desales

For Michigan residents looking for a traditional public campground, the name "DeSales" in Brooklyn, MI, might appear on a map and spark curiosity. However, it's essential to understand that DeSales is not a public campground in the conventional sense where individuals or families can simply book a campsite for recreational purposes. Instead, DeSales (more formally known as DeSales Center or Camp DeSales) is a specialized retreat center and youth camp, primarily serving the spiritual and educational needs of Catholic youth groups, parishes, and other organizations. It's a unique facility dedicated to fostering faith formation, community, and personal growth in a serene setting, rather than offering open camping for the general public.

Owned and operated by the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, DeSales has a rich history as a gathering place for young people, with a mission focused on Catholic youth evangelization. While it offers camp-like facilities such as cabins and outdoor spaces, these are typically reserved for organized groups participating in specific programs, such as Catholic Youth Camp (CYC), Salesian Leadership Camp, and various student retreats. It also hosts the Holley Family Village, which provides programs and facilities for the Deaf, Deaf-Blind, and hard-of-hearing communities.

Therefore, if you're a local seeking a spot to pitch a tent, park an RV, or rent a cabin for a leisure vacation, DeSales in Brooklyn, MI, is not the intended destination. Its "campground" aspect refers to the structured, group-oriented lodging that supports its spiritual and educational mission. Understanding this distinction is crucial for Michigan users to avoid disappointment and instead appreciate DeSales for its valuable role as a dedicated retreat and learning center within our state.

DeSales, also known as DeSales Center or Camp DeSales, is located at 1198 DeSales Drive, Brooklyn, MI 49230, USA. This specific address places it within Michigan's picturesque Irish Hills region in Lenawee County, a desirable area known for its natural beauty, including several lakes and rolling landscapes. The center is situated on Vineyard Lake, offering scenic views and a tranquil environment conducive to its retreat-focused mission.

Accessibility for Michiganders to DeSales is quite convenient. It is approximately 50 miles from major metropolitan areas such as Toledo, Lansing, and Detroit Metro Airport, making it a manageable drive for groups originating from various parts of Southeast Michigan and beyond. Directions provided by DeSales indicate it's accessible from I-94 west or US-23 south to US-12, then turning onto M-50, and finally onto Daugherty Road which leads to DeSales Drive. This well-defined route ensures that group leaders and participants can navigate to the center with relative ease, even if they are traveling in multiple vehicles or buses.

While the center is nestled in a more rural setting, its proximity to major roadways ensures that it remains connected to urban centers for logistical support, staff, and participant travel. The location on Vineyard Lake also provides natural amenities that enhance the retreat experience, such as opportunities for waterfront activities (though these are typically program-specific rather than for general public use). The quiet and natural surroundings contribute significantly to the peaceful atmosphere sought by those attending retreats and camps.

DeSales, as a retreat center and youth camp, offers a range of services specifically tailored to support its programs and accommodate groups, rather than individual public campers. These services are designed to facilitate spiritual growth, education, and group activities:

• Group Accommodations: The center provides various lodging options for groups, including:
  • Lawrence Lodge: A main retreat house sleeping up to 38 people in 18 air-conditioned rooms, with additional space for 8 more. It includes a living room and dining room.
  • Vineyard Cabin: Winterized and air-conditioned, sleeping 30 students in two dorms with new foam mattresses, a snack kitchen, and private showers/toilets.
  • Blue Cabin: Newly constructed, winterized and air-conditioned, sleeping 23 in a single dorm with new foam mattresses and private showers/toilets.
  • Welch Cottage: Another rental option that includes use of the chapel.
• Meal Services: Guests have options for meals. They can prepare their own meals in the snack kitchens available in some lodging facilities at no extra cost, or they can order meals directly from DeSales Center.
• Chapel Access: The Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Chapel is usually available to all visitors for quiet prayer and can be reserved by groups for communal prayer.
• Meeting and Retreat Spaces: Various buildings offer spaces for discussions, reflections, and group activities. Breakout rooms may also be available for an additional fee.
• Recreational Activities (Program-Specific): For youth camps like Catholic Youth Camp (CYC), a wide range of activities are offered, including:
  • Water activities: Swimming, tubing, kayaks, canoeing, paddleboards, pontoon boat rides.
  • Outdoor sports: Gaga ball, 9-square, basketball, volleyball, spike-ball, capture the flag.
  • Adventure elements: Low-ropes course, paintball.
  • Traditional camp activities: Crafts, campfires, s'mores.
• Linens: Lawrence Lodge and Welch Cottage provide blankets and pillows, with sheets/towels available for rent. Vineyard and Blue Cabins require guests to bring their own pillows, blankets, and linens or sleeping bags.
• Housekeeping: Final clean-up services are available for an additional fee.
• Spiritual Resources: Access to a Salesian and spiritual library, facilitating quiet reflection and study.

