Local family's leadership gift to Camp Knutson to support children with health conditions and other needs

Gary and Peg Janisch of Delano got their first glimpse of Camp Knutson last year at the camp’s annual Pancake Breakfast on the Saturday before 
Labor Day. The couple, who have a lake home near the camp, were immediately drawn to camp’s mission of serving individuals with identified needs and recently announced a $200,000 gift to Camp Knutson. 

After receiving a full tour of the grounds, the Janisches knew they wanted to be more involved with Camp Knutson, a modern, accessible and medically equipped camp that has served thousands of children and adults with fragile health conditions and other identified needs from Minnesota and across the United States since its founding in 1953. 

“Once we had seen it, we were taken in,” Gary said. “Camp K is a place where kids can be themselves. They’ve been through hospital stays and therapies and at camp they can put all those things on pause and be surrounded by an entire community that embraces them and celebrates them for who they are.”

Nestled between the pristine waters of Lower Whitefish and Big Trout lakes near Crosslake, Camp Knutson offers a first-class camp experience for youth and adults with identified needs such as autism, heart disease, skin conditions, Down syndrome, severe burn injuries and youth experiencing homelessness. The camp also offers updated facilities for retreats, conferences, social gatherings, meetings, and other special events.

On their second visit, the Janisches learned that the camp’s flagship building, Hilltop Cabin, that was built in the 1920s as a summer retreat for Congressman Harold Knutson, needed renovation to accommodate additional staff and volunteers to help the camp expand its year-round programming. That day, they decided to fund the entire renovation through their gift.

“We both enjoy helping others – and I’ve always enjoyed being part of projects, said Gary, a longtime real estate developer. When I looked at the plans for the renovation, I was really interested.  We really feel like partners on this project. And the camp’s mission is so authentic to who we are.”  Peg said, “I love honoring something that is already there and it speaks to the humble roots of Camp Knutson.”

 “These kids show an incredible amount of courage, and that’s something that society needs,” Peg added. “Each of these campers has their own legacy to share, and this is a very, very good place that will enhance that legacy for each of them long after they come to this special camp.”

The Janisches know firsthand how profound a child’s legacy can be. Their grandson with Down syndrome, Jameson, was stillborn. “Before he was born, he was already bringing out the best in people,” Peg said. “His little presence in the world continues to affect people in good, positive ways.” Commemorative art will be on display at Hilltop Cabin to honor his memory.

The historic Hilltop Cabin will be renovated with a new split entry and new lower-level bedrooms and baths, laundry facilities and kitchen area while maintaining its original rustic charm. “We are thrilled,” said Jared Griffin, director of Camp Knutson, a program of Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota. “This extraordinary gift will expand camp opportunities and is a tremendous way to support our dedicated staff and volunteers who put their hearts into our mission and have an incredible, life-long impact on our campers.”  

Griffin said that Camp Knutson has already begun to expand camps into the spring and fall. Extended season camps will host youth who are deaf and hard of hearing, youth who have been adopted through foster care and a multicultural family camp through a partnership with the Multicultural Autism Action Network and Autism Society of Minnesota. 

Plans are to break ground in September and prepare for an open house in spring of 2025. Griffin said that when the major renovation is complete, new furnishings will be needed, including new beds and linens, kitchen appliances, a dining table, washer and dryer, light fixtures, chairs, and tables. 

Gary and Peg said that they hope their gift will inspire others to get involved. “This gift gives us a sense of purpose, hope and gratitude,” Gary said. “We are helping to form a legacy and foundation for each of these campers that they can take with them to touch the lives of others.”

To learn more about Camp Knutson, please visit www.campknutson.org, or call Jared Griffin at 218.543.4232.