Greenwood History

Christian Education Committee of Synod of Michigan requests funds for camp and conference center. Synod approves capital funds drive with goal of $95,000

The camp was purchased!
$10,000 down payment made on site in northeastern Kent County. $50,000 balance on land contract to be paid off in ten years.

Land contract paid through mortgage loan.

Several lots along Banks Lake sold to private individuals.

Mortgage paid in full.

During this time some of the capital funds made improvements in all the former resort buildings and in the water, sewage disposal, and electrical systems. In addition, several new cabins and shelters were added as well as a health center and outdoor chapel. Dining Hall was extended and waterfront improved.

Greenwood got its name: a combination of “Greenville” (the nearest city) and Woodbeck (the primary lake)

Responsibility for programming shifted from a Camp Management Committee to the CE Committee of Synod – Greenwood became the first camp in Synod to operate with small group orientation.

Lodge remodeled; tent platforms, toilet and shower facilities built.

Area divided into three areas (Ridge, Forest, Jungle) where 12 campers and 2 counselors were responsible for their own activities.

Four-bedroom house built for property supervisor on north side of camp.

Suggestions for the camp included its sale, conversion to a family camp for tent-trailers, elimination of all buildings, and an all canvas summer camp. However, the site Strategy and Development Committee of the Synod of Michigan recommended that Camp Greenwood became a year round outdoor center.

Synod votes to “…shift its historic role in Extended Experience Education from an emphasis upon direct ministries to that of resources and guidance for session and presbyteries.”

The new regional Synod (Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky) adopted role change and further recommended that the new concept of extended experience education and “the declining program usage level of Camp Greenwood now combine to strongly suggest its probable sale.”

South side of camp contained: dining hall, six Quonset huts, modern toilet facilities, Chapel in the Pines, workshop,
recreational building, 150 foot dock with diving board and markers for swimming.

Lake Michigan Presbytery began to consider the use of the camp as a Presbytery facility.

The Robert Finneys were housed at Camp Greenwood with responsibilities for summer camp registrations and site management in Michigan. Salary paid by Synod.

Camp Greenwood transferred to Lake Michigan Presbytery on January 1, 1975.

Roger Sweers became part-time resident camp caretaker; master plan was authorized; Presbytery approves proposal that Camp Greenwood be included as a Major Mission Fund project for $100,000.

Caretaker’s residence was renovated to enlarge the facility for year-round retreats; projects approved for use of Major Mission Funds.

First year of Family Camp

The Gator Shuffle is born – written by Bud Thompson

The ominous gator mythology of Camp Greenwood is transformed into the fun-loving Al E. Gator that subsequent generations have loved.

Deb, an artist and friend, created the iconic graphic of a reclining Al E. Gator, with straw hat and bow tie, in time for the 1980 camp season.

Added storage building, activity building, and new log cabin.

Added five Adirondacks for wilderness camping; task force established to make recommendations concerning the Presbytery’s future involvement in Camp Greenwood.

Greenwood moves from a summer on-site “administrator” to a half-time off-season off-site / full-time summer on-site “camp director.”

A Quonset hut was struck by lightning and burned to the ground. Plans to replace all the Quonset huts with wood-built, year-round cabins began.

The director position becomes a full-time year round, on-site position after the conclusion of the summer camping program, and the Retreat Center is converted back into a house for the new director and his family.

Marta Amundsen, program director, started the bead tradition

Brad Peterson, a counselor at the time (and former camper), started drawing Al E. Gator for Camp Greenwood

Last year of MITW (Music in the Woods)

First year of AITW (Arts in the Woods, which includes music)

New logo instituted; a tree, dove, and stream replace Al E. Gator as the primary logo for the camp.

Greenwood Alumni Gator Association (GAGA) formed in August – a group dedicated to supporting Camp Greenwood and its spirit.