Directors, Counselors, Staff

The Augustyniak Sisters/Camp Influence

Published on by Kathy Baker

Camp had a tremendous influence on sisters Chris and Sue Augustyniak. “There was a regular rhythm to our camp experience”, said Sue (1962-68). “Our parents would drop us off and on the way home we would go out of our way to have fried chicken at Frankenmuth. Our parents wanted us to become independent and they encouraged us. We felt like we could do anything. We mastered skills. We were expected to do well and we did.  Saying goodbye on the last day was always a sad day.”

“I was an extrovert and made friends easily, but I was also a well-behaved kid”, said sister Chris. (1963-66) “We lived in Bloomfield Hills near Pontiac and I remember that I liked being out of doors picking wildflowers, strawberries and asparagus in rural farmland, but I hated those overnight canoe trips. I hated the bugs, sleeping on the ground and not having a shower,” said Chris. “Although one year when our family took a trip out west, Sue and I convinced our family to rent a cabin and we made a campfire, because we had done that at Maqua. I had an appreciation for the outdoors, but I love having my shower and cream in my coffee and a bed. Sue and I enjoyed our Maqua experience, but our much younger sister Stephanie missed out because it was already closed by the time she could have attended.”

Chris, who was at Camp Maqua from aged ten to sixteen, was three years older than her sister Sue. A friend of hers, Patty Dale, wanted to go, but not alone. Chris had never thought about camp, but she decided to give it a try. She was not homesick and despite the fact that her friend Patty did not return the following year, Chris and another friend Mary Dudley did return. Chris continued until aged sixteen when she reached an age that she could work.”

“In 1967 our family returned to the ancestral homeland of both our parents, who were war refugees from Poland and Italy. Since my parents came to the United States as adults, we didn’t learn the Americana and traditions that other girls may have. Toasting marshmallows, singing the folk songs and other activities were learned at camp,” said Chris.

“Our family was very familial (traditional) and wanted my sister and me to have an education. They also waited until we were done with camp to have family vacations, unlike some of the parents who had them when their kids were at camp. By age six I knew I wanted to go to college and our parents wanted us to be independent and self-sufficient. They taught us to drive at thirteen and I think our camp experiences added and reinforced that self-sufficiency.”

“I was introduced to many new things at Camp Maqua, including archery, which I was very good at and rowing, swimming and canoeing. Sue and I persuaded our family to rent canoes one year because we had learned those skills at camp. There were many beautiful rivers in Michigan, but our family was never very athletic.”

“Learning to swim at Maqua was a benefit when I went to Harvard.  One of the requirements to attend happened to be swimming the length of the pool, which you would not think Harvard would be known for. I did make the length, even though I hate getting my ears wet. You could pass if you could get across in any way—floating, swimming or dog paddle. That requirement was due to the memory of Mr. Harry Elkins Widener and son, who lost their lives when they were unable to swim as the Titanic went down. His wife had a library built in their memory with $2 million, which was an incredible amount in that era! Another stipulation— every Harvard student had to pass a swimming test.”

“I know that my parents were delighted when I came home from camp one summer to find that I had lost weight from running up and down the steps to and from the lodge and my cabin. I was kind of a chubby kid., “ laughed Chris.

 

 

Camp Falls On Hard Times

Published on by Kathy Baker

IMG_0007Camps across the country were closing in the seventies for many reasons. Some of these camps were positioned in areas that were popular for vacations and second homes. Property taxes had risen and many families began taking family vacations together, instead of shipping their kids off the camps. Camps closed when they could not afford to operate with high bills and lower enrollment. The media was focusing on issues of pedophilia within some camps, which caused parents to tighten the reins on allowing their children to attend.

Judy Alcorn, forties camper and board member at the YWCA, wrote, “It was at the end of their time at camp when it fell upon hard times. There were four women who served on the board who decided to begin much-needed repairs and painting. They, along with their husbands, were Marge and Jim Falvey, Georgie and Jim Fenton, Nancy and Bob McAlister and my husband Pat and me,”

“We put hundreds of gallons of paint on all the huts. We called ahead to the hardware store in Hale, which stocked the paint for us. They would have it all shaken and ready to pick up during the weekend. We all cleaned and generally picked up the place. Our kids came with us and we would build a fire in the lodge at the end of the day and sleep in our sleeping bags. Although we worked hard, we had a good time. We used a small fundraising campaign to pay for the paint and the material used.”

“That kept the camp going for a few more years. I am not sure about sharing with Camp Mahn-go-tah-see across the lake. Camp came to an end and we started an agreement with Camp Iroquois, the Bay City YMCA camp, for a few years. Then, that folded as well. It was a sad day when that happened. At that time many sports camps were in business and the competition was too strong.”