These services underscore DeSales' role as a specialized facility for organized groups rather than a public camping ground.

DeSales in Brooklyn, MI, boasts several distinctive features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for its intended audience of youth groups, retreat participants, and specific community programs:

• Dedicated Retreat and Youth Camp Environment: Its primary highlight is its purpose-built design and mission as a spiritual home and resource. It provides a focused environment for Catholic youth evangelization, spiritual growth, and leadership development through programs like Catholic Youth Camp (CYC) and Salesian Leadership Camp.
• Beautiful Lakeside Setting: Situated on Vineyard Lake in Michigan's Irish Hills, the center offers serene water views and a natural backdrop that enhances the peaceful and reflective atmosphere crucial for retreats.
• Diverse Accommodation Options: With facilities like Lawrence Lodge (sleeping 38+), Vineyard Cabin (30 students), and Blue Cabin (23 students), DeSales can comfortably accommodate groups of varying sizes, up to 80 guests when combining key buildings. This flexibility is a significant asset for organizations.
• Comprehensive Program Activities: For youth camps, a wide array of engaging activities are offered, from water sports like kayaking and tubing to team-building exercises like low-ropes courses and paintball, ensuring a dynamic and memorable experience.
• Holistic Development Focus: Programs at DeSales aim to educate the "whole child," fostering spiritual growth, character development, and personal talents alongside recreational fun, as evidenced by its partnerships and mission statements.
• Chapel for Prayer and Reflection: The Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Chapel serves as a central spiritual hub, available for both communal and quiet individual prayer, reinforcing the center's faith-based mission.
• Community Partnerships: DeSales collaborates with organizations like the Holley Institute, offering specialized facilities and programs for the Deaf, Deaf-Blind, and hard-of-hearing communities, showcasing its commitment to broader community service.
• Experienced Leadership: The involvement of Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, including Father Ken McKenna as Camp Director, ensures experienced and dedicated leadership for the spiritual and recreational programs.
• Accessible Location: Despite its tranquil setting, the center is within a reasonable driving distance from major Michigan cities, making it a convenient choice for groups across the region.

These highlights emphasize DeSales' unique value as a specialized center for spiritual and educational retreats rather than a general public campground.

For inquiries regarding reservations, specific programs, or general information about DeSales (DeSales Center / Camp DeSales) in Brooklyn, MI, the primary contact details are as follows:

• Address: 1198 DeSales Drive, Brooklyn, MI 49230, USA
• Retreat Reservations (Fr. Ken McKenna): (517) 414-0784
• Retreat Reservations Email: McKenna@desales.org
• DeSales Catholic Youth Camp Reservations: Travoto@desales.org
• Hermitage Reservations (for individual self-led retreats): Annette@desales.org
• General Website: www.desales.org (It's always recommended to visit their official website for the most current information, program schedules, and online contact forms).

Please note that general public camping is not available. These contact points are for groups, organizations, or individuals seeking to participate in their specific retreat, youth camp, or specialized programs.

For Michigan locals, DeSales in Brooklyn, MI, offers a very specific and valuable suitability that diverges from that of a conventional public campground. While it's not a destination for a casual family camping trip with an RV or tent, it serves as an exceptional resource for specific groups and individuals within the community. Its primary suitability lies in its role as a dedicated retreat center and youth camp, making it ideal for:

• Catholic Youth Groups and Parishes: For churches and youth ministries across Michigan, DeSales provides a structured, faith-filled environment for Catholic Youth Camp (CYC), retreats, and leadership programs. It offers an invaluable opportunity for young Michiganders to deepen their faith, build community, and engage in a wide array of recreational activities in a safe and supervised setting, all within a reasonable driving distance from major population centers.
• Spiritual Retreats: Individuals and smaller religious groups from Michigan can utilize the facilities for spiritual retreats, including self-led retreats in hermitages, offering a peaceful escape from daily life for reflection and prayer. Its serene location on Vineyard Lake contributes significantly to this spiritual focus.
• Organizations Serving the Deaf Community: Through its partnership with the Holley Institute and the Holley Family Village, DeSales provides unique programs and facilities specifically tailored for the Deaf, Deaf-Blind, and hard-of-hearing communities. This makes it a crucial resource for Michigan families and organizations serving these populations.
• Educational and Leadership Development Programs: Beyond faith-based retreats, the structured environment and program offerings are well-suited for various educational and leadership development initiatives for high school students.

In essence, DeSales is a vital asset for locals seeking organized group experiences focused on spiritual growth, community building, and specialized educational programs in a beautiful, natural setting. While it doesn't cater to general public camping, its profound suitability for its specific niche makes it a cherished resource for countless Michiganders seeking more than just a campsite – they are looking for a transformative experience.

desales

Brooklyn, MI 49230, USA