Our History

Camp Mah-Kee-Nac was founded in 1929 by camping great, Joe Kruger, on the shores of Lake Mahkeenac, now called Stockbridge Bowl in Lenox, Massachusetts. Joe was a pioneer in camping and was among the first directors to implement a systematic, education-based approach to the summer camp experience. Joe’s vision is still alive at Mah-Kee-Nac and our philosophy, program and physical layout still reflect his child-centered vision. Joe’s contributions to camping have been acknowledged by his induction into the American Camp Association’s Legends of Camping.

In 1983, alumnus Danny Metzger and wife Nancy took over Mah-Kee-Nac. The Metzgers directed camp for almost 20 years, raising their three children there. The Metzgers were also partners in Camp Danbee, Mah-Kee-Nac’s sister camp. Under Danny and Nancy, Mah-Kee-Nac continued to be a leader in boys camping, modernizing facilities and program to meet the evolving needs of boys. Danny is also a founding director of America’s Camp, a camp that served children of 9-11 victims for 10 years. Camp Mah-Kee-Nac is proud to have been the original host site for this truly special camp.

The standard of excellence for Mah-Kee-Nac’s leadership continues with co-directors Rachel and Jamie Chadwin. The Chadwins bring more than 40 years of experience working with children, including a combined 18 years as Assistant Director and Program Director from Pine Forest Camp. Rachel and Jamie are proud of Mah-Kee-Nac’s community and are honored to carry on it’s long-standing philosophy and traditions.