ABOUT
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Nestled on the shores of Lake Washington in southern Minnesota, Kiwanis Camp Patterson annually hosts more than 2,600 children during the three-month camping season. With 165 beds spread among 14 cabins, Kiwanis Camp Patterson has been serving four generations of youth campers since 1927 thanks to the hard work of volunteers from the Mankato Kiwanis Club and other area organizations. Youth camps such as Celebrate Me Week, Mankato YMCA, Camp OZ, Royal Family Kids and Blue Earth County 4-H rent Kiwanis Camp Patterson's facilities and provide their own staff, programming and meals.
Embrace the Past
It all started with a charitable
donation of land on Lake Washington by H. A. Patterson to the Mankato Kiwanis Club in 1927. From there, generous community members and dedicated volunteers have managed care for and expand Kiwanis Camp Patterson into a 19.2 acre lakeside camp that has served four generations of youth in the Mankato community. Campers today participate in many of the same activities their grandparents did decades ago - canoeing, archery, swimming, singing and skits by the campfire. Kiwanis Camp Patterson was featured in the Blue Earth County Historical Society Summer 2021 Newsletter.
Experience the Present
A summer retreat and home away from home, Kiwanis Camp Patterson offers youth the chance to experience the great outdoors, make new friends, and enjoy some quality and wholesome fun. Rather than focusing on a screen or smartphone, campers have the opportunity to spend time creating memories and exploring new interests or hobbies, as the camp offers a broad range of activities that are designed to spark conversation and encourage face-to-face interaction. Swimming, kayaking, canoeing, archery, volleyball, Gaga Ball and other activities are all part of the experience at Kiwanis Camp Patterson. In addition, each organization that rents the facility provides their own programming and additional activities.
Explore the Future
Kiwanis Camp Patterson has operated for close to a century as a traditional summer camp away from technology and distractions. A special focus has always been on serving at-risk and under-privileged youth. Now more than ever, parents and guardians are seeking the opportunity to provide their children with a summer experience that embraces simplicity and the wonder of nature. But space is extremely limited and ADA updates as well as additional restroom, dining and cabin facilities are needed to meet the demand. Tax-deductible donations by community members and organizations and in-kind services by area businesses have been key to improving and maintaining the camp.
Amenities
Softball/baseball field
Archery range
Sand volleyball court
Basketball court
Sand beachfront with swimming area and floating rafts
Canoes
Kayaks
Motorized pontoon boat
Motorized rescue boat
Modern toilet/shower facilities
Sleeping cabins
Dining hall/commercial kitchen/storm shelter
Recreation center/boathouse
Wooded hiking area
Campfire ring w/bench seating
YOU'RE INVITED TO BE A NEXT GENERATION CHAMPION
Together with your support, we can ensure that Kiwanis Camp Patterson has the resources and capacity to continue its mission of providing a traditional summer camp experience to regional youth for generations to come. The NEXT GENERATION CHAMPION capital campaign was kicked-off in early 2020 and includes a three-phase construction plan to make needed modifications and changes to camp over the next few years.
Your contributions will ensure a quality camp experience for children at an affordable price!
Fundraising Goals
OUR NEXT GOALS FOR CAMP IMPROVEMENTS:
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Removal of very old trees in danger of falling and installation of new trees $20,000
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Kitchen improvements: flooring, walls and ceiling; new six-burner stove/oven $25,000
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LED Lighting Upgrades $6,000
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New Restroom and Shower Facility $700,000
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Solar Power System $50,000
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Future Maintenance and Preservation funding
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In-kind donations from area businesses are always needed and appreciated!
GOAL ACHIEVED! $20,000 raised through a $10,000 Matching Donation Challenge in Spring, 2022!
Funding toward indoor & outdoor speaker and microphone system and dining hall A/V capabilities. Funding to supplement a grant received for ADA sidewalks in front of 10 cabins.
GOAL ACHIEVED! $445,000 RAISED in 2021!
Groundbreaking Nov. 2021
Construction is now underway!
Dining Hall Expansion, Insulation & A/C
Excessive heat has become a danger for campers! By insulating and air conditioning the dining hall we can provide a space for respite from the heat. An addition to the dining hall will also enable us to accommodate all of our campers and staff at once.
GOAL ACHIEVED! $140,000 RAISED in 2020-21!
Much-needed upgrades were made to camp structures and grounds in the absence of campers in 2020 due to COVID-19. The camp looks great!
THANK YOU TO ALL DONORS!
Dining Hall
Expansion
Brochure
Dining Hall Expansion Progress May, 2022
Donations by check can be mailed to:
Camp Patterson, Inc P.O. Box 4334, Mankato, MN 56002
Camp Patterson, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit organization
1927
Year Established
19.2
Acres
2,600+
Children Attend Each Summer
4+
Generations Served
CONTACT
Scheduling
Kiwanis Camp Patterson is a lakeside camp facility that is owned and maintained by the Mankato Kiwanis Club and is rented to a variety of southern Minnesota nonprofit youth organizations for youth summer camps. To inquire about renting the camp facility for your youth organization, contact Shannon Sinning.
Individual camper registrations must be made directly through the organizations running each camp. Our largest users are the Mankato Family YMCA and Celebrate Me Week.
Camp Superintendents
Mailing Address for Donations
Camp Patterson, Inc.
P.O. Box 4334
Mankato, MN 56002
Volunteer Leadership
Camp Patterson, Inc. Board Members:
(Camp Ownership)
Shannon Gullickson, President
Matt Norland, Vice-President
John Kind, Secretary/Treasurer
Randy Berkland
Ed Waltman
Laura Stevens
Camp Patterson Committee Members:
(Camp Operations)
Shannon Sinning, Co-Chair
Matt Kearney, Co-Chair
Clarissa Meissner, Co-Chair
Nathan Starke
Melissa Starke
Al Starke
Shannon Gullickson
Lori Benike
Randy Berkland
Stan Bruss
Jim Buseth
Tom Rekstein
Phil Slingsby
Laura Stevens
John Swenson
Chad Witte
Mary Hokanson
Brett Prescher
Pat Anderson
Bonnie Danberry
All Board and Committee members are members of the Mankato Kiwanis Club
Physical Camp Address
5050 Patterson Road, Madison Lake, MN 56063