It was vital to the existence of the camp that standards were adhered to with respect to various state and local agencies. It was the responsibility of each incoming director to become familiar with the standards expected from each one.
The American Camping Association inspected the camp every five years and rated different areas and always gave advance notice, but the State Summer Recreation Camp Inspection was always a surprise visit.
The State Department of Social Welfare changed their policy in the late sixties or early seventies and sent a postcard indicating their day of inspection. It meant a tour of the entire camp, as there was a different person each summer that took a look at the sleeping quarters, Infirmary records, health records of campers and staff, certification of waterfront staff and methods, safety of riflery program, riding area and food handling cards and qualifications of kitchen staff.
The kitchen and surplus food inspection was random and not always yearly, but also done by the State of Michigan Social Welfare Department. Dates were checked on food, how it was stored, conditions of the food storage, and the refrigeration was checked for cleanliness and temperature.
In one of Dorthe Balaskas’ reports, her main concern was staying on top of the cleanliness of the camp for the surprise visits. Disappointed with some of the staff’s lackadaisical attitudes towards cleaning, despite caper charts, she felt the camp was not very clean for a few summer visits.
It was interesting to read some of the reports left in the archives. In the summer of 1954, new screens and block foundations on the cabins had been installed. One of the questions posed at the end read, “Can lake water be used to flush the toilets without ruining the plumbing with sand?”
Minutes from the camp committee dated January 21, 1957 read; ”Miss Taylor reported that the American Camping Association, after a routine inspection, gave 939 points out of a possible 1000 to Camp Maqua. Rated high in administration and safety, but counselors should be 19 years of age or over—well trained in the major responsibilities. Members of the committee suggested that “Accredited by American Camping Associaion” be listed on camp folders.”
Alice Bishop was the camp director in 1960 when inspector Ed Young from the Michigan Department of Social Services interviewed her. Improvements to the camp included a new drinking tap in the camp area and three new cabins (24×24) had been built the previous year. (Senior Village) He was impressed with the neat, clean cabins with racks for clothing and suitcases, which housed seven campers and one counselor, even noting the children seemed “enthusiastic and happy”.
But, there was no sailboat program due to no qualified instructor, even though five WSI’s were listed for aquatics program. Under horseback riding, “Two person. Staff appears to be qualified. Riding areas extremely poor and hazardous. Ring temporary stakes in ground with low wire. Ground very rough and uneven. Not on camp property. Riding revived after several years termination. If camp is going to continue it’s riding program, arrangements should be made to provide a safer, more permanent type ring.”
Staff and campers alike were probably overjoyed to find the notations under his report for toilets and showers. “No additions or changes. Very clean and near. Since campers are in camp for two weeks, hot showers would be a good addition to camp facilities.” At that time one building contained eleven toilets, one large hand washing facility and two showers and the staff had their own toilet.
When Alice Bishop discussed the report with the camp committee, she noted that the inspector also suggested hot water and heat in the Infirmary. Alice felt the Infirmary plans were inadequate and should include sleeping quarters for the nurse, an examining room, an isolation room and a refrigerator. To my knowledge, those wishes became a reality.
In 1963 the inspection report from the Department of Social Welfare listed well-ventilated cabins with bunk beds, one large building containing toilet facilities including two large hand washing facilities, ten toilets and two shower stalls, The staff had their own facilities.
The kitchen and dining areas were listed as modern and clean, offering a good menu and fire extinguishers in both areas. There was also adequate refrigeration and dry storage, which had to be clean, as well as clean grease traps. The committee had to stay on top of all these areas in order to pass their inspections and they did so with very little negative comments.
One of the practices that eventually had to be discontinued consisted of washing the dishes from campers at each table in tubs. In 1964, the camp committee minutes stated more equipment was needed for dishwashing, stating that dishes were washed in the dining room and then “scalded”—presumably in the kitchen. Health inspectors deemed that practice unsanitary.
If you were an inspector now, using health standards of today, what would you have changed at camp?