ABOUT
Nestled on the shores of Lake Washington, Minnesota, is a camp that annually hosts more that 2,600 children during the three-month camping season. With 165 beds spread among 14 cabins, Camp Patterson facilities have been bringing campers in touch with "the basics" since 1927 thanks to hard work of volunteers in the Mankato Kiwanis Club. Youth camps such as Celebrate Me Week, Camp Shiloh, Mankato YMCA, Camp OZ and several others rent Kiwanis Camp Patterson's facilities and provide their own staff, programming and meals.
We regret due to COVID-19, camps will not be held during the summer of 2020. Instead, Kiwanis Camp Patterson volunteers and camp caretakers will concentrate on camp clean-up and maintenance as well as fundraising for the NEXT GENERATION CHAMPION capital campaign. View April 29, 2020 press release here.
Thank you Mankato Free Press for publishing this article about Kiwanis Camp Patterson on May 8, 2020.
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.
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 a week 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.
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.
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 1-2 years.
Your contributions will ensure a quality camp experience for children at an affordable price!
The current capacity of campers and counselors is 165 per week, and several host organizations are turning away many youth that are interested in attending camp. Due to age restrictions, the camp is often a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Funding Goals
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Additional Cabins for 60 more campers
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Expanded Dining Hall/Activity Center/Storm Shelter
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Insulating/Air Conditioning
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Audio/Visual Equipment
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Additional Restroom and Shower Facility
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ADA Considerations
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Improved lighting
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Future Maintenance and Preservation
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
CONTACT
Scheduling
The camp is closed for 2020 due to COVID-19.
Kiwanis Camp Patterson is a rustic 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 scheduling information and pricing please contact Shannon Sinning. Please note - the camp is rented exclusively to non-profit youth groups and is based on availability.
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
Karen Rekstein, Vice-President
Ed Waltman, Secretary/Treasurer
Randy Berkland
Mike Brennan
Matt Norland
Bob Spiegler
Camp Patterson Committee Members:
(Camp Operations)
Shannon Sinning, Co-Chair
Matt Kearney, Co-Chair
Nathan Starke
Melissa Starke
Al Starke
Shannon Gullickson
Lori Benike
Randy Berkland
Stan Bruss
Jim Buseth
Phil Carter
Tom Rekstein
Phil Slingsby
Laura Stevens
John Swenson
Chad Witte
Mary Hokanson
All Board and Committee members are members of the Mankato Kiwanis Club
Physical Camp Address
5050 Patterson Road, Madison Lake, MN 56063