|
|
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
|
|
Elks camp caters to youths
Staff Writer LAKE EDWARD TOWNSHIP - On the south shores of Pelican and Markee lakes in rural Nisswa are sandy beaches and a 270-acre retreat where hundreds of 9- to 13-year-olds from around the state will spend part of their summer.
The retreat, the Minnesota Elks Youth Camp, opened for the season this week with 87 children from Brainerd, Bemidji, Hutchinson, St. Cloud and Wadena. The camp hosts children who were referred by a member of an Elks Lodge in Minnesota. The camp hosts a different group of youths each week for a total of seven weeks.
Joel and Kim Baumgarten of Cold Spring have served as directors of the camp for the past seven years. They said the camp was established in the 1950s by the Brainerd Elks Lodge.
|
|
|
|
Kim and Joel Baumgarten, who have a son, Colton, have been camp directors at the Elks Youth Camp for seven years. Brainerd Dispatch/Steve Kohls
» Purchase reprints of this photo.
|
|
|
|
|
Kim Baumgarten said her aunt and uncle used to run the camp and when they retired they asked her if she wanted the job. The Baumgartens are both teachers so they have their summers off and they were quick to jump at the chance.
The Baumgartens employ about 25-30 staff members at the camp, which includes five cabins for boys and four cabins for girls.
Joel Baumgarten said the camp focuses on citizenship, nationalism and moral character. He said they teach children old-fashioned values that Elks Lodge members believe in.
The children stay active during their stay at the camp. They arrive Sundays and leave Saturdays. A bell rings at 7:30 a.m. every morning to wake up the children. They get ready, raise the flag at 8:05 a.m. followed by stretching exercises.
|
|
|
|
Issac Holmin of Baxter was helped to shore Monday by Elks Youth Camp lifeguard Andrew Conger after a trip onto Pelican Lake. Brainerd Dispatch/Steve Kohls
» Purchase reprints of this photo.
|
|
|
|
|
The Baumgartens said all meals are served family style and the children clear the table when they are done eating. After breakfast, the youth go back to their cabins and clean.
From 10 a.m. to noon and from 2-3 p.m., youth participate in various activities, including kayaking, archery, scavenger hunts, fishing and miniature golf.
For two hours in the later part of the afternoon, the children get to swim with three lifeguards on duty. Then the children report to supper and then have 90 minutes of free time where they can play games such as volleyball, basketball or on the jungle gym.
Then at 8:30 p.m. each night, children enjoy campfire activities.
Lights are out at 9:30 p.m.
|
|
|
|
Karrin Long (left), Pillager; Gracie Lien and Mcayla Mcquiston, both of Wadena; and Launa Nickey, Brainerd, rehearsed Monday on the stage for campfire director Art Tuttle. Around the campfire the previous night, the actors presented a play for the other campers at the Elks Youth Camp. Brainerd Dispatch/Steve Kohls
» Purchase reprints of this photo.
|
|
|
|
|
This week, the camp has a special program planned on Thursday for Flag Day. A member of the Elks, who has a military background, and a representative from the American Legion in Brainerd will participate.
"Last year we started having a week set aside where we would allow kids, who have a member of their family deployed in Iraq, be able to come to the camp for free," said Joel Baumgarten. "This week is the week and there are about 16 kids."
The camp is privately funded through the Elks Lodge. The Baumgartens said it costs about $400 per child to run the camp. The camp also gives out scholarships.
"It takes a special person to work here," said Kim Baumgarten. "Most of the staff have been here since we became the directors ... They do a great job."
|
|
|
|
Eric Turnock (left) watched Curt Stout play miniature golf at the Elks Youth Camp Monday near Pelican Lake. Brainerd Dispatch/Steve Kohls
» Purchase reprints of this photo.
|
|
|
|
|
Kim Baumgarten said often the children cry at the end of the week when they have to leave their newfound friends.
On Monday, the youth seemed to be enjoying themselves. Issac Holmin, 11, Baxter, said he was enjoying his first time at the camp.
Launa Nickey, 11, Brainerd, started camp off on a high note by earning the Super Camp Award for being a good leader in her cabin. Launa said she's looking forward to swimming, arts and crafts and the campfires.
Justice Callahan, 12, St. Cloud, said she is meeting new friends and is looking forward to trying out archery.
JENNIFER STOCKINGER may be reached at jennifer.stockinger@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5851.
|
|
|
Thinking about a New Job?
These employers want you!
|
Loading...
|
|
|
Today's Best Classifieds:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Overcast, 61°
