About the Finn Camp

Introductory Message

Welcome to the website for the Detroit Finnish Co-Operative Summer Camp Association, fondly known as "FINN CAMP". The Detroit Finnish Cooperative Summer Camp Association was founded in 1925 by Finns living in the Detroit area. This ethnic force of identity prominent in Finns inspired the founders to find an area for recreation, social gatherings and personal growth. After a concerted and lengthy search, property in Commerce Township (now the City of Wixom) was selected. Their choice in 1925 is now the good fortune of today's membership and of future generations.

With co-operation of these charter members and their families and with high enthusiasm, the arduous work began to clear the land build the sauna, summer kitchen and dance hall. Here they had their drama performances, athletic games, gymnastic festivals and picnics. Today these traditions are still followed by the second, third, fourth and fifth generations. Such as the annual Finn Fest celebration in August since 1976.

The only requirement for membership are that a person be of good morale character, of Finnish descent.

The Association is still founded on co-operative principles where all members are equally responsible for association operations, each contributing their own talent and skills.

Beach facilities include the artesian fed lake, a sauna and two docks 50 meters apart for lap swimming, one dock with a 6 meter diving tower and the other dock for fishing and row boat launch.

For over forty years, we have maintained an excellent children's recreation program which includes extensive swimming lessons, following the five week program a week is devoted to the children which highlights the swim meet, track meet and their own stage production.

Our small children enjoy playing in the warm shallow waters of scenic Loon Lake which is also available for sailing, fishing and paddle boating.

We also have a soft ball field - home of the Finn Camp sponsored team in the local active league and our own annual tournament held in August during Finn Fest. Other athletic facilities include a horse shoe court.

During the summer months; the out door restaurant, the Ravintola; serves ethnic foods, including mojakka (beef stew), pasties, and pulla as well as American food. This is a pleasant place for members to visit over a leisurely Sunday breakfast.

The dance hall on the hill "Kentta" hosts mid-summer celebration Juhannus, annual children production and many dances throughout the summer. Here one is apt to see anything from the traditional raatikko, polka or schottish or the music of a waltz, country or rock ending our season.

In the Clubroom we have a full bar and a Harvest Dinner, little Christmas "Pikkuu Jouluu", St. Urho's Day, Dinner Theatre and Laskianinen Paiva highlight the winter calendar. The Clubroom provides a lending library for the membership featuring best sellers, varied ethnic publications, children's and craft books.

Summers can be enjoyed in the one room cabins in "Camp Country." The rustic intimacy is shared by many members who "rough" it from April to October, creating a unique sense of kinship.

New memberships are welcome and open to persons of Finnish descent. If interested, please contact the Board Directors for further information.

The Finn Camp Board of Directors

Detroit Finnish Summer Camp
2524 Loon Lake Road
Wixom, MI 48393

Video Introduction

A video was commisioned in 1987 showing an overview and history of the Finn Camp. Lower quality (2MB) and higher quailty (7MB) versions are available.

Tour

View some of the sights around the camp in this picture tour.

The Board of Directors

President: Jeffrey Pype
Vice President: Patti Leppi
Treasurer: Dick Pype
Secretary: Millie Parkard
Works Administrators: Jody Dernberger, Dave Niemi, and Greg Pelto.