The Minnesota Odd Fellow Youth Camp is known as “Camp Fa-Ho-Cha”, the acronym of Faith, Hope and Charity. The Camp is located on a 24.6 acre island on German Lake which is about 20 miles NE of Mankato, Minnesota. The camp has eight A-frame cabins. There are men/women showers and bathrooms newly constructed in 1996. The 40’ x 64’ recreation hall also serves as the kitchen area. A two-story A-frame used by staff was completed in 2003. The lake has 5.5 miles of shoreline and the camp island has 1.3 miles of shoreline. The three deepest spots in the lake are 51 feet, 46 feet and 39 feet.  (see map below)

The Minnesota Odd Fellow Youth Camp Inc. was established in 1958 through the benevolence of C. W. Brandt of Mankato who had the vision of providing a camp for our youth. For many years just maintaining and clearing land was the major investment. In 1969, the first pole shed was erected with progress ever since. Our first “A” frame cabin came in 1983. A much needed bath house/septic system was the goal for 1997. Electricity arrived in 1988.

The most recent undertaking was the two-story counselor cabin. It has rooms for the counselor and staff. The upstairs is used by the maintenance person. The deck allows supervision of the cabins and activities. Board meetings and work day are the last Sunday of the month.

The last two full weeks in July are scheduled for boys and girls camps, respectively. Campers are sponsored typically by a Minnesota Odd Fellow or Rebekah lodge.  The Camp is licensed to have 40 boys one week and 40 girls another week.

Individuals or organizations may also provide funding and support to send campers. Youth must be 10-12 years of age by July 1st and fill out an application form.

At other times the camp is rented to various groups such as boy/girl scouts, church groups, family reunions, etc.

Looking down from the counselor cabin upper deck. On the right are the men/women bathroom & showers. The door in the center is the utility room. Two cabins are off to the left and the remaining 6 cabins are beyond the picture to the right.

For more information please contact Donna Perryman by calling 1-507-893-3444, or print an application from the link to the right of map, fill it out, and send to one of the addresses below, or write to:

Donna Perryman                                           or                                The Grand Lodge of Minnesota
PO Box 404                                                                                           PO Box 7415
Winnebago, MN 56098                                                                    Hutchinson, MN 55350