Judy was not on the board when it merged with Camp Iroquois, but she recalled the YWCA had turned down the offer to merge at one time because they were afraid the men would take control. The men felt that Camp Maqua property was better suited to a camp

When the decision was to be made in 1976 between the Bay City YMCA and the YWCA to merge Camp Maqua and Camp Iroquois (on Sand Lake), David Bast was the camp director at the boys’ camp. He was designated to be the director of the combined effort but accepted a position in Alabama. Camp Iroquois’ decreased enrollment and the financial situation at both camps was the impetus for the merger, despite Maqua’s higher enrollment. “The plan was to merge the program, but not mess with the assets,” said Delphine Evans, director in 1976.

“Both camps were struggling financially and Maqua had the better physical facility, so the two boards merged their camps, or that was my understanding,” said Amy Falvey, whose parents were huge volunteers at Maqua.

An article in the Bay City Times on September 21, 1979, said, “In an effort to save the camp, it was merged in 1976 with Camp Iroquois, a young men’s camp, and renamed Camp Maquois. Camp Maquois operated for two years on a co-ed status before the decision to sell the Camp Maquois property was made. Officials of the Young Women’s Christian Association of Bay County say interest in the camp has dwindled to money-losing levels in this age of recreational campers and snowmobiles. The YWCA Board of Trustees decided to quit going deeper in debt with the facility and advertised the property for bids, which must be submitted before November 1.”

A Safe And Happy Camp

Published on by Kathy Baker

The physical plant of Camp Maqua was listed as ‘rustic” in the 1971 report from the Dept. of Social Services, but “conducive to a quality camp experience”. The report confirmed the positives of the camp stating, “Camp Maqua is definitely a fun place to be for YWCA girls. The program is varied and complete and the leadership is mature and experienced.” With that recommendation, the camp received it license for 1972.

“It appeared all fears and anxieties relative to being away from home had been dispelled,” wrote James Sweeting, who evaluated the camp in 1974 for the Dept. of Social Services. “A wholesome rapport between campers and staff members was obvious throughout the camp.”

Ann Pennington (1963-72) said, “Maqua was never a pretentious camp. The simple things made it special. The camp directors concentrated on the basics of outdoor life and physical activity, and it was a building block for me. That atmosphere of activity helped me make the decision to go into teaching and physical education”,

Dorothe Balaskas was the camp’s director for most of the years Ann was there, and she remembers that all the girls respected her so much that they would have done anything to help her out. Ann went off to college, thinking it would be the last time she would attend Maqua, until she heard there was to be a new director. She drove to Bay City to a meeting at the Y, only to discover that her physical education teacher Sue Patenge was going to be the new director. Ann decided, along with her friend Ann Carney, that they should return to help Sue transition her first year as a director with knowledgeable counselors under her.  Both Anns were indicative of the strong leaders that kept Camp Maqua’s reputation so positive for all those years.

Alice Bishop had been the camp director in 1961 and her report illustrated the type of order that made for such an organized camp. The counselors were in their cabins from 1:00-4:00 to receive the campers and other staff members were assigned to jobs with parking, luggage delivery, waterfront watch, and money collection.  This type of schedule was used for every session and helped with the continuity of the camp.

Cathy Hawkins, who camped in the sixties, said, “It was a happy camp and there was something for everyone. It was a good nature experience for girls, especially to be away from home.”

“It was a happy camp with no bullying. It wasn’t tolerated. Everyone got along because there were strong leaders with a strong, positive influence, “ said Missy Butsch, who also camped in the sixties.

Ilene Zacher (1959+) attended camp in the era when the Jewish camp movement began and attended Tamarack, but thought it was more like a retreat than a camp. She enjoyed the feel and experience she had at Maqua much more.

“As much as I loved my summers at my cottage with my family, I loved the giving and loving environment of Maqua. Everybody had a place there. Everyone got awards. There was one summer when I was twelve that I went to tennis camp in downtown Detroit. Mrs. Hoxie, who was famous in the tennis circles and a friend of my grandmother, took me under her wing. I was with older kids that summer and it was completely different, but I went back to Maqua the next summer. Honestly, I was so busy that summer, I never had time to miss it,” said Chris Lambert, who began in 1958.

“It was one huge family and there was so much inclusiveness. I was a shy kid then, but the thing that struck me then was how much we were all included. Our cabin became our family and we all became close. Later, as a staffer, we wanted to do that for our campers—-provide that feeling of being included.”

Stephanie Patterson (1961-65) went off to Maqua at the age of ten, reluctant, but came away with a great feeling of being welcomed with open arms from a diverse group of people. Others, like Jane Linder (1956+), felt it was run as a true Christian camp and Barb Rehmus (1965-76) loved the warmth and safety she felt over her long camping years at Maqua.

 

A Well-Organized Camp

Published on by Kathy Baker

Barb Ballor was eight years old when she first attended Camp Maqua. “It fostered kindness to others. I was so sad when it was no longer a camp. It was such a well-organized camp. There was a camp nurse in attendance. Older girls were encouraged to help. And the staff were careful not to let the boys from the boy’s camp too close,” she said. “Everyone had fun!”

