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The History

See historical documents from Woodcraft Camp.
See historical documents from Camp Webb.
Visit the new Camp Lakotah website.

The history of camping on this site is long and varied. The account provided here is pieced together from a number of sources. Some details have been verified, others have not. If you have further information, please email info@preservecampwebb.org.

Located in the heart of the lakes region of Waushara County, the camp began its use as a camp in 1940 when the acreage was purchased and developed by Mr. William Hardtke and his wife, Edith as Woodcraft Camp. Run for many years for all sorts of groups, the camp offered all the regular sorts of camping activities. After Mr. Hardtke died, Edith continued running the camp after marrying Mr. Cantwell.

In 1948 she hired Fr. George Bersch to run Woodcraft Camp. In 1953 Fr. Bersch became Vicar of Holy Innocents, Nashotah and Director of Camp Webb, then located on the Nashotah House Grounds. After being offered the Wautoma property by Mrs. Cantwell, Bishop Donald Hallock and the Episcopal Diocese of Milwaukee bought the property for $65,000 in 1960.

The Episcopal Diocese of Milwaukee ran the facility primarily in the summer for its outdoor church program. The years saw many improvements while maintaining the rustic nature of the entire property. Such improvements included building secure maintenance and storage buildings (1970's), replacing platform tents with enclosed cabin shells (1980's), the building of year-round cottages (1980's), a modern, year round dining-hall/multi use facility (1980's), and an outdoor pavilion and fireplace (1990's). There were also many other upgrades to the facility over the years.

In 2009 the property was sold to Camp Lakotah by the Episcopal Diocese of Milwaukee to continue the long tradition of camping on the site. Over the last 65+ years, thousands of children, youth and adults have had their lives touched and been developed in physical, mental, intellectual and spiritual ways.