and admired for their social accomplishment.”
The Camp was named in honor of H.R. Daggett,
the father of Mrs. Harriet S. Harper of California who gave the property to the City of Petoskey in 1924.
1924 was the inception of Camp Daggett on Walloon Lake, through its founder Walter J. MacMillan,
a Petoskey citizen and teacher who had been leading the Boys Camp department of Petoskey.
Camp Daggett sat on 43 acres of land that enjoyed beach frontage on Walloon Lake
on which Mr. Daggett had built a cottage for many weekend retreats.
In 2023 the area embodies Camp Daggett and Camp Daggett Adventure Center.
1949 MAP Below:
Locations for Camp Daggett, Hilltop Camp, Camp Sherwood, and Hidden Valley Camp
are all labeled on the Walloon Lake map below.
Locations for Camp Daggett, Hilltop Camp, Camp Sherwood, and Hidden Valley Camp
are all labeled on the Walloon Lake map below.
Camp Daggett's EARLY YEARS
The obituary below for Petoskey pioneer and involved business leader noted Ellis was
one of the "founders of Camp Daggett.
one of the "founders of Camp Daggett.
Photo Below: Community support always has been available for Camp Daggett...
Marching down Mitchell Street in Petoskey, Michigan.
Marching down Mitchell Street in Petoskey, Michigan.
1924
Camp Daggett's FIRST Session on Walloon Lake
Camp Daggett's FIRST Session on Walloon Lake
Article Below: "For the FIRST time in history Petoskey girls are to have a real sure enough summer camp.
They are to use Camp Daggett, the Petoskey boys' camp on Walloon Lake."
They are to use Camp Daggett, the Petoskey boys' camp on Walloon Lake."
Photo Below: The smallest girl in front is Director Walter J. MacMillian's daughter Barbara. Jean (Gruler) Glaza is the little girl with her hands on Barbara's arms. Jean was born 13 September 1917, and appears to be about 10 years old in the photo... so, the photo was probably taken about 1927-28 in the early years of Camp Daggett in front of the camping tent. Left to Right Back Row: The Tent Leader was Mary Julia Chase, Dorothy Jane Miller, Nancy Schiedel, June Golden. Middle and Front Row: Joanne Galster (later married William A. "Duke" Doherty), Jean Gruler (in back of Barbara MacMillan), perhaps Esther Chichester [These names were deciphered from Jean Gruler's handwriting on the back of the photo].
1927 Article Below: Mention was made of many of the names as listed above by Jean (Gruler) Glaza, but her own name is not included in the article below. A January 1928 Petoskey Evening News article told of Barbara MacMillan having a fourth birthday party, and she does appear to be looking more like a 4 year old, than a three year old in the photo above.
Article Below Left: Cars and trucks of Petoskey People donated their services to transport the 50 boys and leaders to Camp Daggett. Mrs. Rehkopf was the chief chef with her son Kenneth Rehkopf, as her chief assistant. Walter J. MacMillian was the chief master. The motor boat given the camp by Carl O. Weaver Camp American Legion was delivered to the camp the previous evening.
Article Below Right: "The fine old American flag owned by Mr. Daggett, former owner of the camp property, had been presented to the camp by the widow Mrs. Daggett, and was raised in a special ceremony, with honors to Mr. Daggett.
1941
Article Below: Mrs. Harriet S. Harper, donor of the land for Camp Daggett at Walloon Lake had passed.
The land was given in memory of her father, Henry R. Daggett.
1940
1945 ~ Labor Shortage due to the War Effort Affected Camp Daggett
1948 ~ "Mac" MacMillan Honored for 25 years of Service to Camp Daggett
1950 ~ Kiwanis FIRST Contribution Toward Daggett Improvements
~ 1952 ~
1953 ~ Activities for Girls
1954 ~ Activities for Girls
Photo Below Left:
Top Bunk L>R: Carolyn Heller, Julie Maus, Mary Beth Courter, LaVaun Hewitt.
Seated L>R: Nancy Williams, Janet Pitman, Mary Matson, Joan Fisher
Standing Elizabeth Box and Nancy Smart
Photo Below Right Top:
Judy Waggner seated at piano
Standing L>R: Gloria Gilllett, Susie Conti, Sue Tolkemitt, Sue Colwell
Photo Below Right Bottom:
Camp Handicraft director Anne Goodyear advises Diane Johnson, Cathy Courier, Nancy Gilbert
Top Bunk L>R: Carolyn Heller, Julie Maus, Mary Beth Courter, LaVaun Hewitt.
Seated L>R: Nancy Williams, Janet Pitman, Mary Matson, Joan Fisher
Standing Elizabeth Box and Nancy Smart
Photo Below Right Top:
Judy Waggner seated at piano
Standing L>R: Gloria Gilllett, Susie Conti, Sue Tolkemitt, Sue Colwell
Photo Below Right Bottom:
Camp Handicraft director Anne Goodyear advises Diane Johnson, Cathy Courier, Nancy Gilbert
1955 ~ Rotarians Review Camp Daggett History
1955 ~ Director Will Splan emerges from an "underwater" swim of 175 yards...
1956 ~ Camp Daggett and Camp Ocqueoc Merge
POST 1956
Two Photos Below: The pictures were labeled as "Camp Daggett" August 1968,
so it is not known IF this is the same cross as in the 1959 photo/text above.