“Camp Maqua, that lovely spot just north of Hale, Michigan, is a place where one can be at her best,” stated a newspaper article from June 1929. “ It is the place away from the complex grind of everyday things—almost a fairyland. A blue lake nestled among silver birch trees; comfortable huts and a cozy lodge; joy of creating things with one’s own hands; joy of being natural; friendships that are sacred; all of these things dear to the hearts of real lovers of nature are found at Camp Maqua.”

“I liked my counselors and everyone at the camp. They were very good to us. They accepted everyone and always appeared to be fair and impartial. I never remember anyone, even the cooks, becoming angry or impatient or ever raising their voice. They were exemplary models of good behavior, said Janet Dixon, of her camping years during the early fifties.”

“The camp was very well organized and very well run. The staff knew how to keep children busy and out of trouble. I liked the regimentation, but it was because it was tempered with variety, choices, and enough free time. I loved learning new things, and, especially, the chance to taste independence. I don’t know how they did it but I know they did it well! in 62 years, I have never forgotten my experiences there.”

Hut five was interviewed in August 1950 and the girl’s answers were published in a copy of the “Loon”, “What do you think of Camp Maqua?” and the comments ranged from “Camp Maqua is worth saving because it is educational”, “You can’t compare Camp Maqua with any other camp because Camp Maqua is the best”, “Camp Maqua is more fun than any other camp I’ve been to”.

“It’s a great camp. You learn many new activities and you have the opportunity to meet other girls,” wrote Jean Jahnke, who was the reporter and was from Bay City. She said she wanted to tell those who had been there before and the ones that were there for the first time that they made the camp what it was and the counselors did a “swell job”.

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Sadness For End Of Camp

Published on by Kathy Baker

 

 

 

Camp meant freedom from family, the chance to make new friends and the opportunity to learn new skills often not offered at home. For many girls who did not experience the pang of homesickness, leaving camp held true sadness.

For Harriet Crumb, it was the best experience! “You can see I loved it. In 1929 I went for one week—to take and pass the tests for my American Red Cross Life Saving badge. I was a big girl then, of course, and the next summer when I couldn’t go at all, I thought the world had come to an end. Other girls seemed to be able to take it or leave it, but from the first I was hooked and in some form have enjoyed camping ever since.”

Sue Augustyniak lived in Bllomfield Hills and camped 1962-68 at Maqua. “Our parents wanted us to become independent and they encouraged up. We felt like we could do anything. We mastered skills. We expected to do well and we did. Saying goodbye on the last day was always a sad day.”

Kim Moore was nine years old when she attended Camp Maqua for the first time in 1967 and continued every summer until she turned fifteen when she ended her camp career as a kitchen aide. “It was a huge part of my life—one of the best parts of my life. I would cry at the end of the session because I didn’t want to go home. I felt so grown up at camp and so safe and independent.”

“There was a two-week block in July when I went to camp and loved it,” said Kathy Butsch, who was ten in 1968 when she first attended and camped until 1974. “I was always sad and depressed to leave camp because I was leaving all my new best friends”

“One cherished memory for me,” said Judith Moore, assistant director in 1970-71, “was the sight of the young campers making friends and bonding throughout the two-week period, so sad to leave each other at the end. They too had an experience for the first time and it was very emotional. There were those who waited so anxiously for their parents to arrive for pick up and it was always obvious to me which parents had a special bond with their girls. These young campers had an adventure that asked that they survive without their usual family support and develop these skills. Remarkable when I think about it.”

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Why I Did Not Return To Camp #4

Published on by Kathy Baker

Families members passed away and families moved, so those events affected the decisions of girls to return to camp. Others had to earn money instead of camping, and then some were fortunate enough to take advantage of other opportunities with travel.

Jane McKinley attended camp 1956, 1957, and 1959, but her parents moved to Portland, Oregon in 1958, so she missed that summer. She had her first flying experience when she returned the following summer, and it was the first time she had ever flown on her own. She stayed with the Utter family until she went to camp and to this day wishes her sister, who was ten years younger, had taken the opportunity to attend Camp Maqua.

“I was the youngest of five, but the only one to go to camp,” said Rosemary Orgren (1956-58). “My friends were at camp. They were my tribe. It was probably helpful because I was shy through high school and college. It was good to be in an environment where you either curled up in a ball or you were friendly. It was a good time for girls. It was good for me and I felt like all the experiences were also good. My parents moved me in the seventh grade to Detroit, and I don’t remember any particular reason why I didn’t go back. I guess I felt I had outgrown it.”

As one of the youngest campers in 1965 at the age of eight, Debbie Tweedie camped long enough to become a C.I.T. and left only when her family moved. Gretchen Jacques, attended as a young teen from 1952-55, and made it to C.I.T. status, but for some reason lost interest.

Kimela Peck was eight in 1966 and attended for eight more years and despite her desire to become a counselor, felt the need as an only child to earn money and go on to college. Her father died when she was six and her mother was raising her on her own.

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