100 Years of Adventure:
Growing, Learning, and Exploring the Great Outdoors!
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May - June, 1926 Land Assemblage
St Joe County YMCA (represented by trustees Adam Armstrong & Albert Nicholson) purchased approximately 40 acres. Three parcels owned by: Edwardson’s, Noisome ’s and Harry & Adeline Blackstone.
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June 3, 1926 First Camp
Leadership of James "Sunny" Rand. Secretary of St. Joseph County YMCA Sturgis.
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July 26, 1926 Camp’s Start – Inaugural Corey Lake Boys Camp
Temporary structures (five tents), no kitchen, wood burning stove, kerosene lamps
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1920's and 1930's Campers from Chicago
Campers travel from Chicago via train to Corey Lake Station at M-60 and County Line Rd.
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1927-1936 New Equipment, Wood Floors, New Construction Started
$12,000 ($210,000 today) spent on equipment & supplies. Wood floors added to the tents. Total of 204 campers in 1928. 1936 begins construction of combined lodge & dining hall.
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1938 Lodge/Dining Hall Completed
Lodge/Dining Hall completed and more cabin construction.
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1940's Youth Camp and Enrollment
July & August for Youth Campers - Camp Fire Girls, 4-H Clubs, Junior boys, High School Bands. June & September for 1 day events - mostly adults. Enrollment: Three Rivers: 54%, Sturgis: 30%, Cass County: 8%, Other: 8%
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1952-1954 Electricity and Chapel Added
1952: Added electricity 1954: Snell wanted to incorporate more spiritual places within camp. The campers found a spot for a lakeside chapel. Later named Fecteau Glen to honor Richard "Dick" Fecteau, a Korean War prisoner and friend of Snell.
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1955 New Amphitheatre Built
Construction was finished on a new, outdoor amphitheatre, allowing easy viewing of many different camp presentations and activities.
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1957 Football and Basketball Camp Added
Football and basketball camp was added to help teach and grow young athletes in these sports.
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1961 New Facilities, TR Community Chest Support, and New Sports
10 camping weeks; boys & girls 9-17 with capacity of 90 campers. Facilities for swimming, boating, archery, hiking, fishing, crafts, air rifle, and other sports. New bathhouse constructed with support of local community. TR Community Chest support helped to expand camper experiences
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1970-1982 Cheerleading, New Cabins, New Activities
Cheerleading added, Backpacking, Canoeing, Sailing, and Soccer added, 12 new cabins built, parking lot paved, and Maverick "Y"
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2000s - Today Open to Campers
Today, Camp Wakeshma welcomes campers of all backgrounds to experience an unforgettable summer filled with adventure, friendship, and personal growth. With exciting outdoor activities, lakeside fun, and cherished traditions, this year promises another season of lifelong memories on the shores of Corey Lake.