IF anyone knows additional information, please contact the web master by clicking HERE.
so it is not known IF this is the same cross as in the 1959 photo/text above.
IF anyone knows additional information, please contact the web master by clicking HERE.
Photo Below: Walter J. MacMillan Camp Daggett Director from 1923 to 1954...
Plaque Honoring Walter J. MacMillan
1964
1964
~ Little Known Interesting Facts about Camp Daggett's History ~
1966 ~ Photos/Text Below: Canoes and Aluminum Rowboats donated to Camp Daggett
1975 ~ Cabin named after Lion of the Year Frank McPherson
July 1979
Scott Buckmaster Attended Camp Daggett
Scott Buckmaster Attended Camp Daggett
About 40 Years Later... Scott Buckmaster is back at Camp Daggett
Scott and his father Sheldon Buckmaster have attended the Father-Son weekend
at Camp Daggett for the last few years...
teaching the younger Father-Son guests how to enjoy ice fishing on Walloon Lake.
at Camp Daggett for the last few years...
teaching the younger Father-Son guests how to enjoy ice fishing on Walloon Lake.
1982 ~ History Making 60 Mile Bear River Trip
1985 ~ Helping Chronically Ill
1988 ~ Camp Buys Land
1990 ~ Mac Hall Remembered with "Mac" MacMillan
1990 ~ Mac Hall Demolished for Year-Round Facility
1990 Article Below: Jerry Donnelly, Camp Daggett Director, leaves after 16 years
1991 ~ Building and Neff Center Renew Camp's Spirit
Scott Okerlund, Director at Camp Daggett
1992
1992
Photo/Text Below: Snowshow Day
2000
2000
Two Photos Below: The taxidermy inside the Neff Center is fascinating...
2007 ~ John Heinzelman retired as Camp Daggett Director after several years...
In 2013 the area embodies Camp Daggett and Camp Daggett Adventure Center.
Mother-daughter weekend on tap at Camp Daggett
April 12, 2013|Carolyn Sherk, PNR Saturday contributor
Camp Daggett will celebrate Mother’s Day a little early this year with an action-packed weekend for mothers and daughters on May 3-5 this spring. This will be the third annual weekend geared toward providing moms, daughters, grandmothers, along with stepmothers, an opportunity to enjoy a weekend of fun, adventure, learning and relaxation at the picturesque Camp Daggett on Walloon Lake.
Space is limited to 50 participants and only about 15 vacancies remain available, according to Kathy Bardins, the organizer of the weekend outing. The cost is $150 per mother and daughter team and an additional $50 will be charged for each additional girl.
Bardins, along with her daughter, Sarah Snider, and Carol Mack, will host the event which is expected to be a success for the third year running.
“It is a great opportunity to get away from the TV, Internet and cell phones and enjoy the company of your own family and other mothers and daughters,” Bardins said.
The age limit on the daughters attending the event is between 7-17 years.
The weekend will begin with a dinner on Friday night, followed by a campfire and s’mores for dessert. Also, there will be a star-gazing extravaganza with Mary Stewart Adams, program director for Headlands International Dark Sky Park.
Saturday morning will kick off with breakfast and then a gentle yoga class.
The afternoon will include tie-dying T-shirts, a Petoskey stone jewelry-making class followed by summer book reviews by McLean and Eakin.
Nature hikes along with a trip to the adventure center that features rides on a zip line, high ropes and climbing is planned.
A relaxing pontoon boat ride on Walloon Lake will finish off the day’s activities. Dinner will then be served followed by another campfire, only this time Sally McCoy with the Little Traverse Civic Theatre will entertain them with some spooky stories.
Sunday morning will bring a Zumba class and breakfast to conclude the weekend’s events.
Participants will need to bring their own linens for a twin bed or a sleeping bag, along with their personal items. The menu at the event will include vegetarian and gluten-free options, as well as plenty of desserts, snacks, hotdogs and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
Profits from the mother-daughter weekend benefit the Camp Daggett facilities. Reservations are required to participate in this event and there are limited spaces. If you would like to register, contact Grace Ketchum at (231) 347-9742. More information is available by calling Bardins at (231) 487-1188 or visiting www.campdaggett.org online.
~ 90 Years of Memories ~
~ Camp Daggett and the Petoskey Education Foundation ~
~ 2015 Camp Daggett Slate of Officers ~
Camp Daggett
~ Adventure Center ~
~ Adventure Center ~
Article Below: Camp Daggett's Adventure Center was inspired and created by
The PRE-Runner Adventure Education having been integrated into the school's curriculum.
John Heinzelman introduced Education Adventure to both the public schools (as a teacher)
and to Camp Daggett (as an administrator for the new Outdoor Education Program).
In 2002 Scott Okerlund resigned to pursue other interests and John Heinzelman became Executive Director.
The PRE-Runner Adventure Education having been integrated into the school's curriculum.
John Heinzelman introduced Education Adventure to both the public schools (as a teacher)
and to Camp Daggett (as an administrator for the new Outdoor Education Program).
In 2002 Scott Okerlund resigned to pursue other interests and John Heinzelman became Executive Director.
Photo Above: 5,820 squre foot Indoor Adventure Center houses a climbing walls, and various high-rope and low-rope elements.
