Friends of Camp Batawagama

 

New News

 

 

FOCB Awarded Matching Grant

 

 

     The Friends of Camp BATAWAGAMA have been awarded a matching grant of $1190.00 from the Dickinson Area Community Foundation, Forest Park Youth Advisory Committee to be used toward the purchase of a Garland 6-burner stove and oven for Camp BATAWAGAMA.

     Updating and replacing kitchen equipment has been a priority for the past several years because much of the equipment is forty years old and can no longer be repaired.

     We are very grateful to the Dickinson Area Community Foundation and the students from Crystal Falls who are members of the Forest Park Youth Advisory Committee who have responded positively to our requests for the past several years. By requesting matching grants we have been able to demonstrate to them that we are equally committed to the project we are asking them to help us fund. It really is a “win win” situation for both organizations.

     Plans are well underway for the 2008 Friends of Camp BATAWAGAMA Charity Golf Outing and Silent Auction to be held on Saturday June 21st at George Young.  Co-Chairs for this year will be Jim Brennan and Mark Martini. Golfers will again be treated to beautiful FOCB golf shirts, lunch, dinner, and afternoon appetizers from our Corporate sponsor Pep's Pizza.

     This year we are pleased to announce that for the first time Jay Barry has agreed to serve as the Master of Ceremonies. This will be a great addition to our program and we are looking forward to Jay’s energy, optimism and good-will permeating the atmosphere.

     The silent auction will again feature original artwork, hand crafted items, sports gear and various other Northwood's items.

     Individuals interested in golfing can contact Lloyd Fairbanks at 906-265-2737 and those interested in helping out or donating items for the silent auction can contact Jim or Margee Brennan at 906-265-3691.

The Friends of Camp BATAWAGAMA is a 501 (C) (3) organization that supports the traditional programs and services at Camp BATAWAGAMA. Interested individuals can contact Brenda Nichols @ 330-467-6717 or visit our website www.batawagamafriends.com

 

  

FOCB Memorials

    

     The Board of Directors of the Friends of Camp BATAWAGAMA wish to thank the families of Mr. Fred Saigh and Mr. Bob Marcell who have so generosity named FOCB as the recipient of Memorials to their loved ones this past year.

 

     Both Fred and Bob dearly loved Camp BATAWAGAMA and were huge supporters of the traditional programs that benefit the children and seniors who attend Camp.

 

     We are truly honored that their families have chosen us as a recipient of their generosity and pledge that we will use these monies to continue to support Camp, which was so much a part of their hearts and now a part of their legacy.

 

    

 

 

 

Brule River Campsites

    

     The Friends of Camp BATAWAGAMA are pleased to announce that they have acquired a property on the Brule River that will be utilized for overnight camping sites. 

 

     “The acquisition of permanent camping sites that are located on waterways, accessible by watercraft, in secure locations and suitable for Camp BATAWAGAMA has long been a goal of the “Friends.” explains President Dennis Carlson.  Any child who attends Camp looks forward to taking at least one overnight camping excursion during their week if conditions are favorable. I addition to learning navigation skills in the wilderness, the children learn the importance of team work and acquire a respect and appreciation for nature that will last throughout their lives.

 

     The mission of the Friends is to take an active role in support of Camp BATAWAGAMA. Individually and collectively our members volunteer, provide financial support and ensure preservation of traditional programs and the environment of the Camp. This acquisition was made possible by the very generous donations our members have made to the FOCB Legacy Land Fund.

“The joy of helping Camp BATAWAGAMA and the children and seniors of Iron County is wonderful” explains President Carlson. Camp BATAWGAMA was a vital part of our lives as children.

 

     The Friends of Camp BATAWAGAMA is a 501 (C) (3) organization that supports the traditional programs and services at Camp BATAWAGAMA. Individuals interested in joining FOCB can contact Brenda Nichols at our website www.batawagamafriends.com.

 

  

 

 

Bob Marcell

         It saddens us at FOCB to announce that Bob Marcell has passed away.  He died suddenly and we will miss him and all the work he did for the Board.  He was vital to our mission and we really liked him. He had a great sense of humor was so generous with time and money. 

     Bob Marcell was raised in Iron River where he attended Iron River High. He received a Bachelors and Masters degree from the University of Michigan in Engineering and an MBA from Wayne State University. 

     Following graduation Bob spent three years in the Aerospace industry before moving to the Chrysler Corporation where he served for 32 years. Prior to retirement he was the General manager/Vice President of the Small Car Platform division of Chrysler. 

     Bob has served on the University of Michigan, Dearborn Advisory Board, The Engineering Society of Detroit, The Society of Automotive Engineers, and as an automotive industry Ambassador. 

     Bob lived at Hagerman Lake and in Arizona. He was one of the first members of the Board of FOCB. His leadership and support was instrumental in helping accomplish some of the early goals that set the standards for what we could achieve.