Camp Arcadia (Michigan)

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The Wigwam at Camp Arcadia

Camp Arcadia is a Lutheran camp, owned and operated by the Lutheran Camp Association. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan in the small town of Arcadia, Camp Arcadia has been in continuous operation since its opening in 1922.^[1]

Geography

Arcadia, Michigan

Camp Arcadia is located in Arcadia Township Arcadia, Michigan, in Manistee County. The main access road is M-22.

Sunset over Lake Michigan from Camp Arcadia's patio

History of the Camp

Camp Arcadia opened in 1922 under the direction of the Walther League.^[2] From its opening until his death in 1963, William "Chief" Wieherman ran the camp along with his wife Hildegard, affectionately known as "Mom." The Walther League folded in 1968. The future of the camp was uncertain, until a group of dedicated campers formed the Lutheran Camp Association and bought all 110 acres (0.45 km²) of the camp. The LCA, a non-profit corporation, has been running the camp ever since.^[3]

The Camp Today

Camp Arcadia continues to run under the direction of the LCA. The current president is Martha Dourson, and the current camp director is Chip May. Each summer, 35 college-age adults live and work at the camp. These employees cook, clean, and run the programs for the campers. In addition to the summer staff, Camp Arcadia employs a full-time executive director, chef (Kurt Harvey), business director (Mike Pasche), program director (Kyle DeWees) and caretaker (John Jass).

The camp opens on Memorial Day weekend. Campers are invited to stay for free, provided they help in getting the property ready for the summer. After a week to train the summer staff, the camp begins its summer retreats, most of which are family weeks. The camp generally runs retreats through October, when it is then closed for winter.

Notes and references

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