Photo Below: One element of the Camp Daggett Outdoor Adventure & Ropes Course can be viewed in the background to the right of the Indoor Adventure Center.
Photo Below: One element of the Camp Daggett Outdoor Adventure & Ropes Course can be viewed in the background to the right of the Indoor Adventure Center.
Photo Above: In the background the outside climbing tower can be observed.
Three Photos Below: Sides of the climbing tower are inviting.
Three Photos Below: Sides of the climbing tower are inviting.
Photo Above: The Camp Daggett website states: "This beautifully designed course was built by Project Adventure and is tucked into a wooded setting that gives participants the feeling of climbing among the trees." The building was designed with windows that resemble the trees surrounding the entire location.
Slideshow Below... Click PLAY in upper left corner of main photo:
An adventurer climbs the 35 foot tall by 40 foot wide climbing wall on 21 May 2009.
An adventurer climbs the 35 foot tall by 40 foot wide climbing wall on 21 May 2009.
Article Below: On 4 May 2020 the Petoskey News Review announced that due to COVID-19
"Camp Daggett cancels summer camps for just second time in history."
"The other time the summer camps were cancelled for an entire year was in 1945–
because many of the people who would have staffed the camps were unavailable because of WWII."
(See 1945 news article farther above on this same web page)
"Camp Daggett cancels summer camps for just second time in history."
"The other time the summer camps were cancelled for an entire year was in 1945–
because many of the people who would have staffed the camps were unavailable because of WWII."
(See 1945 news article farther above on this same web page)
CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF CAMP DAGGETT
1922 > 2011 ~ Compiled by Jerry Donnelly (former Director of Camp Daggett) Posted here with Jerry Donnelly's permission.
1922 > 2011 ~ Compiled by Jerry Donnelly (former Director of Camp Daggett) Posted here with Jerry Donnelly's permission.
1922 Walter J. MacMillan hired as physical education teacher at Petoskey High School
Part of the hiring as a teacher was to run a summer boys camping program for Petoskey boys
1923 Walter J. MacMillan has a ten day boys camp to the south of present day Camp Daggett
1924 "Mac" has a ten day boys camp to the north of present day Camp Daggett
"Mac" appears before Petoskey Rotary club and asks for help in getting a permanent site for camp
1925 Boys’ camp open as Camp Daggett
Bridge across creek and road was completed - very first project by Petoskey Kiwanis
Stones were brought in from fields to use for new kitchen exterior
1927 First girl's sessions take place at Camp Daggett
Stone kitchen was completed
North 1/3 of Lodge (Old Mac Dining Hall) completed
First well completed with hand pump
Delco battery system for lighting the lodge, kitchen, and lane was purchased
First road (lane) into camp
1928 Six cement pads and four World War I tents donated by Petoskey Rotary used as camper cabins
Chris Christopher obtained tents from USA Supply Depot in Chicago
Basketball court was constructed
1930 First cabin built by monies donated by B.H. Cook
This cabin is the cabin furthest to the right while facing motel row from lodge area
1931 Second cabin in motel row built by Fred Schmidt
This cabin was the furthest to the left when facing motel row
Third cabin in motel row built by Dr. William Parks and Herman Meyer
Fourth cabin in motel row built by Howard Porter of East Jordan
Fifth Cabin by lakeshore built by Petoskey Rotary
Sixth Cabin by lakeshore built by Mr. Olds - lumberman from Cheboygan
1932 Center 1/3 of Lodge built by Petoskey Kiwanis
1933 Cook's cabin in back of kitchen completed
Mrs. Myrtle Rehkoff first and longtime cook
Money for the Lodge in part was raised by selling movie tickets at the Hollywood Theater
1934 The Fireplace for the lodge was completed - Mrs. Ora Porter - chairperson
1935 Mac resigns seeking committment from board. Board would not accept resignation.
Board gives Mac one year leave of absence. James Quinn becomes Director for interim.
Land was purchased by gate for parking lot with camp funds
1939 The Director's (Administrative Building) Cabin was completed
The sanitary facility (Egypt) was completed
The reverter clause to the property was eliminated by Hazel Harper, grandaughter of Henry Daggett. The board of trustees became the official owners of the Camp Daggett property
Electricity was brought into camp –Top O’ Michigan Rural Electrification Association
1944 The fireplace was added to the Director's Cabin - a gift from Mrs. William Hodgkiss Jr.
1945 Camp is closed (No counselors available due to war)
1948 Handicraft building was built from the lumber at camp
Deep well in back of kitchen was drilled and an electric pump was installed
Refrigeration unit was installed in southwest corner of kitchen building
Board of Trustees expands to nine members (a minimum of two of them had to be women)
Twenty Fifth Anniversary (1923- 1948) - Mac given a 1948 green Chevrolet by Petoskey Kiwanis
1950 Addition built between the kitchen and the Lodge was completed
1954 Walter J. MacMillan resigns after thirty years as Director
Will Splan and Margaret Johnson hired as Directors
1955 A partnership with CMU for procurement of counselors
1956 Bob Woodruff hired as Director
1957 Four more cabins built in motel row area
Started accepting board members from cities other than Petoskey or Charlevoix
1958 Board minutes from 1957 -1966 lost by Secretary Brown when garbage man pick up what he thought was trash from her back porch
