Camp Daggett sees upgrades, renovations through cabin adoption program

PETOSKEY — The Boyne Valley Knights of Columbus recently stepped in to help support Camp Daggett's mission.

Originally started in 1925 with the support of the Petoskey Rotary Club, service clubs have been integral in the growth and work of Camp Daggett, development director Julie Joles told the News-Review.

According to a press release, Camp Daggett has 19 active service clubs supporting the group's mission, and they help prepare cabins for use — whether it's replacing rotting wood, fixing roofs or wiping down mattresses to get cabins kid-ready.

"Our roots have always been in service clubs," Joles said. "We have volunteers that come out for all the events that we have and work in the kitchen, and help with parking. Camp is definitely a community operation. Without that involvement, it wouldn't be what it is today."

The Boyne Valley Knights of Columbus adopted the "Hemlock" cabin, also known as the Med Shed, at the camp. The Med Shed acts as a residence for the camp nurse, holds essential medical supplies and is where campers receive care for injuries.

Throughout the month of May, the group helped refurbish the cabin, including installing a new bathroom, hot water heater, roofing, exterior stone, light fixtures and wood, totaling a $5,000 investment.

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Service clubs are able to adopt cabins to keep them up to par, with groups helping get cabins camp-ready in the spring. The clubs are asked to help with fundraising or contracting for necessary work to help the Camp Daggett staff meet long-term needs for the cabins.

"There's just a lot of collaboration and it's really neat to be a part of," Joles said.

For more information on the cabin adoption program, contact Joles at julie.joles@campdaggett.org or call (231) 881-5451.

— Contact reporter Karly Graham atkgraham@petoskeynews.com. Follow her on Twitter at@KarlyGrahamJRN.