2014 is Almost Here!

Staff week is finally here! This is such an eventful time for us here at Camp Daggett. There have been many preparations made for our upcoming year.  What you’ll notice is some of the many upgrades that our year round staff have been at work on, including some new landscaping features. What you may not notice some of the hard work that is put in during staff week. Our area directors, counselors, support staff and directors are hard at work this week making sure all of the areas around camp are up to speed for the summer. It is amazing what our small, close knit group of young, and not so young, people are able to get together in such a short time. From getting sailboats floating and rigged, cleaning and polishing the kitchen for another great summer of amazing food, clearing the back trails, and putting the final touches on cabins to make them feel like a home away from home, there is never a dull moment during staff week.

Many of our new staff has been in awe of the beauty, natural and man made, that we are fortunate to have at camp. Its looking to be a nice summer, full of warm weather and sunshine. This is quite a change from just a few months ago- although there are some lasting effects. Quite a few of our insect friends managed to survive the “Polar Vortex” and are now at camp- so don’t forget to pack that bug spray. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends safe use of repellents containing DEET at concentrations up to 30% in children. A statement can be found here which also includes some helpful information on their correct use. And of course, the lake is on the chilly side, but it is warming up pretty nicely- a great way to refresh ones self after a long day on the rec field!

Unfortunately, not all of Northern Michigan is as prepared as we are. There are a few ongoing construction projects in the area we here at Camp Daggett would like you to be aware of.

• Downtown Petoskey is seeing some major construction of the Mitchell St. Bridge over the Bear River. Southbound traffic will be diverted onto Lake St and Ignalls avenue, while Northbound traffuc (headed toward Downtown) will remain on the bridge. A statement from MDOT can be found here.
• Boyne City is also experiencing some delays on Division/M-75 right near the high school.

You may also consult the MDOT website here for up to the minute details on construction across the state.

 

 

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Only 24 More Hours!

Greetings from the shores of Walloon! While out first group of campers will be arriving in a little more than a day, our staff has been hard at work the last week getting ready for the entire summer.  Even though it has been just one short week, it is amazing to see the kinds of bonds and friendships that form among our staff. During our staff week, counselors, area directors, support staff, and directors work together to ensure that camp is ready for a long summer. From putting sailboats in the water to learning first aid and CPR, our staff is prepared to make sure each camper has the best week possible. We are certainly all excited for tomorrow to come, and cannot wait to meet the first group of campers at 3:00pm.

 

Staff Photo

Staff Week is Underway!

It is hard to believe that it is only just the beginning of the third day of our week long staff training week, because it seems that we have so much done! Since arriving on Sunday  morning, our entire staff has been hard at work preparing for a fun filled summer. After some introductions, everyone participated in some excellent team building events and adventure activities with our amazing adventure staff. Our counselors, both old and new, have learned some amazing things that they will almost certainly be sharing with campers of all ages when they get here.

After counselors found out what areas they would be working in, everyone got some time to start getting their areas ready for camp. Thanks to some hard work by lots of people, camp is looking better than ever, and families and campers will see many new things around camp that will make camp safer, better, and most importantly more fun that ever! New landscaping and a new sailing dock are just some of the many improvements that have been made at camp. But don’t let the new stuff fool you, all of our long cherished traditions and activities are still alive and well.

In addition to getting camp physically ready, we have also been hard at work training our staff in many ways that will benefit campers. In addition to getting first aid and CPR certified, our staff will be hard at work all week learning the best ways to help campers have the best week possible while at Camp Daggett. As always, having our wonderful kitchen staff here has helped keep us full and happy, as they too hone their skills for the summer. Although lots has been done, there is always much more to do. So follow along for updates and news from the Shores of Walloon!