We are committed to strengthening ourselves as the “community’s camp” – a year-round resource for our campers, families,  schools, retreat guests and the community at large. True to our founder, Edward B. Desenberg, the core of the organization will be the on-going operation and continuous improvement of all of our programs.

Inclusion

Inclusion is about the actions we take each day.  Our culture is the result of our behaviors, our personal commitment, our curiosity, how we collaborate, and the ways we courageously share our perspectives and encourage others to do the same.  Pretty Lake is committed to providing a welcoming and equitable environment with opportunities for engagement regardless of an individual’s ability, age, appearance, ethnicity, gender identity, geographical location, national origin, professional level, race, religious beliefs, sexual orientation or socioeconomic status.

Step out of your comfort zone

Think of the last time you conquered something that you thought was outside of your normal “comfort zone.” Was it exhilarating? Did you surprise yourself? Did it open doors for you?

The Adventure Centre challenges individuals, teams, and organizations to expand their self-confidence, trust and leadership skills through a variety of outdoor Adventure Centre activities and social emotional learning. Since 1978, the Adventure Centre has facilitated low ropes courses, high ropes courses, climbing towers and team building experiences. Our Adventure Centre combines industry-leading programming an inspiring environment and highly skilled staff.

Our History

Edward Desenberg

Founder of Pretty Lake Camp, Kalamazoo Musician and Philanthropist

Born in Kalamazoo on September 9, 1867, Edward ‘Eddie’ Desenberg became an accomplished pianist, and studied abroad for number of years before settling back home in Kalamazoo.  Besides music and the arts, Eddie’s compassion was for children, especially those less fortunate. In 1916, Eddie founded Pretty Lake Vacation Camp, a place that he hoped would help make life a little better for the children of Kalamazoo. This was to be his lasting legacy.

Today over 50,000 children have had the opportunity to attend Pretty Lake Camp. We are proud to be a part of Pretty Lake, and honor the commitment Edward Desenberg made to the children of Kalamazoo 105 years ago, to provide a totally cost free camp for children who could benefit the most from the experience. 

Our Member Organizations

The generous contributions and tireless commitment of our entire community have made free camp possible for a century of summers.
In particular, the Kiwanis Club of Kalamazoo and the Service Club (now the Junior League of Kalamazoo) took over camp in 1930 and ran it for many years. Kiwanians, Junior Leaguers, and many others in our community cleaned out cabins, secured food and supplies, and together made camp possible.

Today, Kiwanis and the Junior League continue to devote vital time and support to ensure our summer camp remains totally cost-free, just as it was when Edward Desenberg started Pretty Lake a century ago.

Our Facilities

Visit our Retreating web page, or click through the photos below to see our facilities including conference rooms, gymnasium, cabins and the beautiful outdoors.