About Camp Edwards

 Our Beginnings

1929

   Camp Edwards has its roots in the Prairie Valley Family YMCA. The Prairie Valley YMCA was founded in 1833. By the 1920's an increasing interest in camping was apparent and a permanent campsite was necessary.  The camp board selected E.E.Micklewright as the man in charge of creating a resident camping program. Micklewright and his family moved to Elgin in January of 1928.

  Almost immediately following their move a camp committee was organized and preparations were under way.  The program was planned, the site was selected, the money was raised, contractors were hired, and construction began in June of 1929.  Only 16 months after Micklewright came to Elgin, the camp was opened with all buildings in use.  Camp Edwards was advertised as a character building camp for boys.  The original program aimed to build a strong and sturdy body, a steady and true spirit, and a clean and keen mind.  The camp fee was $15 for the two week period in 1929.  Camp Edwards was open to boys ten and older.  There were 66 campers in attendance the first summer.

Early Camp Traditions

   In 1929 a Camp Edwards day literally began with a bang. The morning cannon boomed among the cabins and through the woods.  This was followed immediately by the bugler playing "Reveille".  All campers assembled near Pontiac Cabin for a minute of calisthenics. There was an optional five-minute skinny dip that drew a large percentage of campers the first day, but participation rapidly declined as a result of the cool and fresh Wisconsin air.

The Archive

Check out historical materials from the early days of Camp Edwards.
Click on any of them to see a larger view.

Paper Ephemera
Map: medium view large view	What to Take...	A Simple Plan...	One cent  Trading Post stamp

Parent Folder

1932 Brochure

Song lyrics See a medium view See a large view

Confirmation Letter

Photos			Postcards
Happy Camper	Another Group poses in front of Totem Pole		Group Postcard	Cabin Postcard	Lions Pier
			Lodge Postcard

Important People

E.E.Micklewright was the first camp director at Edwards and served as director for fourteen years.  In the original camp totem pole, a standing bear with two heads was carved for E.E.Micklewright.  It was said that Mick saw everything and therefore had to have more than one head and two eyes.

  Mr. and Mrs. A.D. Edwards donated the land in 1929 that became Camp Edwards.  Camp Edwards was named after Mr. and Mrs. A.D. Edwards not only for the donation of the land but their continued support and influence in bringing the vision of Camp Edwards into a reality.

  Mr. Gilbert Renner came to Edwards in 1929, bringing a group of campers for a two week period.  He extended his stay to six weeks, until the end of the season.  Returning in 1930, he was program director for the next seven years.  He then returned in the 1940s for two more years.

  Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hoffer began involvement with Camp Edwards when their eldest son Bob was a camper through the time when their younger son Bill was a camper.  Both Robert and Helen have had a steady commitment to camp Edwards through the years.  Both have served as camp committee chairpersons and Edwards is thankful for their generous dedication and support.

NANI-BA-ZHU Alumni Association

In The Spirit of I'm Third...

   Nani-Ba-Zhu (NBZ) is our alumni association dedicated to perpetuating the five year honor program unique to Edwards YMCA Camp. For more information you may view the Nani-Ba-Zhu Update (On-line Newsletter).

   New NBZ Members - Congratulations to all new members inducted into the Tribe during this last summer and also those inducted into the Tribe of the Setting Sun.  We hope that those receiving your black neckerchief will return next summer and work on your goals for your purple!   

   Dues - A dues mailing will be coming in November, so please watch for that in the mail. We are continually updating our database - if you have moved, or know someone who has, please let us know - Please take a moment and send us information via our Alumni Updater.

     Program Summary - Those who have successfully completed the five step Honors Program at Camp Edwards have earned the title of Senior Master Camper.  The Tribe of Nani-Ba-Zhu is composed of only Senior Master Campers.  This organization was named after the legendary Indian Chief, Nani-Ba-Zhu.  The major responsibilities of the Tribe are to perpetuate the Honors Program, its ceremonies, and to strengthen camp in all aspects.  The Tribe is to maintain a bond of fellowship through a formal organization of all members.  Tribe members regularly attend and participate in honor ceremonies throughout the summer.  The Tribe helps sponsor the camp's spring and fall volunteer work weekends, Project "600" and "006", and a Nani-Ba-Zhu Day (open to all members) held during the summer.

 Nani-Ba-Zhu Events

 Project 600 - June 4 - 5, 2011
 Friends Drive Annual Drive - Kick Off January 2011
 NBZ Day - July 16, 2011
 Project 006 - September 10 - 11, 2011

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Director's Message

Dear Parent, Edwards is a traditional YMCA Camp with a prestigious history. Our mission for Youth Camp is simply to provide a safe, challenging, learning experience for children's spiritual, mental, and physical development. The camping experience allows us to focus our staff's attention on select recreational activities with a high degree of skill and preparation. Our cabin leaders and program specialists are the best college-aged young adults available. Many are graduates from our own three year Leadership Development Program. We accept the responsibility of recruiting and training our camp leaders as our most important task in preparing for the summer camp. Residential camping experiences have positively influenced youth for many years. Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility are the core values upon which Edwards builds its foundation. Children develop a strong awareness of self and make friends and memories that last. Edwards continues to exceed the high standards set by the American Camping Association as an accredited program and approved site. We believe Edwards YMCA Camp will provide an exceptional resident camping opportunity for your child, and yourself as a parent. We invite you to talk with our staff, visit and tour our facility, and understand the many benefits of a summer camp experience at Edwards. In Christian Service, Jody Heimos Camp Director