1959 Chapel completed. Cross donated by James Whitfield. Railroad Ties by PA railroad.
1960 Recreation Hall built
Fireplace was built and then removed from Recreation Hal
1966 Bob Woodruff resigns after ten years as Director
Alan Sommerville is hired as Director
1968 Nature Building project monies completed - monies donated by Chris Christopher
1969 Two log cabins by Egypt built - Boyne Falls Log Cabin
Lyle Spaulding is hired as Director
1970 Charlie Wilson is hired as Director
New Kitchen and Dishroom completed between Old Kitchen and Mac Hall
Funding help for new kitchen provided by Youth Foundation of America - Colonel Frank Brown
1971 First Co-Ed Staff
1972 First Cabin on "Boy's Side" built by Petoskey Kiwanis (Burr Lodge) - Huron
1973 Boyne City Rotary builds Hamantree Cabin on Boys' Side - Ojibwa
Petoskey Lions Builds McPherson Cabin on Boys' Side - Chippewa
Bob McCullough hired as Director
1974 Petoskey Rotary builds Christopher-Treloar Cabin on Boys' Side - Mohawk
Petoskey Jaycees builds Cabin on Boys' Side of Camp (Unnamed) - Ottawa (Odawa)
1975 Jerry Donnelly hired as Business Manager
Stan Miller hired as Summer Camp Director
Girls' Side of Camp built - 4 Cabins and Girl's Sanitary Facility (Israel)
Art Trealor supervised project with CETA government workers
Siouix - Betty Libke Funds in Honor of her daughter Marti
Iroquois - E.J. Rotary
Crow - Charlevoix Kiwanis
Blackfeet - Camp Daggett Funds
Fiftieth Anniversary Celebration - Mac and Thelma MacMillan attend and are honored
1976 Tim Pierson hired as Summer Camp Director
First Co-Educational camping begins - a very successful venture
1977 Gogebic Cabin built by Petoskey Jaycees
1978 Year Around Camp idea introduced at Board Meeting
1979 Steve Okuly and Nancy Decker hired as Summer Camp Co-Directors
1981 A-Jita-ma Cabin on Boy's Side Built in honor of Allen Crosby by wife Catherine Crosby
1982 Jerry Donnelly hired as Summer Camp Director and to retain role as Business Manager
1983 Paul Benington hired to run spring and fall outdoor education programs
1984 Recreation Field dedicated to Bob Woodruff with bronze plaque. Woodruff family attended.
Laundry room addition added to Israel
1985 Five Year Plan developed by Benington and Donnelly for year around camping
1986 Purchase of ten acres parcel to west of camp $15,000 - (*See Land Status Document in File)
Purchase of second ten acre parcel to west of camp $12,000
Purchase of third ten acre parcel to west of camp $7,500
1987 Plans by Building and Grounds Committee begin to be made for year around facility
Septic field installed on rec field next to inoperable old field - Should last thirty years ($62,000)
Nature Boardwalk installed from creek through woods
Two ten acre parcels along Camp Daggett Road purchased ($8000 each)
1988 Rick Neuman, architect, presents renderings for proposed new Outdoor Education center
Paul Benington resigns citing lack of commitment and direction from the board
1989 Lynn Jenks and Associates hired to run capital campaign for new building
First right of refusal procured by Camp on Clement Home to North of camp
Dardy property along St. Louis Club Road purchased for $12,000
$500,000 goal set for fund raising for Outdoor Education Center
Three Phases for new building proposed - Main Lodge, dormitories, classrooms
Paul Benington is rehired to run building project and direct year around program
1990 New Building to be named Mort Neff Outdoor Education Center -
Dining Hall was to remain Mac Hall in honor of Walter J. MacMillan
Moving of the Rec Hall from east of Handicraft Building to area above the Rec Field
Approved $195,000 loan from Old Kent Bank to purchase Matheson/Clement property w/house
Some board members led by Mike Stowe stuck their necks out to personally guarantee loan
1991 Matheson/Clement property settled after much litigation
Vance purchases Matheson/Clement property from camp.
