The 4-H rented the camp recently for their annual youth camp. The kids enjoy all the amenities the camp offers: they learn how to safely kayak the lake, use the archery area, play kickball in the field, sleep in bunkbeds, do arts and crafts in the craft rooms, and of course feast in the largeContinue reading “4-H Annual Youth Camp”
Category Archives: Uncategorized
Ocqueoc Outdoor Center’s 90th Anniversary
Last week’s publication of the Presque Isle County Advance (July 20th) included an article highlighting the Outdoor Center’s 90th anniversary. It covered interviews with Dr. Mary Ann Heidemann (Secretary of Friends of the Ocqueoc Outdoor Center, local history expert) and Sara Pikora (current OOC caretaker), and a brief history of its various uses over theContinue reading “Ocqueoc Outdoor Center’s 90th Anniversary”
Volunteer Painting Day
We had a fun day of painting during our volunteer event on July 19th. Around eight people showed up, and we were able to get most of the mess hall painted. The eggshell color replaced the previous yellow color, which was starting to fade and show the wear and tear of normal use. The newContinue reading “Volunteer Painting Day”
Huron Pines Invasive Species Decontamination Workshop a Success!
Huron Pines and the Coastal Invasive Species Network hosted a workshop at the Outdoor Center Saturday July 15th. The event was open to the public, and many people from around the Ocqueoc Lake watershed attended this informative event. The two-hour presentation taught which invasive species are threatening the lake and surrounding areas, how to identityContinue reading “Huron Pines Invasive Species Decontamination Workshop a Success!”
Memorial for Dolores Merchant
Family and close friends gathered to remember the late Dolores Merchant at a memorial event put on by the Friends this past weekend. Dolores played an integral part at the Outdoor Center; she was an original member of the Friends group, involved in the 4-H camps, and was always ready to lend a hand whenContinue reading “Memorial for Dolores Merchant”
Hazard Tree Removed
Some of the trees on the grounds of the camp are very old, and naturally have their own lifespans. One such tree was a maple near the picnic/firepit area, which was becoming a hazard. It had many woodpecker holes, was not producing any new growth, and its large branches were falling; sure signs it wasContinue reading “Hazard Tree Removed”
Shower/Rec Building Painted!
This past Fall 2022 the Friends held a volunteer day to paint the exterior of the Shower/Rec building. Thanks to everyone involved, the painting was completed! It is no longer grey, and now matches the red/orange hue of the rest of the buildings around the camp!
Maple Tree Planted in Memory of Dolores Merchant
Before winter 2022 hit, the Friends group purchased and planted a Sienna Glen Maple Tree in memory of Dolores Merchant. Dolores had a very active role with the camp; she was involved with the 4-H youth camps, and was an original member of the Friends of the Ocqueoc Outdoor Center when the group was formed.Continue reading “Maple Tree Planted in Memory of Dolores Merchant”
New Bunks!
This past Fall 2022, the friends group constructed five new bunks for the bunkhouse, adding ten new beds.
New Deal Tour Highlighted for History Buffs Across the State
Historical Society of Michigan Membership Magazine features article written by Friends of Ocqueoc Outdoor Center Board Member Mary Ann Heidemann. Looking for something fun and educational to do in Northeast Michigan? Mary Ann Heidemann, Board Member of the Friends of Ocqueoc Outdoor Center, would like to introduce you to the many sites that came aboutContinue reading “New Deal Tour Highlighted for History Buffs Across the State”