As we announced on social media last month, after more than 30 years of dedicated service two Camp Nebagamon legends, Head Caretaker Andy Mack and Caretaker Joe Crain, will be retiring following the 2026 season. Throughout their illustrious careers at Nebagamon, Andy and Joe have been Caretakers of both our physical grounds, and of our community. To them, Camp has been more than a job—it has been home—and their combined impact has been etched into every inch of Camp, and every heart that’s passed through our gates.
Andy Mack, our Head Caretaker since 1995, and previously an art instructor and wilderness trip counselor, has been the ultimate “can-do” leader. Andy has met every challenge through his years on our full-time team with a solution-oriented spirit and clear-eyed direction. In addition to his own technical mastery, Andy is a devoted teacher; he has spent decades passing on his knowledge to campers and staff alike. For Andy, teaching is about more than hard skills – it’s about the personal growth and development of those who have benefited from his guidance. Through his mentorship, his leadership, and his stewardship, Andy’s true investment has always been in the people.
Joe Crain joined the team as a full-time Caretaker in 1995, bringing an artist’s eye and a sense of wonder to our Northwoods home. Joe’s legacy has been one of whimsy and craftsmanship, seen in the intricate whirligigs that catch the breeze and the miles of bike trails he has carved through our woods. Whether he was modernizing our infrastructure or sharing the feeling of Camp through his monthly newsletter articles, Joe’s dedication has always centered on enriching the environment where our campers grow and play.Andy and Joe have been so much more than the “maintenance crew”—they have been Caretakers in the truest sense of the word. When generations of campers and staff reflect on their time at Camp Nebagamon and the impact it has had on their lives, they think of Andy Mack and Joe Crain. As they each prepare for their next chapter, we invite you to send them a note of thanks at amyandymack@gmail.com and crainstudios@gmail.com. Thank you for everything, Andy and Joe, and Keep The Fires Burning!
