Camp Molinare in Channing received the vote of the Dickinson County 100-Plus Women Who Care to be the recipient of the third-quarter donation.

The boost, which currently totals $16,600, will allow for the camp to provide a handicapped-accessible restroom to guests in 2025.

“Although the camp has many needs right now, the board was in agreement to make this our first priority,” said Camp Molinare Board Member Jana Underwood, noting they regained 501(c)(3) status in December 2023.

Underwood, who has been going to 100-Plus Women Who Care since its start, said this was the second time she presented for Camp Molinare.

CAMP MOLINARE IN Channing was the third-quarter recipient of the Dickinson County 100-Plus Women Who Care donation of more than $16,000. Shown are Camp Molinare board member Jana Underwood and board member and treasurer Kris Mulder in the campfire area, which has a fire pit and benches. Behind them is the view of Sawyer Lake. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News photo)

“Unfortunately the first time my name was pulled we didn’t get selected; however, I learned from that experience, and knew that we would need to be more specific on what the funds would be used for,” she said.

Underwood also was concerned about the camp being somewhat distant from Iron Mountain but knew it holds many memories for the community.

They expect the cost to be a minimum of $10,000 to convert one of the current restroom facilities to ADA standards.

“As work begins, we know costs can easily go up,” said Kris Mulder, Camp Molinare board member and treasurer.

Construction will include expanding two doorways, removing two individual stalls to be replaced by a 5-by-5-foot stall space and adding a sink, all allowing for wheelchair clearance.

“We realized we couldn’t add a complete ADA bathroom but to be able to make at least one accessible would be a good start,” Underwood said.

The new accommodations should open the camp up to adults and children who are unable to go to other places, Mulder said.

Over the summer, the board has been working to obtain quotes for other repairs and major projects, including electrical, plumbing and heating.

Any funds remaining from the 100-Plus Women’s donation will go towards tackling the electrical project.

“The electric system isn’t in the best of shape and we need to upgrade light fixtures because the old ones aren’t LED and are costly to run,” Mulder said. “Because we are renting it more now, our utilities have gone way up.”

“If we could do two projects — wouldn’t that be wonderful,” Underwood added. “Who would think we would be adding something — we have just been barely able to keep up with repairs all these years.”

They hope to have the project completed by next spring.

Over the summer, the board, along with several volunteers, continued to make improvements to the 1949 landmark above Sawyer Lake.

In addition to a fresh coat of paint to many areas — indoor and outdoor — other upgrades included installing a large fire pit, removing trees and brush to allow for complete view of the lake, replacing a fence and cleaning out small cabins.

They are in the process as well of getting the heaters working in the main dining area of the camp, as well as two of the smaller cabins.

Mulder pointed out they have had several “good and generous people” who have stepped up and want to see the camp survive.

“Things are looking up at the camp,” Underwood said.

Most weekends as well as several week days, Camp Molinare has welcomed visitors over the summer.

The camp facility can be rented for a variety of gatherings or camping activities, including youth or school events, weddings, receptions, special picnics or functions, reunions and overnight retreats.

The rustic camp features a large dining hall that seats about 80 people, along with a fully equipped kitchen with gas ranges and walk-in cooler.

Two dormitory-style bunk houses, each with their own indoor bathroom and showers, run down each side of the hall and can accommodate more than 20 guests.

They also rent the smaller “staff buildings” that have sleeping quarters, bathrooms and showers.

“We have a lot of positive feedback from renters,” Mulder said. “They all said what a great place it is, especially those who came for family reunions — they loved it.”

Underwood noted few places are available that allow for sleeping, eating and activities.

They have already booked several dates for 2025, including a 4-H day camp for the entire U.P.

“This was one of our original goals, to someday have a 4-H camp back here,” Underwood said. “Although it’s only during a day, it’s a start.”

Those interested in renting the facility can go to the Camp Molinare Facebook page or email campmolinare@gmail.com.

Joining the two on the board are Jennifer Carlson, Steve Peterson and Tom Bedard.

All members have their own strengths, Mulder said.

Both credit board member Carlson for getting the camp’s availability for renting on social media.

“This has made a big difference,” Underwood said. “Before Jennifer (Carlson) came on board, I think we all were pretty close to giving up and now none of us feel like that.”

Underwood added they may be moving ahead year to year for a while but think they now have a handle on it.

Over the winter months, the board plans to seek grant assistance. They recently met with Lake Antoine Park Partners Treasurer Ann Hruska, who shared her knowledge and helped them to move in the right direction.

The final fall/winter clean-up will be Saturday, Sept. 21, before the camp closes for the winter season.

In early May, the board will seek volunteers for its opening work bee. Many are needed to clean the entire camp and cabins, as well as removal of leaves and other groundwork.

Camp Molinare raises funds through its Dickinson County plat books. The new edition will soon be available at local businesses. Anyone interested can go to Camp Molinare’s Facebook page. Those outside the local area can send a message through their Facebook page to arrange to have a copy mailed.

The board members said they appreciate the help from the 100-Plus Women Who Care. “They really have allowed us to dream,” Underwood said.

The Dickinson County 100-Plus Women Who Care group meets four times a year and donates proceeds to one local non-profit. Members can be teams of up to four people, with each team contributing $100 into a group pot. During each session, non-profit names are placed in a bucket and three are picked. Those selected present a speech about their mission and answer questions before members vote on which gets the entire pool of donations.

Since the group was organized in December 2012, they have raised $746,000.

The next 100-Plus Women Who Care meeting will be Nov. 25 at Pine Grove Country Club in Iron Mountain.