For the girls’ who camped at Maqua, the boys’ camp across the lake was a constant lure of excitement. The stories were legend of attempts to meet the boys in the middle of the lake, and to conjure pranks between the two camps was as fun as the socials that were held for the counselors.
Camp Mahn-go-tah-see was a YMCA camp with headquarters in Oakland County, which operated from 1929-1987. Just as Camp Maqua fell into financial difficulties, the boys’ camp was not exempt, and they sold the camp to the Michigan District LMS. (Lutheran Church). Two new buildings were added in 1996, and in 1997 a task force was appointed to study the camp’s future.
My two daughters attended day camp in the 90s, and my oldest daughter experienced a week there camping in a bunkhouse by the beach. Her memories of the dining hall, a large wooden structure with tall ceilings and a stone fireplace, remain in her memory. Endurance swimming, riflery, archery, and other activities were similar to what the girls of Camp Maqua experienced during their sessions.
On warm summer mornings, the sounds of marching bands practicing on the large open field could be heard around the lake. Many summer concerts were shared at the end of their sessions, as residents boated over to watch their accomplishments on the field. It was a sad day when the children’s camp closed in 2000, and we heard no more music from the high school marching bands from around the state.
Renamed the Loon Lake Lutheran Retreat Center in 2000, it continued to be rented by various organizations, high schools, and individual families until the next sale to a private investment group in 2018. Currently, developers and builders Kandi and Darin Eyth are busy with the sales of lots and homebuilding, with a low density ensuring pristine Loon Lake will remain quiet with very little boat traffic. Seven of the fifteen lots have been sold at this time.
My husband and I had the opportunity to view their beautiful home and enjoyed a cart ride around the old camp. The sad old cabins and dining hall are barely standing, but the property remains beautiful. The Eyth’s have incorporated many of the old signs, relics, and artifacts into their new home and the floors and walls showcase the repurposed wood of the old buildings. Their view from the camp’s property is wonderful, built with huge windows to take advantage of the view.
As we carted and walked over the bridges, sat on the bluff overlooking the lake, and peeked into old buildings, they talked of their plans. We passed an old sign with a bible passage from the original camping days, enclosed in a wooden structure. When I heard they did not know what to do with it, I jumped at the chance to house it at Camp Maqua, and it now graces our wall on the sports porch. I am thrilled to be the new owner, and they are happy it has a new home. My happiness also extends to the knowledge that a young couple has an appreciation for the history of Camp Mahn-go-tah-see and a vision for the utilization of the property for the future.