How would the High Scope Camp serve our purposes perfectly?
We have found a property that has us very excited. To date, we have been looking at properties that are a long way from being a village. These have ranged from open farmland to mixed land with a house and a few out buildings. A couple that we have looked at were very nice, but it still took a lot of imagination to see the community that might someday live there. In addition, it would take many years of hard work and likely a fair amount of money to build the buildings and infrastructure for a proper village.
Enter the High/Scope Retreat and Conference Center. This is a property that is located between Manchester and Clinton. It is simply amazing! The property itself is beautiful and nearly perfect for our purpose. It is 85 acres in total, with 30-35 acres tillable. There are three good sized ponds on the property: two swimable and one natural (all spring fed). There is a large creek through the middle of the property. The remainder is composed of varying types of forest with a wide mix of trees, including a couple of the largest trees in Michigan.
Now for the buildings: The property has two 7000 square foot mansions and a carriage house that have been converted for camp and retreat housing; 108 beds, and a commercial kitchen and dining hall. There is also a 7000 s.f. converted barn that includes a dance hall with stained glass windows and arts, crafts, and theater areas. The adjacent managers farm has a farmhouse and barns. All buildings are structurally in very good shape. The roofs are relatively new. Some updating and fresh paint could be used in some locations, but the buildings are quite usable and beautiful as is. There is also a large, new commercial well that feeds all of the buildings on the property.
Many other wonderful features include: hiking trails, gazebos, sculptures, bridges, rope swings, fire pit, and much more. If you enjoy nature, there is much to enjoy here.
It is easy to look at this property and see the ecovillage that might exist there. Much of it is already in place. There are many places for people to live already on-site. Also, the retreat center could be put immediately back into operation. This would provide a source of income for some of the residents on the property as well as immediately establishing the outreach component of the community.
This property was operated by the High/Scope foundation and its founders, David and Phyllis Weikart for over 40 years. Primarily it has been operated as a teen educational camp. It has been a positive influence on the lives of hundreds of people for decades. As we learn more about the vision that the Weikarts had for this place and the extent to which this vision was realized, we are inspired to try to continue with it in much the same tradition. Their teen programs were based around community and expanding the mind by utilizing the hands and experiencing nature. It would be very easy to add a stronger aspect of sustainability and agriculture to this program and integrate it into the workings of an established community. An artisan community would be a very harmonious fit with this as well.
There are many additional activities utilizing the existing structures that would enhance the community, increase the financial viability, and add to the outreach component of our vision. The property has historically been leased out for retreats and conferences. This would also be a great place to have weddings. Adult workshops could be held. A folk school could be operated when school is in session and teen camps are not viable.
Perhaps the biggest concern regarding this property is it is too close to the final vision we have in mind. While the work involved in converting a property slowly over time is daunting, there is some comfort in knowing that change will take place in baby steps. With this property, life change would be swift and dramatic. We need to get more people involved and quickly. Plans need to be made. Money must be gathered.
For us, however, this call to action is very strong. We have been interested in intentional communities for quite some time and have watched many remain in the planning phase for many years, while others get started but stall out well before achieving their objectives. This property necessitates action. Talk less, do more. Join us if you will. It'll be quite an adventure.
Still Interested? Contact Us!