Camp Red Leaf Closure

Dear Families,

We have received the unfortunate news that Camp Red Leaf will be closing. Our residents have loved their many summers at Camp Red Leaf and we are so sad that this was their last. 

Going forward, Misericordia will not be coordinating camp experiences. If you find a camp that your family member would like to attend, please feel free to sign them up.   Please be sure to inform the QIDP and/or Social Service representative of the anticipated dates.

The letter from Camp Red Leaf is below.

Sincerely,

Lindsey Wilkens
Social Service Director

Dear Camp Red Leaf Community,

The past several years have been very challenging for independent organizations that have provided experiences and care for our special needs family members and friends. Therefore, we have made the difficult decision to close Camp Red Leaf.

To run a strong, worthwhile summer camp, there are many factors that come into play. At Camp Red Leaf, we’ve taken pride in the high levels of fun, activities and care that come with each summer’s run. However, the needs to sustain this strong program have outgrown the expertise of our Camp Nageela Midwest board to develop, and our finances to sustain.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a severe effect on our abilities to finance the camp. Many campers were unable to participate in camp during the pandemic and that created a significant decline in the revenue that we need to provide a great camping experience. The effects of COVID-19 on many businesses are still lingering and, unfortunately, Camp Red Leaf was significantly impacted.

Additionally, particular expertise is needed to develop and run our Camp Red Leaf program. The Camp Nageela Midwest board has spent countless volunteer hours each year to overcome the challenges of hiring qualified healthcare experts, plus the right staff that can bring our campers a top-level, caring experience. Our board appreciates all that was done and all those that assisted when they could. However, these needs are now well beyond our core expertise and mission.

We are very proud of the legacy Camp Red Leaf has brought to our campers, their families and the community. Since its founding in 1960, Camp Red Leaf saw an opportunity to make an incredible change. Thousands of campers with special needs, of many ages and all abilities, are alumni of Camp Red Leaf and fondly remember their time in Ingleside, Ill. These memories are some of the best gifts we hold.

We thank you for your years of support and we hope you’ll cherish the many moments of joy, friendship and fun from the summers on the shores of Wooster Lake.

Sincerely,

The Camp Nageela Midwest Board of Directors