History
YMCA Camp Manitou-Lin History
From the humble beginnings of YMCA Camp Manitou-Lin’s 40 acres donated by then YMCA Board President Mr. Herman Liesveld in 1913, to today’s 160 acres, Camp truly reflects its Ojibwa Indian moniker “where the Great Spirit lives.” YMCA Camp Manitou-Lin was founded after a 16 year YMCA camping program for Grand Rapids boys was first held at Green Lake in 1897. From then until 1912, camp was held in temporary locations from Green Lake, Whitefish Lake, to Spring Lake, and on the Muskegon River near Croton.
The Early Years
1912
Mr. Liesveld, President of the YMCA at the time, donated 30 acres of property on the east shore of Barlow Lake.
1913
The first Camp Director, Oscar J. Fox, influenced the lives of thousands of boys who attended camp from 1913 to 1919 with his deep and lasting Christian leadership.
1914
While the facilities and equipment were very different back then, many of the ideals remain the same.
1916
Camp’s major equipment included six steel boats with air chambers, two canoes, ten tents, one screened club house, one ice house with 1,000 cakes of pure ice, kitchen equipment, 76’ dock.
Unlimited Potential
1926
Campers were able to sleep and live in cabins for the first time
1927
“Uncle Bob” Augustine joined the camp staff. In 1931 he became Resident Director, from 1932-48 he served as Camp Director.
1959
Four cabins and one bathroom/ shower building known as “Freddie’s Village” was built from funds provided by Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Bryant in memory of their son, Frederick.
1961
The modern health infirmary was added, using funds provided by the Harold Fletcher Estate.
Growing Potential
1965
Two log cabin family, along with staff cabins, were built on the north shoreline funded by Y’s Men’s Club. Canoeing was the most popular sport in the ‘60s.
1972
Added three cabins, winterized with bathrooms and showers, funded by the Y’s Men’s Club.
1973
Outposter Program begins with trips to Rocky Mountain National Park, Aracadia Park in Maine, and bike trips along Lake Michigan and the Upper Peninsula.
Transformations Begin
1979
First all-female camping session (completely filled). After that, camp became co-ed.
1988
160 acres purchased from John and Frances Misak across the street. Moved the equestrian program to this area.
1992
Baxter Conference Center addition including conference room, two dormitories, and living quarters for Camp Director.
1998
Day Camp Pavillion completed. Day Camp moves to Camp Manitou-Lin with buses picking up campers from the greater Grand Rapids area.
1998
Stan Cheff’s generosity and vision allowed us to build a beautiful new lodge that became the center of camp.
1999
Gates Chapel Dedication. This chapel was built with funds from the Chuck Gates family in memory of his son, Skip
2003
The Van Daalen family donated the funds that enabled Camp to build a new waterfront, animal farm, and climbing tower.
2009
The main camp archery shelter was re-built in 2009
2013
YMCA Camp Manitou-Lin celebrated its 100th year of serving youth and families in the Grand Rapids community.
2015
The Welcome Center opened, providing camp staff with much needed reception space, offices, and meeting rooms.
2017
Willem’s Discovery Place and Trail were dedicated in memory of Willem Radosevich, a beloved fourth-generation camper.
