Pretty Lake Tag Day History

Since 1916, when Mr. Edward Desenberg first founded Pretty Lake Vacation Camp (PLVC), the community has embraced our youth and generously supported PLVC in its mission of providing a totally cost-free, residential camp experience to an ever-increasing number of under-served youth.  In addition to being cost-free, PLVC’s campers receive everything they need while at camp – everything from clothing, bedding, to toothpaste – at no charge to them or to their families.  PLVC does this in order to prevent barriers that might prevent a child from being able to attend or afford a summer camp.  It is believed that there are only one or two other camps in the country that offer services similar to those offered at PLVC.   

The Kiwanis Club of Kalamazoo shares a special relationship with PLVC.  In approximately 1930, Mr. Desenberg turned over the running of the camp to the Kiwanis Club of Kalamazoo and what is now the Junior League of Kalamazoo.  The members of these two organizations remain as the membership of PLVC and, as such, have members sitting on PLVC’s Board of Directors each year.

PLVC relies on in-kind donations as well as the financial support of the community in order to provide its services.  Fund-raisers include the yearly “adopt-a-camper” campaign that is emphasized in the spring and summer but run all year, as well as PLVC’s year-end campaign.  Kiwanis members are encouraged to pass the “Pretty Lake Story” on to others to help generate financial support for the youth who are served at camp.

We are fortunate for, and value, the partnership with PLVC that was formed more than 70 years ago.   As “the best service club in Kalamazoo”, we encourage every Kiwanis member to find a way to support Pretty Lake Camp and the children whom it serves.

You can visit their website, http://www.prettylakecamp.org, to learn more about the services provided and the ways you can help, and to view their wish list.   For questions or ideas on how you can support Pretty Lake Camp, please contact Sue Jones, Development Director, at 375-1950 x 119 or Sue@prettylakecamp.org.