Mary McConnell Bows April 2, 2025 23:08:22 (EDT)

Hello fellow MWL Campers!
I was at MWL from 1976-1983 as a camper and CIT. Would love to reconnect with people from my era and before. Please consider coming as previous reunions have been so much fun!

Bitsy (Carolyn) Zimmermann March 14, 2025 19:11:43 (EDT)

I started at Minne-Wonka in 1953 and continued on ending up as a counselor in 1963. Viola and Leslie Lyon were wonderful camp directors. When I can't sleep I sing Minne-Wonka songs to myself. I still have my Paddle and all my badly moth eaten badges. Minne-Wonka was definitely one of the best things in my young life. As a side note -- my Mother went to Minne-Wonka in 1926 when the Lyons were the directors.

Mary Dee Kirchoff January 16, 2025 20:18:04 (EDT)

I have a current email list and send information on the email list of upcoming MWL events. We have a reunion coming up in Michigan this Fall. We also have zoom gatherings. If you would like to be on the email list please let me know at kirchoffmary@gmail.com. I was at camp from 1967 to 1976.
Mary Sachse I would love to connect with you but I do not know your email address.

Jill (Neuger) January 15, 2025 21:54:01 (EDT)

I was a camper at MWL from ‘79-83. Wanted to make sure you know there is another reunion this September (at a camp in Michigan). Looking into updating the info above. Fun to see some familiar names on this board!

Laurie Peterson Aker May 21, 2024 20:30:57 (EDT)

Hi there, I have great memories of Camp Minnie Wonka! I still remember some of the songs and have taught them to my children and grandchildren. I was there in the late 60s and early 70s I think. If anyone does have a song book I would love to know.

Blessings!

Marjorie Meredith January 30, 2024 20:44:40 (EDT)

HI Everyone. - is anyone out there from the summers of 1954 and 1955 !!! Yes, I was a counselor there then. It was such a good place and wonderful experiences.
I am in my 90s now, and still remember the great place and great people. The owners were wonderful also.
If anyone is reading here, who was there in those years, let me know.The owners were Mr. and Mrs. Lyon from St. Louis.
Marjorie Meredith
Columbia, MO

Carla Holtz November 14, 2023 21:46:30 (EDT)

Some of the happiest, most treasured moments of my life happened a MWL. May it never be a “buried treasure” in my memory, but a vital PULSING line for all my days.

Rebecca Howard April 18, 2023 22:13:22 (EDT)

Does anyone have a Minne Wonka Lodge song sheet - not the music, just the words to all the songs we sang?

Mary Sachse January 29, 2023 20:19:20 (EDT)

Hello fellow Miine Wonka Lodge campers and counselors. I
So many wonderful memories and friendships. Would love to hear from anyone. Was a camper in the 60’s and counselor in swimming in 70’s .

Carla Holtz October 15, 2022 04:50:03 (EDT)

I have never, EVER felt so welcome than I did at MinWonkaw. The friends I made there are in a sphere I havMe never since a aho9tstouched.w…ELM.w
EACh lobb'
Don’t know why I can’t post was Carla Holtz.
I’m judtblder nowE/
carla.hols@yahoo.com
Please, PLease write back!
Carla Holtz

Pamela Gregory July 12, 2022 18:40:55 (EDT)

My grandmother attended this camp in 1924-1925ish. I’ve come across her scrapbook and want to donate it to an appropriate place.
Any thoughts or suggestions?

Barbara Martin Smith April 24, 2022 15:32:28 (EDT)

During the early 1960’s, I attended Minnetonka Lodge. The paddle I earned when I mastered several water sports hangs in my studio reminding me of many marvelous canoe trips. I swim my morning mile every day but have lost touch with other campers. I would love to share stories with anyone who remembers camp adventures shared then. Barbara

Linnea Ebann March 30, 2022 10:28:05 (EDT)

Good morning! We are the ones who purchased minne wonka lodge and boathouse at its initial sale 37 years ago. We feel blessed every day to be in such a special place. I was not aware of Minne Wonka Lodge Breeze, wish someone had contacted us during your reunion times, we would have loved to have hosted you, maybe next time!

A boathouse tour is being scheduled on the three lakes chain this summer and I have been asked for history on the boathouse. Have not been able to find any information on it’s history. Can anyone send along any knowledge or memories?

Hope to hear from you!!!

Marcia Brooks Browne April 12, 2020 08:06:15 (EDT)

I went to camp 77 years ago. And I still my paddle. Can't remember what you had to do to earn it. Does anyone remember? MWL days were the best year of my life. I'm now 92 years young. I was curious about my old camp days and found this site by typing in Minne Wonka Lodge in a search on the Internet. How fun is this !!!!!

Steve (Webmaster) March 19, 2020 22:54:44 (EDT)

The website is back after a hard drive failure.

Carla Holtz January 31, 2020 18:17:20 (EDT)

I have such lovely memories... one of which is- because I have trouble falling asleep- I used to sing lulabyes to my cabin. I hope it was pleasant for you, as it did help me feel good and sleepy.of it was any bother/trouble to anyone- please forgive me,

Linda Doddridge clements July 31, 2019 21:22:04 (EDT)

I loved being a counselor at minne wonka! We just drove thru Eagle River and went on to find where the camp was...a nice man let us walk thru his back yard down to the lake...now all private homes🙁
I was there 3 summers, Amy Hansen was a co counselor in my cabin. I remember Nancy Yeager, Beth Hanna, Benny and Bob Jr. 1969-1970-1971. Worked in arts and crafts, and my second year had a college friend, Candy Fritz come and be a counselor with me. Would love to hear from anyone that was there then....I remember a camper, Eddie - Brillo was her nickname. I still have a monogrammed sterling silver letter opener that was a gift from one of my campers❤️ Best summers ever!

Cindy Richardson August 8, 2018 09:06:37 (EDT)

I’m afraid I just saw the comments about last year’s reunion. I was a recreation major at Kent State and did my internship as a counselor at Minne-Wonka the summer of 1977. I was a lifeguard, swim instructor, and assistant counselor in one of the youngest cabins. I remember one camper in particular called StrohsAnn. I believe her parents owned Strohs brewery. The Camp was so beautiful but the water was absolutely freezing when I first got there...lost my breathe when I first jumped in the lake. I remember lying out in the woods by the lake during one of my breaks, thinking how I never felt closer to God as I watched the trees gently swaying above me. Please add me to your email list if there is ever another reunion. Thanks.

Kay c Clyne (Lavelle) February 5, 2018 15:18:44 (EDT)

I was a counselor at the camp in the summers of 68 and 69. What a wonderful place. Hanna’s were a wonderful family
I was the sailing instructor. I recall the death of one of the campers as a drowning victim. Tough day for all of us.