Camp Kiwanis is located 3.5 miles east of Mason on M-36 at Diamond Rd. The camp contains 85 acres, 55 of which are wooded. Camp Kiwanis is open year-round for camping, hiking, sledding and outdoor fun. Camp facilities can sleep 107 people indoors, or bring 300 of your friends and camp outdoors under the stars.

The parade ground at Kiwanis is pictured above. Neitz Lodge is in the background on the right and the upper pavilion is towards the left.

Camp Kiwanis was previously owned by the Lansing Kiwanis Club and used as a fresh air camp for tubercular children. It was donated June 8, 1939 to the Chief Okemos Council of the Boy Scouts of America. The camp was also used for several years by the Volunteers of America and the Salvation Army for children and their mothers.

At Kiwanis, there are nature trails to walk with tree identification plaques along the way. The trails range from the highest elevation in Ingham County to low swamp habitats. The "20" acres are open to walk and explore the natural features. Deer, fox, raccoons, squirrels, rabbits, hawks, turkey buzzards, ducks, bats, wild turkeys and coyotes are among the wildlife that make their homes on camp property.

In the winter, camping, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and sledding down the 800' sledding hill are all available at Kiwanis. Or you can sit in the shelter by the sledding hill and watch the fun. The camping area is open year round and scouts can earn their Polar Bear patch.

The "Tower of Strength" will challenge the older scouts. It houses both a climbing wall and the rappelling area. There are two campfire bowls for holding group campfires.

Camp facilities may be rented for daily, weekend and longer term use. Rates are based on the renting groups relationship with the Chief Okemos Council.  See the camp reservations for a description of the rate groups.

Neitz Lodge houses the meeting facilities at camp. It can comfortably accommodate 100 people. There is a woodburning fireplace at one end of the meeting area. There is a full kitchen as well as restrooms.

Sparrow Lodge sleeps 20 on one side and 18 on the other. You may rent one side or both. It has a full kitchen, restrooms and shower.

Gibson Cabin

Gibson cabin will sleep 21 people. It has a refrigerator and microwave, but no running water. A latrine is located nearby.

Dart Lodge

Dart Lodge has two sides, each of which holds 24 people. Each side has its own kitchen and separate adult sleeping room. There are central restrooms and two showers.

Camping Areas

Main Camping Area

Typical Campsite

For those wishing to arrange an outdoor camping event, Camp Kiwanis has enough room for 300 campers. There are 20 campsites, ranging in size from 30 by 30 feet to 75 by 100 feet. The site locations range from grassy fields to shady sites to sleeping in the pines. Each campsite has a picnic table and fire ring. Spring through fall, hot showers and flush toilets are available.

Pavilions

There are two pavilions available to rent for group use, one by the main camping area and the other up by Neitz lodge.

Backpackers can hike out to the 'back 20' for an experience in Leave No Trace camping. A pit toilet is available in the back 20.

Reservations

Boy Scout and Girl Scout units chartered within the Council area (Ingham, Eaton and Clinton counties and the Portland School District) are eligible for group rate A.
Scout units from other councils as well as other groups receiving funds from the United Way are eligible for group rate B.
All other groups are covered by group rate C.
Chief Okemos Council reserves the right to make the final determination of a group's rate status.

For more information about Camp Kiwanis, contact the camp at:

Phone: 517-676-6101
Fax: 517-676-6101
Email: rangergord1@juno.com

The fire bowl has a lit stage and space for 400 people