Dear Camp Nicolet Families and Alumni –
We have many successes to celebrate regarding Summer 2020!
On Sunday, July 12th Camp Nicolet welcomed 16 campers for one week to the Northpoint Wakeboard & Water Ski school. The weather was excellent, spirits high, and campers honed skills on wakeboards, slalom skis, and even bare feet! Congratulations to our latest “Franklin Footers” and to all “ski campers” on a job well done. Mix in a mini Cookie Cup, the latest rendition of Outpost Capture the Flag, and ultimate frisbee at its best – and you have all the makings for a great week at Camp Nicolet!
The following week our effervescent and dedicated staff of 17 welcomed Family Campers for a sold-out three weeks. The ski boats ran from early morning until just before dinner, and families & friends with various ties to camp enjoyed hiking, biking, and great meals served by Chef Dennis and his team in the Dining Hall (twice daily). Let’s not forget the sun-drenched days enjoyed by all on the camp waterfront; the Hobies and SUP boards saw some serious nautical miles gliding over the waters of Franklin Lake! Most importantly, new memories were made during these three weeks, and all reports indicate Family Campers’ time at Nicolet was especially meaningful.
On July 29th the 6th annual Rocky Mountain Backpacking trip departed for Colorado. Led by 15-year Nicolet veteran Brigit Carmody and I, a total of 6 of us took to the mountains for an 8-day alpine backpacking experience. The weather was on our side, providing spectacular hikes with 360-degree views of snowcapped peaks. Our ultimate goal is a campsite at 12,700’ in the shadow of Long’s Peak – and while we weren’t quite able to make it that high this time around, the ultimate payoff was time spent together. I’m continually honored to work with such mature, motivated, and adventurous young women when it comes to those who participate in this trip.
Underscoring this entire summer (for Georgi and I) has been the critical necessity of paying back 2020 tuitions owed to many of our Nicolet families who signed up for regular camp this year. Ten weeks ago, we began working with our local financial institution, with whom camp has had a working relationship since camp’s establishment in 1944. I’m excited to report mBank of Eagle River estimates we are closing on a $250,000 commercial loan on Monday, September 14th, if all continues to go smoothly with the approval process. As soon as funds are deposited in our business checking account, money shall be returned to you for any unused 2020 tuition or deposit. We realize the wait for your refund is potentially stressful for your family, and please know it has been of primary concern to us. We will chalk it up as a major success when mBank grants Camp Nicolet this critical loan, so we can ethically settle accounts with our valued families.
While full of challenges, this season is ultimately full of successes; honing skills at Wakeboard & Water Ski camp, making new memories at Family Camp, and recognizing the importance of resilience and valuing time spent together on the Rocky Mountain trip. We’re grateful refunds are nearly settled, speaking to the long-standing commitment Camp Nicolet has to its families and the economic health of our small-town community. 2020 holds many successes indeed!
I look forward to seeing you at camp again. Nicolet’s 2021 schedule is now available! We look forward to welcoming you back to the shores of Franklin Lake for 3.5, 6, or 7 weeks, and/or for the Northpoint Wakeboard & Water Ski school! Please reach out to me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Jeremy Starz / Owner & Director of Operations
608.469.3091 – Direct