Camp Friedenswald: A Short History

Shavehead Lake has a long history that includes camping, camp grounds and cabin rentals. At the turn of the 19th to the 20th century there was a resort (as it was called then) of a few small cabins and store on the west arm of the lake called the “Shavehead Lake Resort.” For years families would come to Shavehead to relax and enjoy its beauty by renting one of the cabins. A second area on the north end (on the west arm of the lake) was the Fireside Camp. It encompassed the area where several newer homes have been recently built and the beach and A-frame conference center area that are now part of Camp Friendenswald. As late as the 1970’s, families enjoyed camping this area of the lake. In fact you can still see the old bath house in the trees on the west side of Peninsula Drive across from the Turtle Hill area. But the only remaining camp property (and one that most may know little about its history) is the Mennonite camp called Camp Friedenswald meaning “Peaceful Woods.” Camp Friedenswald was founded in 1949 in the tradition of the Mennonite Anabaptist heritage and is supported by Central District Conference of Mennonite Church USA. The camp specializes in providing programming such as summer camps, winter retreats, adult retreats and outdoor education as well as facility rentals for both large and small groups. In 1949, the original forty acres were purchased on Shavehead Lake to begin the camp. That same year 12 cabins were constructed along with 2 bath houses. A dining was yet to be built so campers ate their meals under a tarp attached to cabin 7 but had to lift their feet to let the water run downhill when it rained. From those meager beginnings a wonderful camp has grown into what we see today…but it was a long process. In 1953 a Dining hall was built with a kitchen and offices. Later (1957) a 10 unit staff house was built to house workers with a Chapel to follow in 1959. Also in 1959 a building, known as Tubby’s Store, was purchased on the corner of Union Road and Peninsula Drive. It provided space for the Camp Director and for winter campers…thus opening the camp to year round camping. That parcel was eventually sold, but the owner donated the land back to the camp after a fire consumed the building. The 1960’s and 70’ brought growth and expansion as new land was acquired along Union Road, additional housing constructed on the main campus and with the expansion of the dining hall, laundry and maintenance areas. It was also during this time that the Fireside Camp property on Peninsula Drive was acquired along with another woodland area (Eby’s Woods) that has since been declared by the Nature Conservancy as one of the top 10 old growth red oak forests in Michigan. In spite of economic uncertainties during the1980’s, the camp continued to experience times of rebuilding, consolidating and some additional growth. A number of new programs were begun, additional facelifts to buildings completed, 15 acres acquired around the Shavehead hollow and a new entry completed. The new Tamarak Lodge overlooking the Tamarak forest (across the fen) was constructed. It was also during this time (1989) after years of negotiating that the camp also acquired the undeveloped area around the Northeast corner (of the east arm) of the lake from Ed Lowe…the founder of Kitty Litter. We all now enjoy this natural space when we anchor our boats to swim in that area of the lake or walk the trails the camp has around the fen and through its woods. Over the last 20 years additional lands have been donated or acquired along both sides of Peninsula Drive bringing the camp additional opportunities for programming and future growth. Today Camp Friedenswald has over 340 acres of forest, which includes a red oak preserve, marsh, fresh-water fen and meadow. Friedenswald hosts year-round weekend and weekday church retreats, family reunions, youth groups, conferences and banquets and can accommodate up to 250 people. It is truly a remarkable history written over the last 65 years through many the investment and care of many dedicated people. It is a wonderful neighbor and provides a stable natural habitat on a large portion of the lake for all to enjoy. You can read about this and more at the Camp Friedenswald website. www.friedenswald.org