“Attendance records were broken in the first two weeks of camp for the first time in camp history,” read the minutes from November 2, 1934. “There were a total of 168 campers, 79 of which were from Bay City and 89 from other cities and states. The largest enrollment was during the fourth week. For the entire season the total campers numbered 428.”
The earliest mention of registration in the minutes left by the camp committee was June 1935. The camp rates were $11 for the first week, $10 for the second, and $1.50 registration fee. The monthly fee was $43.50. Notes from February 15, 1937 stated a fee of $1.00 was charged just to register by the Saturday before camp and presumably the balance was paid upon arrival.
On February 9. 1945, the minutes indicated a discussion of how many periods or sessions to have at camp. “Some thought that four two-week periods scheduled as in previous summers is advisable because there are many other changes in the camp situation. Mrs. Coryell mentioned the state camp that holds its two four-week periods with the advantage of continuity of program for four continuous weeks. During the discussion, the idea of planning for two four-week periods or two two-week periods (were) considered. No decision concerning the matter was reached.
All periods in 1952 were full, with the exception of the first period. The camp committee was pleased with the successful season consisting of 263 girls.
In 1955, there was a discussion about raising the camp fees to $40 for Bay City girls and $50 for out-of-town girls. By 1957, they were up to $50 and $60.50 for the same breakdown. By 1959, the fees were stated by week sessions and $27/$53 was charged for locals and $32/$63 for out-of-town.
Statistics on the rates and enrollment are inconsistent, but minutes from an October 3, 1956 camp committee meeting listed 283 girls had attended the previous summer and that thirteen year olds were the largest group.
In 1957 a total of 262 girls had camped that season and 116 of them were from Bay City, although a debate continued as to whether Essexville, Kawkawlin and Linwood should be listed under Bay City as local, which would reduce fees. “Girls in Bay County need the opportunity and the YWCA should serve them,” stated the minutes. In May 1957 one-week sessions were offered only first and fourth periods.
By April 1959 enrollment was up to 41 in session one, 77 in session two, 78 in session three and only 16 is session four. The committee discussed whether they could take more campers periods three and four and if the capacity was reached enough to build more cabins. More information was to be sought from the Bureau of Social Agencies for information regarding cabins per acre.
Every year the camp had to apply for a renewal of license for the camp through the state of Michigan. Many of the reports remained with the statistics of staff numbers, total amount of campers each summer and improvements or suggestions. A 1960 application listed 284 campers for the summer of 1959 and the rates were now $28.50 for Bay County and $33.50 for out-of-town girls. The girls were aged 8-16 and there were 27 staff plus a director. The counselor ratio was 8:1.
There were always discussions on the length of time children should stay at camp, believing that campers who stayed three or four periods became bored at the end. “Members of the committee are convinced that camp is for more girls rather than fewer for the whole summer,” minutes from a January 21. 1957 read. “Camp Maqua is not equipped or staffed to provide that much diversity in program. It was moved and carried that a limit of two periods (one month) be recommended. Each should be considered individually.”
Camp sessions during the sixties usually began at the end of June. On the license renewal June29-July13 was session one; July 14-28 for session two; July 31-August 14 for session three and August 15-August 22 for session four.
Camp sessions began on Sunday and ended on Saturday and the girls who continued on to more sessions were considered “stay-overs”. In 1961 the camp committee had considered no stay-overs for campers and staff. Supposedly, the schedule proposed would produce an additional week of camping with no increase in staff, but it does not appear that it was passed.
By 1963 the rates had been increased to $56.50 and $66.50, but it did not decrease the enrollment. Dorthe Balaskas was listed as the camp director and Judith Sterling as the assistant during a season that consisted of 303 girls.
The girls came from all over the state of Michigan and Ohio. The majority of the girls, according to a report from director Dorthe Balaskas, were nine to thirteen. Many of the girls were “returnees”. Some campers came from Illinois, Florida and other countries.
Dorthe’s reports were wonderfully complete, with references to the weather and spirit of each session. “The weather continued to be hot and there were many returnees and they came in with high hopes for a good time”, she wrote, noting there were some problems with pranks. “I must add that the good Lord was once again watching over our campers.”
By 1971, the rates were up to $97 for non-residents of the Bay area and $87 for residents. Stay-overs paid a $15 fee. Barbara Haggart was the director and her report listed 49 girls in session one; 95 in session two, 87 in session three and only 27 in session four.
In 1976, which was the last report that listed any statistics, Delphine Evans was the director of the now co-ed “Camp Maquois”, which was the merging of Camp Iroquois on Sand Lake with Camp Maqua on the Loon Lake property to form a co-ed camp. Thirty-seven staff members were listed and 140 girls. A total of 307 campers were listed on the license renewal for May 13, 1976.
Do you remember the rates from your camping days? Were you a one week, two week session camper, or did you go for the entire summer?