Vance property sale profits($51,000) used for Neff Center project
New upper parking lot and back entrance to camp completed to west of Rec Building
Jerry Donnelly resigns after seventeen years as Business Manager/ Summer Camp Director
1992 Joyce Leverenz, long time summer program director, hired as Summer Camp Director
Adopt-A-Cabin program instituted to have service clubs maintain and repair adopted cabins
Elevator in Neff Center installed
Paul Benington resigns after ten year involvement moving camp into year around programming
See North ( Science and Evironmental Education) program rents camp in offseason
Scott Okerlund hired as Director
John Guirey hired as Summer Camp Director
1993 Lower level dormitories completed in Neff Center
Potawatami cabin on girls' side completed - Petoskey Rotary ($500) and Unamed sponsor ($2500)
1994 Camp Quality's first cancer camp session at Daggett
Tammy Bogedin, longtime cook, hired as Administrative Assistant
1995 New Egypt replaces Egypt built in 1939 ($50,000 project)
1996 New pole building for maintenance built by upper parking lot
Dorothy Hoffman bequest is deeply appreciated in paying off balance of Neff Center
1997 Sailing pavilion completed - Larry Liebler and PHS voc tech class
John Heinzelman is hired to develop and run Outdoor Adventure Program
1998 Indoor Adventure Center idea proposed at April board meeting
Refurbishing of exteriors of motel row begins with log decor – Work done by Board members Bud Neidhamer and Clyde Moore
1999 Mark Mignot and Charity Huff hired as Summer Camp Directors - John Guirey on personal leave
Ed Soblesky bequest instrumental in board commitment to Outdoor Adventure Project
2000 John Guirey returns as Summer Camp Director
Handicap accessible ramp completed on Israel
Wilderness Adventure Camp offered as option to 13-14 year olds during summer program
Committment by board to go ahead with building project for indoor adventure facility
Seventy Fifth Anniversary Celebrated
John Heinzelman hired as Executive Director
Brent Marlatt hired to be director of Adventure Education Program
Rick Muhullond hired as full time maintenance person
Indoor adventure facility dedicated in December
2003 Josh Martin hired to head Northern Cairn Program
Shellie Johnson hired as Office Manager
Brian Patten hired as full time Maintenance Person
Ed Leverenz hired to become Camp Caretaker and to live on site
First Camp Daggett Staff Reunion held – Over 100 former staff members attend
New Fire Circle Area completed by basketball court
First ever golf benefit planned for June 7 at Walloon Lake Country Club
Completed the re - siding with cedar logs and re-roofing of all motel row cabins
New septic system installed west of the sailing pavilion
Helix tower added to Adventure Education program
Jen Booher hired as a full time fund development director in August
First Annual Appreciation Day Held in October
Yurt Completed
Second Staff Reunion
Eightieth Anniversary Open House held in October (800-1000 Participants)
Karen Marietti hired as Assistant Adventure Director
Purchased 5 acre property from James Dvorek
2007 Doll-Loesel Foundation grants $200,000 in matching donation to payoff Adventure Building
Andrew Barr hired to become Assistant Adventure Director
John Heinzelman retires as Executive Director
Brent Marlatt assumes the Executive Director position
Fall Festival held in October (over 2000 participants)
2008 Flooring downstairs of Mac Hall courtesy of Beson family
Staining of Mac Hall ($10,474)
Strategic Plan completed (2009-2011)
Fireplace insert replaced
Start of PUD process (Emily Myserson, consultant)
1989 Jeep Wagoner secured as backup vehicle
Julie Guirey hired as Camp Registrar
Randy Calcaterra produces a video of Camp Daggett with Boyne
City H.S. video class
Porch renovations completed on Director’s cabin porch
New swimming docks installed
Refurbishing of Israel with Beeson family grant
Emerald ash borer invades camp trees
Nelson Greenier hired as new Maintenance Director
2009 Kate Jensen Szpunar hired to head Marketing Committee ($400 per month)
Strategic Plan adopted at January board meeting
Josh Martin rents Northern Cairn Building for $6000 per year
Kathy Bardins offered the contract of Kate Jensen Szpunar to head marketing
PUD was slated to be finalized by March 1 (Didn’t happen until December of 2010)
In lieu of insurance payment cancelled effective July 1, 2009
Freeze on all spending June of 2009
President McLeod said we would run out of cash in November and need $60,000 to end year
Purchased a Boston Whaler in July with money from sale of donated boats
Purchased a Road Grader ($1700) in August with donated money from neighbors and private funds
Brent Marlatt is dismissed as Executive Director by some members of the Executive Committee (The complete story of this event and events leading up to and following this action may be found in separate documents in the history file)
Emergency Board meeting took place on August 31, 2009 to discuss the reasons for the dismissal of Brent Marlatt (no minutes were taken)
Brent rescinds his forced resignation
Board of Trustees tabled the action and sent problem to the personnel committee for a recommendation
The next day six board members resigned along with one staff member
A plan of action outlining eleven problems with possible solutions was suggested by Jerry Donnelly and accepted by the board as a course of action for the remainder of the 2009 year and the 2010 season (see history file).
The first Eco Challenge was held in September
The third every other year Fall Festival was held in September. Thanks to a $5000 donation from the Dorothy Carter trust.
Jen Tarquini hired to replace Shellie Johnson as the Administrative Assistant
Year end financials were healthy with no need to borrow
2010 Four Wheeler donated by Dr. Timothy Linehan
New Website designed by Alpha Geek
First Father Son Weekend in March
Doll-Loesel Foundation donates $29,000 for renovation of Arts & Crafts Building
New Donor Packets developed by Development and Marketing Committee
Additional Fuel Tank Purchased
$4000 per month reinstituted for repair and replacement fund
McAdams property swap offer turned down
Arts and Crafts Building Renovation bid accepted from Jim Knibbs Construction
Camp Daggett becomes program partners with United Way
Replacement of Bunk Beds for dorms by White Cedar Log Furniture Co.
