Friends of Camp Batawagama

Friends of Camp Batawagama The vision of Friends of Camp Batawagama is to take an active role in the support of the camp by providing avenues of financial support and volunteerism.

In 1995, five former campers and friends founded the Friends of Camp BATAWAGAMA. It was their mission to support Camp BATAWAGAMA by volunteering for FOCB (Friends of Camp BATAWAGAMA) activities, providing financial support and helping to preserve the traditional programs and environment at Camp. Each year the Camp Director, Brian Schulze, provides the FOCB with a "Wish List" of items that would be

helpful toward improving the camping experinece for the kids. FOCB raises money through membership dues, donations, funds from our "Friends of Camp Batawagama Legacy Fund" and our annual Tribute Artist Concert. The FOCB also secure grants to help with expense of camp items. 97% of all donations are given directly back to programs that benefit camp.

The Friends of Camp Batawagama community mourns the passing of Jim Brennan, one of the founders of our organization and ...
05/28/2026

The Friends of Camp Batawagama community mourns the passing of Jim Brennan, one of the founders of our organization and a forever supporter of Camp Batawagama. Jim and his wife Margee were instrumental in establishing the Friends of Camp Batawagama in 1996 and, over the past three decades, devoted extraordinary time, energy, leadership, and generosity to supporting the camp, its campers and its mission. Their dedication helped build the strong foundation that continues to sustain Camp Batawagama today.

​Jim’s love for the camp, the Iron County community, and the countless friendships formed there touched many lives, and his legacy will remain an enduring part of the Friends organization for generations to come.

https://www.jacobsfuneralhomeir.com/obituaries/james-brennan-iii

As supporters of Camp Batawagama, we want to let you know about this opportunity to support the return of Band Camp!
04/29/2026

As supporters of Camp Batawagama, we want to let you know about this opportunity to support the return of Band Camp!

Registration is ongoing for Summer 2026 - Band Camp and Youth Camp! Full instructions and deadlines are here:
03/06/2026

Registration is ongoing for Summer 2026 - Band Camp and Youth Camp! Full instructions and deadlines are here:

Camp Batawagama is one of the most popular youth camps in Iron County, Michigan. The fun experiences had here last a life time.

Thursday night in Iron River!
01/14/2026

Thursday night in Iron River!

Some familiar faces on local television today!
01/13/2026

Some familiar faces on local television today!

Iron County Band Camp instructors and representatives joined John Redfield and Audrey Stetson in the UMT studio to share what makes Camp Batawagama one of a kind. World-class musicians even offered performances with their respective instruments.

From WNMU-FM: A conversation with oboist Marc Fink about the upcoming fundraiser concerts for band camp
01/10/2026

From WNMU-FM: A conversation with oboist Marc Fink about the upcoming fundraiser concerts for band camp

A conversation with oboist Marc Fink

01/09/2026

Some longtime Iron County Band Camp faculty are performing around Upper Michigan soon. Check it out and support the return of Band Camp in 2026!

Tuesday, January 13 at 6:00pm (ET)
Reynolds Recital Hall, Northern Michigan University, Marquette, MI
Dr. Robert Spring, clarinet
Dr. Marc Fink, oboe
Dr. Mike Hall, trombone
Lynn Hansen, oboe
Accompanied by Fr. Ryan Ford, piano

Wednesday, January 14 at 1:00pm (ET)
Calumet Theatre, Calumet, MI
Dr. Robert Spring, clarinet
Dr. Marc Fink, oboe
Dr. Mike Hall, trombone
Lynn Hansen, oboe
Accompanied by Susie Bykkonen, piano

Thursday, January 15 at 6:00pm (CST)
Windsor Center, Iron River, MI
Dr. Robert Spring, clarinet
Dr. Marc Fink, oboe
Dr. Mike Hall, trombone
Lynn Hansen, oboe
Accompanied by Dr. John Ensminger, piano

Robert Spring, Marc Fink, Mike Hall and Lynn Hansen are longtime, dedicated Batawagama faculty members whose teaching and artistry have shaped countless young musicians. It is truly a gift to hear these remarkable performers together in concert, united in support of the next generation.

Admission to each concert is free, and all donations collected at the door will directly support scholarships for Iron County Band Camp.

The Friends of Camp Batawagama and Iron County community are remembering a dedicated volunteer. Bob Salonen was the FOCB...
09/11/2025

The Friends of Camp Batawagama and Iron County community are remembering a dedicated volunteer. Bob Salonen was the FOCB treasurer for many years and helped run our golf outing fundraiser. He recently retired from the FOCB board and continued to support every event the Friends sponsored, including our spaghetti dinners and dances. This is a picture of Bob and his wife Betsy from our 2024 dance.

Bob will be dearly missed at Camp Batawagama and across our county. Thank you for supporting the magic of camp!

https://www.jacobsfuneralhomeir.com/obituaries/robert-salonen

Address

328 W Genesee
Iron River, MI
49935

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