Sentimental Saves—

Many of the special memories from camp were preserved in copies of the “Loon” from the beginning years at camp. Not only were there many copies in the Bay City YWCA archives, but campers saved them and many donated them for reference for the history. Along with the little newsletters, photos from camp (both professional […]

Cabin Pranks–

Timeless camp traditions included pranks, which inevitably involved the bed. Pranksters followed their mothers, aunts, cousins and sisters into the antics that were handed down for years to make their cabin mates and counselors lives more interesting. The short-sheeting of beds was the most popular prank over every summer session, which was either taken well […]

Potato Donuts and Creamed Eggs

Most of the campers felt that although the camp food was not fancy, it was warm and good. Running off calories during the days’ activities meant the meals were especially welcome for staff and campers alike, and the girls often learned to eat and enjoy food not found at home. The girls learned to like […]

Falls From Horses–

Other riders were not so brave. Brooke Sauve (1949-51) would rather have been on a horse than swim. Her parents purchased her first horse when she was four, but she fell and broke her arm. Then the fear set in, so they sold the horse. When she was twelve they bought her another one. “The […]

Taking The Plunge–Lake or Pool

Swimming for some came naturally  because they grew up with a pool at their house or belonged to private swim clubs. It did not ease the shock of the cold lake water, and for some a pool felt more secure with walls and known depths in clean, clear water. . Phoebe Atha (1947-48) was never […]

My (Friend) Went There! #3

Laurie Cullen attended in the late sixties at a time when camp registrations were overflowing. She was ten and had camped at another camp from age eight to ten. “I met a little girl by the name of Jennifer. It was such an unusual name back then. I was so homesick and her Mom found […]