Advisory Board established as advisors to the Executive Committee
Second (every five years) Camp staff reunion hosted
Grace Ketchum hired as Fund Development Director
Erosion Plan completed by Advanced Geo-matics of Charlevoix
Nature Building severely damaged by falling tree – Will be replaced in 2011
Rec Hall repainted by fellowship volunteers and reshingled
Egypt reshingled
Jean MacMillan Bradley gives camp her Camp Daggett Memories booklet to camp (In History File)
Used 15 passenger van purchased for $11,000
Used pontoon boat purchased for $4,000
PUD finalized with Bay Township in order to get building permit for A&C building
Twelve new committee members added during 2010
2011 Policies and Procedure Manual with Fiscal Policy adopted at January board meeting
Contract awarded to East Jordan Construction for replacement of Nature Building
$100,000 Line of Credit was established at the Bank of Northern Michigan
Contract awarded to Jim Knibbs for two additions to the Arts and Crafts Building
Board of Trustees approved porches to be added to both the nature and A/C building
New Language for Section 3.2 Part A (regarding approving service club members becoming board members) was approved at March board meeting
Director’s Cabin reshingled
Ice Dam situation rectified in Main Lodge by removing old insulation and adding foam insulation (Jordan Construction)
Part of the hiring as a teacher was to run a summer boys camping program for Petoskey boys
1923 Walter J. MacMillan has a ten day boys camp to the south of present day Camp Daggett
1924 "Mac" has a ten day boys camp to the north of present day Camp Daggett
"Mac" appears before Petoskey Rotary club and asks for help in getting a permanent site for camp
1925 Boys’ camp open as Camp Daggett
Bridge across creek and road was completed - very first project by Petoskey Kiwanis
Stones were brought in from fields to use for new kitchen exterior
1927 First girl's sessions take place at Camp Daggett
Stone kitchen was completed
North 1/3 of Lodge (Old Mac Dining Hall) completed
First well completed with hand pump
Delco battery system for lighting the lodge, kitchen, and lane was purchased
First road (lane) into camp
1928 Six cement pads and four World War I tents donated by Petoskey Rotary used as camper cabins
Chris Christopher obtained tents from USA Supply Depot in Chicago
Basketball court was constructed
1930 First cabin built by monies donated by B.H. Cook
This cabin is the cabin furthest to the right while facing motel row from lodge area
1931 Second cabin in motel row built by Fred Schmidt
This cabin was the furthest to the left when facing motel row
Third cabin in motel row built by Dr. William Parks and Herman Meyer
Fourth cabin in motel row built by Howard Porter of East Jordan
Fifth Cabin by lakeshore built by Petoskey Rotary
Sixth Cabin by lakeshore built by Mr. Olds - lumberman from Cheboygan
1932 Center 1/3 of Lodge built by Petoskey Kiwanis
1933 Cook's cabin in back of kitchen completed
Mrs. Myrtle Rehkoff first and longtime cook
Money for the Lodge in part was raised by selling movie tickets at the Hollywood Theater
1934 The Fireplace for the lodge was completed - Mrs. Ora Porter - chairperson
1935 Mac resigns seeking committment from board. Board would not accept resignation.
Board gives Mac one year leave of absence. James Quinn becomes Director for interim.
Land was purchased by gate for parking lot with camp funds
1939 The Director's (Administrative Building) Cabin was completed
The sanitary facility (Egypt) was completed
The reverter clause to the property was eliminated by Hazel Harper, grandaughter of Henry Daggett. The board of trustees became the official owners of the Camp Daggett property
Electricity was brought into camp –Top O’ Michigan Rural Electrification Association
1944 The fireplace was added to the Director's Cabin - a gift from Mrs. William Hodgkiss Jr.
1945 Camp is closed (No counselors available due to war)
1948 Handicraft building was built from the lumber at camp
Deep well in back of kitchen was drilled and an electric pump was installed
Refrigeration unit was installed in southwest corner of kitchen building
Board of Trustees expands to nine members (a minimum of two of them had to be women)
Twenty Fifth Anniversary (1923- 1948) - Mac given a 1948 green Chevrolet by Petoskey Kiwanis
1950 Addition built between the kitchen and the Lodge was completed
1954 Walter J. MacMillan resigns after thirty years as Director
Will Splan and Margaret Johnson hired as Directors
1955 A partnership with CMU for procurement of counselors
1956 Bob Woodruff hired as Director
1957 Four more cabins built in motel row area
Started accepting board members from cities other than Petoskey or Charlevoix
1958 Board minutes from 1957 -1966 lost by Secretary Brown when garbage man pick up what he thought was trash from her back porch
