Since 1955, Harand Camp has preached a simple but indelible philosophy: ìNo Man Is An Islandî. Founded by Chicago-based sisters and performers, Sulie and Pearl Harand, and their respective husbands, Byron Friedman and Sam Gaffin, Harand Camp has persevered through three locations thanks to the remarkable loyalty of campers and staff who return year after year. Fifty-three summers later, Harand Camp continues to thrive stronger than ever.

The camp first opened itsí doors on the grounds of a resort built in the late 1800ís, situated on one of Wisconsinís most renown lakes, Elkhart Lake. Though primarily a performing arts camp, Harandís philosophy differs greatly from other theater-intensive summer programs. Indeed, campers are treated to a half-day of singing, acting, and dance, while the other half of the day features traditional camp activities like archery, softball, and swimming. Additionally, while each age group performs an end-of-season musical production, every camper gets a chance to be both a lead, and a chorus member; further emphasizing the ìNo Man Is An Islandî credo which remains a song staple after all-camp events.

Perhaps Harandís most notable and unique theatrical accomplishment comes at the end of the first session: an all-camp, musical ìpageant,î often saluting a particular Broadway composer such as George Gershwin or Irving Berlin. For the powerful finale, every camper appears together onstage as an all-camp chorus. The Harand training has proven beneficial for many, including alumni Jeremy Piven, Billy Zane, and Virginia Madsen. 

Harandís Elkhart Lake location survived the death of Sam Gaffin in 1979, as well as a fire on the eve of parents weekend in 1984. But, as the camp grounds began to age beyond repair, a decision was made in 1989 to move to the smaller venue of Wayland Academy in Beaver Dam, WI. Initially considered a temporary move, Harand remained there through 2004, Gone were the days of handprints on the ground, Wonderful Town, and Green Pastures, but that didnít stop a new era of ìHarandersî ñ many of whom had never experienced Elkhart Lake ñ from making Wayland their own.

During the Wayland years, both Byron and Pearl passed away. The baton of camp leader was now placed squarely in Sulieís hands, with the help of her daughter Judy and Pearlís daughters Nora and Janice. Aided by a loyal and veteran staff (often recognized only by one name or moniker, including: Peppy, Jan, Gordy, Jo, and Errol), the camp moved yet again in 2005, to Carthage College in Kenosha, WI. Despite another change in location, the Harand tradition lives on in the form of yet another new generation of campers, for whom ìWe Are Harandersî, ìBless This Camp,î and ìNo Man Is An Islandî are sung with as much passion and joy as they were back in 1955.




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