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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the mission of the camp? 

Camp Patterson is a youth-oriented facility created in 1927 by the Mankato Downtown Kiwanis Club, the oldest and the largest community service organization in Greater Mankato.  The mission of Camp Patterson includes providing and maintaining an affordable lakeside camp facility to area organizations that offer youth summer camp experiences.

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 Who owns the camp? 

Camp Patterson, Inc. is the ownership entity of the camp.  The organization is a 501(c)3 charitable nonprofit.  The Camp Patterson, Inc. Board of Directors includes the following members, who are all past presidents of the Kiwanis Club of Mankato:  President, Shannon Gullickson; Vice-President, Matt Norland; Secretary/Treasurer, John Kind; Board Members: Randy Berkland, Laura Stevens, and Christi Wilking.

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 How many acres is the camp? 

The camp is comprised of 19.2 acres on the shores of Lake Washington in LeSueur County, Minnesota.

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 Who runs the camp? 

The camp is managed by the Camp Patterson Committee, which is a committee of the Kiwanis Club of Mankato.  Committee Co-Chairs are Shannon Sinning and Matt Kearney.  The Kiwanis Club of Mankato employs Camp Superintendents, who live on the camp’s premises.  Longtime Camp Superintendents were Al and Joanne Starke, however, the Starke’s son, Nathan and his wife, Melissa, transitioned into the Superintendent role in the spring of 2020.

 
Who can rent Kiwanis Camp Patterson? e

Area nonprofit organizations with an emphasis of serving youth campers can rent Kiwanis Camp Patterson.  Most groups rent the camp for one week a time.  Shorter rentals may be available. Because of the popularity of this facility, availability is extremely limited during the peak summer weeks between June and August. We do not accept registrations for individual campers.  Organizations that rent the camp provide their own staff, food, and additional games and supplies necessary for their specific programming needs.  For scheduling information contact Shannon Sinning ssinning@agquest.net

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 How do I register my child for camp? 

Registrations are handled by each organization that utilizes Kiwanis Camp Patterson as a venue for their youth camps.  

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 Can I hold a wedding or other event at Kiwanis Camp Patterson? 

The camp is exclusively offered for use to youth camps and programs.    

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 What does it cost to rent Kiwanis Camp Patterson? 

Rental fees are generally based on the number of campers and the number of days needed.  Contact Shannon Sinning for information ssinning@agquest.net

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 Who are the caretakers?  

Kiwanis Camp Patterson is owned and managed by the Mankato Kiwanis Club.  Nathan and Melissa Starkey are the on- site caretakers camppatterson5050@gmail.com

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 What is the current capacity of the camp? 

Up to 165 Campers and Staff per week

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© 2025 by Camp Patterson, Inc.

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