The human spirit was put to the test on the beautiful shores of Walloon Lake in the first annual Camp Daggett Adventure Center (CDAC) Eco-Challenge, Sunday, September 20th. Sixty-six people on eleven teams representing area businesses,
organizations and groups of friends competed in a variety of challenging events at Camp Daggett to raise money for equipment, training and scholarship needs for Daggett’s team building programs. Their pledges and registration fees brought in more than $5000.00 for this much needed cause.
The event started with a splash with teams canoeing on the lake then going to the high ropes and low ropes courses. Veterans and rookies alike climbed a 30 foot helix tower, soared on the zip line while throwing discs at targets, and balanced on beams while performing various physical maneuvers on the high ropes course.
Team Captain, Jennifer Brogger, of the Irish Boat Shop said, “I know a couple of our teammates had struggled with heights in the past. Since they had the support of a team to overcome that fear, they were able to conquer the zip line and climb the rock wall!”
Captain Sarah Ratliff said, “It was so good for my husband and I to take the time to just play. We’re always trying to multi-task and get things done. This was strictly play and so much fun”. Low ropes elements were less of a challenge physically but tested the team’s cooperation, communication, and problem solving skills, most often resulting in hilarious outcomes and opportunities to bond.
The Northern Michigan Sports Medicine Team was awarded the first place trophy for scoring the highest total points and second place was given to Rick Randall, captain of the Randall Chiropractic Team. Maggie Kromm, from Petoskey and captain of The Doers Team accepted the first place trophy for the Best Team Costume. Team captain, Jay Balasz, and his team from Balasz Dentistry of Charlevoix won the Fund Raising Award for securing the most donations.
This event would not have been possible without all the hard work of the volunteers. We have a CDAC Steering committee who worked for months making the idea of an Eco-Challenge become a reality. The committee members include Joyce Riordan, Laurie McMurray, Cindy McSurely, Mary Ling, Laurie Ford, Jane Ramer, and Beth Rynbrandt. The volunteers on the day of the event included the steering committee, Camp Daggett Staff, Bill & Jane Wehrenberg, Mark & Ben McMurray, Bill & Amy Riordan, Brian Patten, Erica Marlatt, Bailey Chamberlain, Megan Menosky, Amanda Fritsch, Jerry Hepner, Jerry & JoAnn Donnelly, Bob Esford, Lurlei Vaughan, Jenny Brower, Greg Mastin, and Jock Rader. Thank you for spending your Sunday with us and helping to put a little dose of fun in our communities!
Another group that helped make this event possible were our sponsors who include Sysco Foods, North Coast Imagewear, Inc., Bear Cub Outfitters, The Outfitter of Harbor Springs, Personal Graphics, Inc., Kilwin’s of Petoskey, Bay Street Orthopedics, C. Pilates, and Kilwin’s Quality Confections.
To find out more information about the Camp Daggett Adventure Center and next year’s Eco-Challenge event, contact Karen Marietti at 347-9742 ext. 117.
See you on the trail,
Karen Marietti - CDAC Director
Drew Baar - CDAC Assistant Director
Lee Barrett - CDAC Intern