Renovation on Camp Knutson's flagship cabin to begin

The renovation for Camp Knutson’s flagship cabin, Hilltop Cabin, will get underway this month. Donors Gary and Peg Janisch, who are funding the entire renovation and furnishings, celebrated with guests and camp staff at a groundbreaking ceremony on Labor Day weekend.

“This gift gives us a sense of purpose, hope and gratitude,” said Peg Janisch. “We are both believers in the ripple effect and Camp Knutson offers that ripple effect – providing opportunities for each camper to create memories, self-confidence in their own gifts and abilities, and wonderful friendships that they can take with them for the rest of their lives.” 

Nestled between the pristine waters of Lower Whitefish and Big Trout lakes in Crosslake, Camp Knutson offers a first-class camping experience for youth and adults with autism, heart disease, skin conditions, Down syndrome, severe burn injuries, and other identified needs. A service of Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, the camp also offers updated facilities for retreats, conferences, social gatherings, meetings and training events.

The camp’s flagship building called Hilltop Cabin once served as a summer retreat in the 1920s for Congressman Harold Knutson. The renovation — to include new bedrooms and baths, a new split entry, laundry and kitchen area — will accommodate additional staff and volunteers to help the camp expand programs year-round. 

“We are incredibly grateful for the Janisch family and their generous gift to Camp Knutson to make this renovation possible,” said Jared Griffin, director of Camp Knutson. “They’ve been a partner with us every step of the way. It’s a privilege to be part of their gift that both honors the legacy of their grandson, Jameson, who had Down syndrome, and our mission to inspire hope, change lives and build community.” 

Griffin said that Camp Knutson has already begun to expand camps into the spring and fall, including camps for youth who are deaf and hard of hearing, youth who have been adopted, multicultural families served through the Autism Society, and families who have adopted children through foster care. 

Construction will commence later this month, with plans to complete the project in early 2025. The Janisches hope their gift will inspire others to get involved. 

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