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Welcome to Friends of Camp Batawagama |
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The
tradition of Camp Batawagama, it's a privilege of Iron County. By growing up in Iron County, Michigan you became one of a privileged few, not in the sense most people think of as privileged, but in a very special way. Privileged to have experienced all the seasons, the glories and hardships each brings. Privileged to really know your neighbors, to feel as though you really belonged to a community. Privileged to live in one of the most beautiful places in the world. Pristine lakes, brilliant night lit skies, a place where forests still survive and wild animals are commonplace. Of all these privileges, there is one special place. A place kids eagerly go each summer to play with friends, learn about nature, swim, hike, and sing songs around the campfire. More then just fun, you learned how to get along with others, take turns, share in the work, and eat well. Camp Batawagama is that special place that helped you get a good start in life, and gave you some happy memories of childhood that will linger forever. Camp Batawagama was there when you needed it, now Camp Batawagama needs you. In 1997 several former campers and friends met with Brian Schulze who has been the Camp Director for over 42 years. There had been an increasing show of support from former campers, staff members, parents, and friends of Camp Batawagama to start an organization that would foster interest in the social, economic, and educational preservation of Camp and it's traditional commitment to the citizens of Iron County. Thus, on a cold snowy day in November around the kitchen table at Margee and Jim Brennan's home in Shaker Heights, Ohio, the Friends of Camp Batawagama was started by the Founders Brian Schulze, Joey Peterson Clark, Margee Johnson Brennan, Jim Brennan, and Pat Johnson Teranishi. As many of you know the Friends of Camp Batawagama (FOCB) has grown tremendously in a few years and now has over 600 people from all over the world who have contributed to make our organization one of the most successful charitable groups ever to exist in Iron County. We are ever mindful of our mission of supporting Camp Batawagama by individually and collectively volunteering for FOCB activities, providing financial support, and ensuring the preservation of traditional programs and the environment at camp. Camp Batawagama has remained an unblemished habitat for learning of the wonders of nature, and building lifelong friendships. Surely, you remember the nature trails, waterfront, the music, the arts and crafts, and the ever incredible Indian Ceremony. Brian and his dedicated staff have even made special arrangements for you to revisit Camp Batawagama with many of your old friends. As a Friends of Camp Batawagama Member, you will get several chances to see beautiful Iron County and Indian Lake again, not to mention, renew some old friendships. You can see first hand that Brian's 42 years of dedication merit your support. Together, we can assure Batawagama's place in history and legacy to this area. Become a friend of Batawagama, it doesn't cost much and it's tax deductible. In order to make it easier for you to plan your finances and taxes, we will be raising funds over the next few years. Or dedicate a part of camp to the memory of your choice, and display your generosity for generations. Please do whatever you can, because even though you may no longer need camp, Camp Batawagama needs you. You can become a member of Friends of Camp Batawagama by sponsoring a part of Camp Batawagama. Items that you can sponsor are Mess Hall Tables, Pianos, Firebowl, Cabins, Canoes, Trails, and Memory Stones. You can pay online via Paypal or download an application form and send it in to start your Sponsorship. Friends of Camp Batawagama (FOCB) is a non-profit organization dedicated in preserving the Iron County Youth Camp know as Camp Batawagama. Ninety-six percent of all donations go into the preservation of Camp Batawagama programs and improvements. Please join in our effort to preserve Camp Batawagama for you, your children, and your children's children. May the Spirit of Batawagama live with you.
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Annual FOCB Meeting will be held September 26, 2009 at the O'Hare Wyndham, Chicago, IL at 8:00 AM Gifts to the Friends of Camp BATAWAGAMA (FOCB) are tax deductible. 501 (c) (3) Tax ID # 34-1832902 |
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This site was last updated 03/02/09
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