In 2005, the Racine YMCA announced its intention to sell Camp Anokijig to fund a new branch in Racine. This announcement immediately mobilized the “Save Camp” fund drive. Within a mere 90 days of the declaration that Anokijig was at risk, the devoted community of Anokijig supporters rallied, successfully raising approximately $400,000 in donations.

These funds, combined with a $2 million loan from the Negaunee Foundation, a $500,000 loan from the YMCA, and a $3 million bank loan guaranteed by our newly elected board president, Jim McIlvaine, enabled The Friends of Camp Anokijig Inc. to submit a winning bid of $5.5 million.

The success of this endeavor was entirely driven by the profound passion and collective fundraising efforts of the many individuals who cherish Anokijig.

Over the past two decades, we have diligently worked to pay down this debt, with just over $800,000 remaining. By August 2026, our outstanding balance will be approximately $750,000. Currently, we allocate $195,000 per year to service this note. Imagine the significant improvements we could undertake annually with those funds redirected toward camp enhancements.

Our ambitious goal is to entirely eliminate this debt by mid August 2026, allowing us to ceremoniously “Burn The Note” at our 100th Anniversary and Alumni Celebration on August 22nd. What a truly fitting way to commemorate this milestone! Consequently, we have launched the “Burn the Note” campaign. To ensure a strong star to our campaign, the initial $50,000 raised for the “Burn the Note” campaign will be MATCHED, dollar for dollar. Camp Anokijig is powered by our community of supporters and volunteers, our Burn The Note campaign is no different!

We have started a JustGiving fundraising page if you would like to spread the word about Camp within your communities back home. JustGiving is simple and easy, just check out the links to our right!