Welcome to the Presbyterian Camps at Saugatuck!

Our Mission Statement | A Rich History | Coming in 2008

Perched like a lighthouse on the edge of a cliff, the Presbyterian Camps at Saugatuck is a guiding light for all who seek a healthy and wholesome Christian camping experience in the beautiful rural lakeshore setting of Saugatuck, Michigan.

"Saugatuck" is a holy place

- Set apart by the Presbytery of Chicago to:

• Celebrate creation
  
• Renew the spirit
  
• Nurture faith
  
• Build community

- Where all are welcome to come and grow in Christ.

Presbyterian Camps at Saugatuck is the year-round camp and retreat center owned and operated by the Presbytery of Chicago. It is situated on 130 acres of heavily wooded dunes along the eastern shore of Lake Michigan in the town of Saugatuck, Michigan. It is licensed by the State of Michigan and accredited by the American Camp Association, the camping industry standard for safety, sanitation, health, personnel and program.

Presbyterian Camps at Saugatuck is a Christian camp, and campers are welcome regardless of race, color, gender, sexual orientation or religion.

The Camp is in a rustic setting, with three distinct program areas, three swimming beaches on Lake Michigan and a canoe dock on the Kalamazoo River.

Westminster Woods, the main portion of the property, is used by family and adult campers. It has 12 cabins along the lakefront and 5 cabins along the High Walk with a combined capacity of 130. In addition to the cabins, Westminster Woods contains Westminster Lodge which houses the main dining hall and camp kitchen, the Program Center, the crafts department, and the health center.

Camp Gray, the northernmost portion of the property, is the location for most of our children and youth camps. This facility has 6 cabins with space for 60 campers plus staff, a central bath house and a dining hall.

Camp Kema, located high in the dunes at the southern end of the property has 4 platform tents with space for 32 campers and staff, a dining hall, and a central bath house.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF PRESBYTERIAN CAMPS at SAUGATUCK, MICHIGAN *
-Dorothy Shaw

In 1894, George Gray became a "city missionary" in Chicago. In 1897, he visited Saugatuck to look for property that could be used as a camp. He wanted a place in the country where his Forward Movement Association could bring inner city children and mothers for respite. In 1899, he purchased property on Lake Michigan and the Forward Movement Park was dedicated. In the next 12 years, many cabins were built. After Mr. Gray's death, the camp was re-named Camp Gray.

In 1921 the camp was bought by the Church Extension Board of the Presbytery of Chicago and young people's retreats began. In 1934, the central part of the camp was renamed Westminster Lodge and the north end retained the name Camp Gray. Inner city children and church youngsters came to the north end and the Lodge was mainly for youth and adult retreats and individual rentals.

Just before the 1954 season, Swift Villa, the main building, burned down. It held the parlor, dining room, kitchen and rental rooms upstairs. A couple of the larger cabins were turned into kitchen/dining rooms and the camp hobbled on. Family Camps were begun and a new dining hall was constructed in 1965. All-weather cabins were built so the camp could begin winter retreats. Camp Kema, with tents and yurts, was added to the south end of camp. The camp continues, enfolding the new with the old, cared for by a Camp Oversight Committee, a staff, enlarged in the summertime, and volunteers.

* Compiled from research done by Rev. William Lankton: Camp Director 1966 - 1989. Rev. Lankton achieved Camp Director Emeritus Status in 2006.

Visit the Lakeshore Trading Post

Presbyterian Camp store where campers can purchase camp merchandise, snacks, and other fun, kid friendly items.  We have changed the look of the store and are focusing more on Made in USA and Fair Trade items. Stop by and visit us.

 

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