Thousands of children and families have created lasting memories at Camp Neyati–the 187-acre camp on the shores of Crooked Lake. From sailing and swimming to campfires and learning archery skills, the camp has been a favorite destination for many local and regional groups who are looking for a beautiful, safe and diverse camp to provide unique and life-changing programming.
Camp Neyati was acquired in 1938 by United Way of Midland County and the Kiwanis Club of Midland for the purpose of encouraging the wholesome development of youth in the Midland area through camping and out-of-door experiences. United Way has served as the property owner.
In 1991, the Midland Camping Council was formed by United Way and Kiwanis to manage the day-to-day operations, funded primarily through United Way and rental fees.
“Midland Camping Council has done an outstanding job of stewarding the property, adding new activities and capacity to enhance user group experiences,” shared Holly Miller, President & CEO of United Way of Midland County. “To ensure that the next generation of youth in Midland County has access to a safe, high-quality camping and outdoor experiences, United Way is creating a more sustainable and efficient model for the operations of Camp Neyati independent of the Midland Camping Council.”
The United Way board formed a new Camp Neyati Advisory Committee comprised of members from United Way, Midland Camping Council, Greater Midland and the community. Together, they are developing a facilities management, funding and sustainability plan to serve Midland County for years to come.
United Way shared that they are thrilled to be working in collaboration with Greater Midland Community Center for the day-to-day operations at Camp Neyati. Greater Midland has been utilizing Camp Neyati for many years and are experts in coordinating fun, educational and high-quality camping experiences.
Another group making it possible is the Construction Committee of the newly formed Advisory Committee. This group is being led by experts in the field from Three Rivers Construction, Habitat for Humanity, Disability Network and others.
“We are working collaboratively to ensure that Camp Neyati continues to be able to serve children and families for generations to come,” shared United Way Board Member and Camp Neyati Advisory Committee Member, Colin Broom. “A team of local construction experts and the United Way team developed and executed a robust capital improvement plan to make necessary repairs and engaged numerous volunteers in reviving the camp this past spring. The facilities at camp received necessary repairs, fresh paint and a deep clean just in time for campers to run through the gates to create lasting summertime memories. Camp looks incredible and as a board, we’re so proud of the work that’s been done to ensure the property is well cared for a safe for the camping season.”
United Way of Midland County has invested over $200,000 in much-needed capital improvements as part of its sustainability and safety plan. In addition, they dedicated their spring Days of Action volunteer initiative to align with the need to refresh, repair and restore buildings and grounds.
“Between the capital improvements and volunteer projects, we received an outpouring of support from local corporations, businesses and individuals,” shared Miller. “We could not have done this work alone and are so grateful for our generous community stepping up to support this amazing community gem.”
During Days of Action, a three-day volunteer event, over one hundred volunteers painted cabins, cleaned and organized the kitchen, raked leaves, cleaned the buildings and even beautified the property by freshening up the landscaping with flowers donated by Deloitte.
“Volunteers came ready to work, and work they did,” shared Katie Bell Pearce, Corporate Relationship Manager at United Way of Midland County. “They transformed pods of cabins with fresh paint inside and out, built new safe and sturdy porches and began spring cleaning the grounds. It was truly incredible to see camp coming back to life with the help of so many caring and committed volunteers.”
During Days of Action, volunteers from Midland County Habitat for Humanity, Corteva Agriscience, West Midland Family Center, SYM Financial Advisors, Arbury Insurance, Members First Credit Union, Consumers Energy, Trinity Lutheran, Dow, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Great Lakes Bay Region, Brandle Roofing and the Camp Neyati Advisory Committee members rolled up their sleeves to get the job done.
In addition to Days of Action, students and teachers from Bay City Academy as well as employees from Arbury Insurance Agency, Wildfire Credit Union, Isabella Bank and Deloitte joined United Way at camp to finish up the projects before the first campers arrived in mid-June.
In addition to volunteers, many businesses provided in-kind support including Shine, Lake Painting, Three Rivers Corporation, Home Depot, Lowes, Sherwin Williams and Dan Dan the Mattress Man. Brandle Roofing contributed by donating one of the many roofs they replaced. SC Johnson donated cleaning supplies, storage containers, bug spray and other supplies to make Days of Action a success. Ace Hardware donated an abundance of painting and cleaning supplies for volunteer projects as well. In addition to volunteering, SYM Financial also contributed financially to help offset the cost of the projects.
United Way also received a grant from MyMichigan Health Foundation to help replace mattresses in the cabins. In addition, Huhtamaki provided new dishware for the mess hall at camp.
United Way would like to share a special thank you to their Construction Committee leader, Dan Kozakiewicz.
“Dan’s help was such a blessing and truly invaluable,” shared Miller. “He spent countless hours assessing camp, coordinating contractors and helping lead volunteer groups to ensure the jobs were done well. His expertise in the field allowed us to have peace of mind that everything was being done with intention and care, ensuring that camp would be ready and safe for this season. His passion for helping is infectious and we are so grateful for all his support.”
Miller continued that “Erich Ostrander from Habitat for Humanity was instrumental in the success of the projects. He lent his time and talent during Days of Action and beyond, leading crews of skilled volunteers to build porches, fix railings and anything else that our team or volunteers needed help with. We are endlessly thankful for Erich, Chris and the entire team that spent days helping revive camp.”
United Way shared that there will be more opportunities after the camping season for volunteers to lend a hand with the remaining projects.
To learn more about Camp Neyati or to explore bringing a group to camp, visit unitedwaymidland.org/campneyati.