1959 Chapel completed. Cross donated by James Whitfield. Railroad Ties by PA railroad.
1960 Recreation Hall built
Fireplace was built and then removed from Recreation Hal
1966 Bob Woodruff resigns after ten years as Director
Alan Sommerville is hired as Director
1968 Nature Building project monies completed - monies donated by Chris Christopher
1969 Two log cabins by Egypt built - Boyne Falls Log Cabin
Lyle Spaulding is hired as Director
1970 Charlie Wilson is hired as Director
New Kitchen and Dishroom completed between Old Kitchen and Mac Hall
Funding help for new kitchen provided by Youth Foundation of America - Colonel Frank Brown
1971 First Co-Ed Staff
1972 First Cabin on "Boy's Side" built by Petoskey Kiwanis (Burr Lodge) - Huron
1973 Boyne City Rotary builds Hamantree Cabin on Boys' Side - Ojibwa
Petoskey Lions Builds McPherson Cabin on Boys' Side - Chippewa
Bob McCullough hired as Director
1974 Petoskey Rotary builds Christopher-Treloar Cabin on Boys' Side - Mohawk
Petoskey Jaycees builds Cabin on Boys' Side of Camp (Unnamed) - Ottawa (Odawa)
1975 Jerry Donnelly hired as Business Manager
Stan Miller hired as Summer Camp Director
Girls' Side of Camp built - 4 Cabins and Girl's Sanitary Facility (Israel)
Art Trealor supervised project with CETA government workers
Siouix - Betty Libke Funds in Honor of her daughter Marti
Iroquois - E.J. Rotary
Crow - Charlevoix Kiwanis
Blackfeet - Camp Daggett Funds
Fiftieth Anniversary Celebration - Mac and Thelma MacMillan attend and are honored
1976 Tim Pierson hired as Summer Camp Director
First Co-Educational camping begins - a very successful venture
1977 Gogebic Cabin built by Petoskey Jaycees
1978 Year Around Camp idea introduced at Board Meeting
1979 Steve Okuly and Nancy Decker hired as Summer Camp Co-Directors
1981 A-Jita-ma Cabin on Boy's Side Built in honor of Allen Crosby by wife Catherine Crosby
1982 Jerry Donnelly hired as Summer Camp Director and to retain role as Business Manager
1983 Paul Benington hired to run spring and fall outdoor education programs
1984 Recreation Field dedicated to Bob Woodruff with bronze plaque. Woodruff family attended.
Laundry room addition added to Israel
1985 Five Year Plan developed by Benington and Donnelly for year around camping
1986 Purchase of ten acres parcel to west of camp $15,000 - (*See Land Status Document in File)
Purchase of second ten acre parcel to west of camp $12,000
Purchase of third ten acre parcel to west of camp $7,500
1987 Plans by Building and Grounds Committee begin to be made for year around facility
Septic field installed on rec field next to inoperable old field - Should last thirty years ($62,000)
Nature Boardwalk installed from creek through woods
Two ten acre parcels along Camp Daggett Road purchased ($8000 each)
1988 Rick Neuman, architect, presents renderings for proposed new Outdoor Education center
Paul Benington resigns citing lack of commitment and direction from the board
1989 Lynn Jenks and Associates hired to run capital campaign for new building
First right of refusal procured by Camp on Clement Home to North of camp
Dardy property along St. Louis Club Road purchased for $12,000
$500,000 goal set for fund raising for Outdoor Education Center
Three Phases for new building proposed - Main Lodge, dormitories, classrooms
Paul Benington is rehired to run building project and direct year around program
1990 New Building to be named Mort Neff Outdoor Education Center -
Dining Hall was to remain Mac Hall in honor of Walter J. MacMillan
Moving of the Rec Hall from east of Handicraft Building to area above the Rec Field
Approved $195,000 loan from Old Kent Bank to purchase Matheson/Clement property w/house
Some board members led by Mike Stowe stuck their necks out to personally guarantee loan
1991 Matheson/Clement property settled after much litigation
Vance purchases Matheson/Clement property from camp.
Vance property sale profits($51,000) used for Neff Center project
New upper parking lot and back entrance to camp completed to west of Rec Building
Jerry Donnelly resigns after seventeen years as Business Manager/ Summer Camp Director
1992 Joyce Leverenz, long time summer program director, hired as Summer Camp Director
Adopt-A-Cabin program instituted to have service clubs maintain and repair adopted cabins
Elevator in Neff Center installed
Paul Benington resigns after ten year involvement moving camp into year around programming
See North ( Science and Evironmental Education) program rents camp in offseason
Scott Okerlund hired as Director
John Guirey hired as Summer Camp Director
1993 Lower level dormitories completed in Neff Center
Potawatami cabin on girls' side completed - Petoskey Rotary ($500) and Unamed sponsor ($2500)
1994 Camp Quality's first cancer camp session at Daggett
Tammy Bogedin, longtime cook, hired as Administrative Assistant
1995 New Egypt replaces Egypt built in 1939 ($50,000 project)
1996 New pole building for maintenance built by upper parking lot
Dorothy Hoffman bequest is deeply appreciated in paying off balance of Neff Center
1997 Sailing pavilion completed - Larry Liebler and PHS voc tech class
John Heinzelman is hired to develop and run Outdoor Adventure Program
1998 Indoor Adventure Center idea proposed at April board meeting
Refurbishing of exteriors of motel row begins with log decor – Work done by Board members Bud Neidhamer and Clyde Moore
1999 Mark Mignot and Charity Huff hired as Summer Camp Directors - John Guirey on personal leave
Ed Soblesky bequest instrumental in board commitment to Outdoor Adventure Project
2000 John Guirey returns as Summer Camp Director
Handicap accessible ramp completed on Israel
Wilderness Adventure Camp offered as option to 13-14 year olds during summer program
Committment by board to go ahead with building project for indoor adventure facility
Seventy Fifth Anniversary Celebrated
- Bob Brown hired as full time maintenance person
John Heinzelman hired as Executive Director
