Meet our Acting Directors for this Summer!

Dear Camp Friends and Neighbors, 

We are thrilled to share some very good news and to offer some introductions! 

First, a celebration! Executive Director McKenzie Knill and her spouse, camp facilities and kitchen extraordinaire Evan Knill, welcomed twins on May 7, 2024. Though born several weeks early, Dawson John and Fletcher Ray Knill are doing quite well and were released from the NICU last week, sooner than expected!

McKenzie, Evan, Kennedy, Dawson, and Fletcher will spend the summer getting adjusted to their new life as a family of five. While we may see them up at Camp this summer supporting from the sidelines, McKenzie is on parental leave now through the fall. 

So what does that mean for camp? McKenzie and the leadership of The Episcopal Diocese of Eastern Michigan have been working hard to prepare for this summer and we’re looking forward to another season of excellent and transformational summer camping along Lake Esau. And this is where introductions come in; hello, we are Kay and Sierra, your acting co-directors for this season! 

Kay Leclaire (they/them) is the co-director with focus on managing the camp facility and assisting in programming. Kay and their family are longtime program participants and volunteers at Camp Chick. Kay is a member of the Mohawk Tribe and is part of an effort across the Episcopal Church in Michigan to examine our history and develop positive relationships with our neighboring Indigenous communities. Over the summer, Kay’s family will be relocating from Port Huron to mid-Northern Michigan. (PHOTO)

Sierra Kacher (she/her) is the co-director with focus on staff, rentals, and programming. While last summer was her first experience at Camp Chickagami, Sierra has served various ministries across The Episcopal Church as a youth minister, camp staff, formation leader, program director, and volunteer. When not at camp, Sierra lives in Richmond, Virginia with her husband, Jeremy and their two dogs. (PHOTO)

As the “acting co-directors” we are responsible for all aspects of this camp season while McKenzie is away. We ask your prayers for our ministry, your support as we head into the summer season, and for your participation – we can’t wait to see you! We can be reached at directors@campchickagami.org or by calling 989-272-2672. 

Registration is open for all camp sessions, including youth camp, family camp, and adult retreats. We’re also open for rental reservations and are seeking additional folks to join our 2024 summer camp staff! All information is available on our website, campchickagami.org. 

See you this summer on Lake Esau!

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SUMMER AND FALL 2024

FOR YOUTH AND FAMILIES

• June 20-23 – Family Camp
• June 30-July 5 – Pioneer Camp for 14-17 year olds
• June 30-July 5 – Overnight Camp for 12-14 year olds;
• July 7-12 – Overnight Camp for 9-13 year olds;
• July 7-12 – Counselors-in-Training: Session I for rising 10-12th graders
• July 9-12 – Big & Little Camp for 6-9 year olds w/a primary caregiver
• July 14-19 – Overnight Camp for 9-13 year olds
• July 14-19 – Counselors-in-Training: Session II for rising 10-12th graders that have completed Session I
• July 15-18 – Day Camp for rising 1-6th graders
• July 21-26 – Overnight Camp for 8-12 year olds
• July 21-26 – Peer Ministry Leadership Camp for 14-17 year olds
• August 4-7 – Days at the Lake (for individuals and families)

FOR ADULTS AND GROUPS

• August 16-18 – Spiritual Practices Retreat
• August 31-Sept. 2 – Young Adult Retreat
• September 27-29 – Contemplative Fiber Arts Retreat
• Oct 11-13 – Fall Volunteer Work Weekend

Or schedule and plan a retreat with your church or other group by contacting us about availability.