Ypsilanti-based HighScope foundation lists Clinton camp for sale
The "Brick House" on the 65-acre HighScope camp near Clinton that was recently listed for sale | Courtesy photo
While the camp has hosted thousands of children and educators over the years, it had apparently become a financial drag on the foundation.
HighScope president Dr. Larry Schweinhart, in an e-mail message sent from a visit to England, said the camp was not paying for itself, despite efforts to create revenue during the off-season.
"For over forty years, the property was used to run a summer camp and other training programs, which were relevant to HighScope's mission. We kept the facility open to renters the rest of the year in an effort to cover its costs, but were unable to do so," he wrote.
Schweinhart added that some of the functions carried out at the camp will continue in another venture.
"Meanwhile, we have built on our camp experience to form the David P. Weikart Center for Youth Program Quality, a joint venture with the DC-based Forum for Youth Investment. This center is working to improve the quality of camps, after-school programs, and other youth programs throughout the country," he wrote.
The barn at HighScope's camp contains a dance floor, an arts and crafts area and a wood shop. | Courtesy photo.
The Ypsilanti-based foundation is asking $795,000 through listing agents Tony Caprarese and Charlie Koenn of Swisher Commercial. An adjoining 20 acres of farmland could be added for a combined asking price of $995,000, Caprarese said.
Caprarese said two Michigan-based potential buyers have toured the site multiple times since it was listed in late September. He said the marketing of the property has been national and international.
"It's obviously a very unique property," he said. "The target could be anyone: corporations, the private sector, the public sector, church groups, Girl Scouts."
In an environment in which real estate loans are experiencing increased scrutiny, Caprarese added that the process used by lenders to finance an eventual purchase would be different depending on the buyer.
"For someone to operate it commercially has a whole different set of criteria for evaluating, as opposed to a church or nonprofit," he said.
Caprarese said many alumni of HighScope camp programs -- a group that includes this reporter -- have noticed the listing and sent him comments on how important the experience was for them.
"It's really impacted a lot of people around the world," he said.
A sales video can be viewed here.
The property was owned by the Archdiocese of Detroit before being purchased by the late founder and president of HighScope, David Weikart in the mid-1960s. Weikart donated the land to the foundation in 2000.
HighScope's educational methods, which emphasizae hands-on learning, have been widely adopted in the United States and around the world. Some of its best known research relates to the benefits of early childhood education programs such as Head Start. The foundation is funded by foundation and corporate grants, and by contracts with government agencies.
Freelance reporter Dan Meisler can be reached at danmeisler@gmail.com.