Brent Marlatt hired to be director of Adventure Education Program
Rick Muhullond hired as full time maintenance person
Indoor adventure facility dedicated in December
2003 Josh Martin hired to head Northern Cairn Program
Shellie Johnson hired as Office Manager
Brian Patten hired as full time Maintenance Person
Ed Leverenz hired to become Camp Caretaker and to live on site
First Camp Daggett Staff Reunion held – Over 100 former staff members attend
New Fire Circle Area completed by basketball court
- First Staff Policy Handbook for full time employees approved at March 23 Board meeting
First ever golf benefit planned for June 7 at Walloon Lake Country Club
Completed the re - siding with cedar logs and re-roofing of all motel row cabins
New septic system installed west of the sailing pavilion
Helix tower added to Adventure Education program
Jen Booher hired as a full time fund development director in August
First Annual Appreciation Day Held in October
- Brutus/Snoopy Cabin Refurbished
Yurt Completed
Second Staff Reunion
Eightieth Anniversary Open House held in October (800-1000 Participants)
Karen Marietti hired as Assistant Adventure Director
- Northern Cairn Classroom/Maintenance Building Completed
Purchased 5 acre property from James Dvorek
2007 Doll-Loesel Foundation grants $200,000 in matching donation to payoff Adventure Building
Andrew Barr hired to become Assistant Adventure Director
John Heinzelman retires as Executive Director
Brent Marlatt assumes the Executive Director position
Fall Festival held in October (over 2000 participants)
2008 Flooring downstairs of Mac Hall courtesy of Beson family
Staining of Mac Hall ($10,474)
Strategic Plan completed (2009-2011)
Fireplace insert replaced
Start of PUD process (Emily Myserson, consultant)
1989 Jeep Wagoner secured as backup vehicle
Julie Guirey hired as Camp Registrar
Randy Calcaterra produces a video of Camp Daggett with Boyne
City H.S. video class
Porch renovations completed on Director’s cabin porch
New swimming docks installed
Refurbishing of Israel with Beeson family grant
Emerald ash borer invades camp trees
Nelson Greenier hired as new Maintenance Director
2009 Kate Jensen Szpunar hired to head Marketing Committee ($400 per month)
Strategic Plan adopted at January board meeting
Josh Martin rents Northern Cairn Building for $6000 per year
Kathy Bardins offered the contract of Kate Jensen Szpunar to head marketing
PUD was slated to be finalized by March 1 (Didn’t happen until December of 2010)
In lieu of insurance payment cancelled effective July 1, 2009
Freeze on all spending June of 2009
President McLeod said we would run out of cash in November and need $60,000 to end year
Purchased a Boston Whaler in July with money from sale of donated boats
Purchased a Road Grader ($1700) in August with donated money from neighbors and private funds
Brent Marlatt is dismissed as Executive Director by some members of the Executive Committee (The complete story of this event and events leading up to and following this action may be found in separate documents in the history file)
Emergency Board meeting took place on August 31, 2009 to discuss the reasons for the dismissal of Brent Marlatt (no minutes were taken)
Brent rescinds his forced resignation
Board of Trustees tabled the action and sent problem to the personnel committee for a recommendation
The next day six board members resigned along with one staff member
A plan of action outlining eleven problems with possible solutions was suggested by Jerry Donnelly and accepted by the board as a course of action for the remainder of the 2009 year and the 2010 season (see history file).
The first Eco Challenge was held in September
The third every other year Fall Festival was held in September. Thanks to a $5000 donation from the Dorothy Carter trust.
Jen Tarquini hired to replace Shellie Johnson as the Administrative Assistant
Year end financials were healthy with no need to borrow
2010 Four Wheeler donated by Dr. Timothy Linehan
New Website designed by Alpha Geek
First Father Son Weekend in March
Doll-Loesel Foundation donates $29,000 for renovation of Arts & Crafts Building
New Donor Packets developed by Development and Marketing Committee
Additional Fuel Tank Purchased
$4000 per month reinstituted for repair and replacement fund
McAdams property swap offer turned down
Arts and Crafts Building Renovation bid accepted from Jim Knibbs Construction
Camp Daggett becomes program partners with United Way
Replacement of Bunk Beds for dorms by White Cedar Log Furniture Co.
Advisory Board established as advisors to the Executive Committee
Second (every five years) Camp staff reunion hosted
Grace Ketchum hired as Fund Development Director
Erosion Plan completed by Advanced Geo-matics of Charlevoix
Nature Building severely damaged by falling tree – Will be replaced in 2011
Rec Hall repainted by fellowship volunteers and reshingled
Egypt reshingled
Jean MacMillan Bradley gives camp her Camp Daggett Memories booklet to camp (In History File)
Used 15 passenger van purchased for $11,000
Used pontoon boat purchased for $4,000
PUD finalized with Bay Township in order to get building permit for A&C building
Twelve new committee members added during 2010
2011 Policies and Procedure Manual with Fiscal Policy adopted at January board meeting
Contract awarded to East Jordan Construction for replacement of Nature Building
$100,000 Line of Credit was established at the Bank of Northern Michigan
Contract awarded to Jim Knibbs for two additions to the Arts and Crafts Building
Board of Trustees approved porches to be added to both the nature and A/C building
New Language for Section 3.2 Part A (regarding approving service club members becoming board members) was approved at March board meeting
Director’s Cabin reshingled
Ice Dam situation rectified in Main Lodge by removing old insulation and adding foam insulation (Jordan Construction)
Camp Daggett
(Click to access the Camp Daggett Web Site)
(Click to access the Camp Daggett Web Site)