Camp Friendships–

The friendships of camp often began before sessions even started!. Many knew friends from school or had cousins who attended at the same time and numerous women stayed in touch their whole lives after meeting new friends at camp. Young girls Helen Hasty (1943-50) met at Camp Maqua would go on to become some of […]

What I Missed At Home #1

Aside from the usual bouts of homesickness, many of the girls missed some dramatic events at home or in their hometowns while they attended camp. The girls in hut nine expressed their views perfectly in the last edition of the “Loon” in 1950. The first thing they would do when they got home; “Run and […]

Co-ed Dynamics–

The dynamics changed for Mardi Jo Link (1973-78) when Camp Maqua turned co-ed. “I never felt threatened, if anything I had a lot of friends. That time helped me form my open mindedness as a young woman with all girls around, but it went away when the boys arrived. No one felt as comfy anymore. […]

From Alcohol To Drugs—

“I remember one year there was a girl with the last name of Polk and we got her really drunk and she had a bad reaction to the alcohol,” said Mardi Jo Link (1973-78). “We had to walk her around so she wouldn’t pass out. We were so afraid and said, “Oh, God, I hope […]

Someone Who Knew Someone—

Someone knew someone who knew someone who said Camp Maqua was the best. Either a mother, aunt, friend, cousin or sister would recruit future campers to enjoy the experiences they found to be so positive. Some would remain friends their entire lives and others lost touch. “It was a huge part of our lives. We […]

Taking Aim—

“Archery is becoming a nationwide, popular sport and for this reason is enjoyed by most of the campers,” wrote Nan O’Tool in the July 11,1950 edition of the “Loon”. “With good coaching and practice, campers can become expert Robinhoods.” In 1969, beautiful bows were on loan from Bear Archery Co in Grayling. and Barb Grey […]