Camp New Day U.P. celebrated a silver anniversary this week, crossing the 25th year of its existence. The summer camp takes place annually in Michigamme at Presbytery Point Campgrounds.
First started in the fall of 2001, Camp New Day U.P. has served as an organization for children with incarcerated family members. This year, the camp welcomed children from 12 of the Upper Peninsula’s 14 counties, with some campers travelling from Chippewa and Mackinac counties.
“Coming here on Monday, they [the campers] don’t really know much about each other, they don’t really know each other at all,” said Counselor Susan Pattee. “By the end of the week, they are all best friends, and it’s wonderful to see.”
Typically a one week format, the non-profit organization continues to work towards new solutuons 25 years into existence. This year, camp will be split into a two week event, with younger campers aged 9 to 11 at Presbytery Point in the first week, and then campers in the 12 to 14 age range on site for week 2. With 38 total participants across both sections, Camp New Day still looks to provide its campers with an experience like no other.
“This place is super impactful, and it’s cool that it’s been around for 25 years, you can’t even imagine the impact it’s had on so many people,” said Counselor Julia Fleury. “I’m excited to see it continue to grow, and be part of something so much bigger than myself.”
Several staff members and counselors travel from surrounding states such as Minnesota and Wisconsin, and all say its thanks to the lasting impact Camp New Day provides. As new formats and changes come to the group, its campers still continue to find joy in the experience.
“I really, really like baking,” said Braydon Williams, a camper of 3 years. “I really like cooking here, and swimming, and the campfire.”
With staffers and the community coming together, donations and grant funds provide all campers with a free stay, a small cost for the lifetime of impact the weeks provide.
“It’s super important,” said Board Member Kyle Gerych. “I think that everyone should be involved in something like this. It gives me an excuse to come back to the U.P. and relive some of my own memories and get in touch with my family up here. These counselors, these staff members, these campers have become like second family to me. It’s always like a little family reunion coming back up every single year.”
As Camp New Day wraps up week one of 2026, the staff, campers, and community all look towards another 25 years, and many more after that.
