The Camp Holiday site has been leased by Concordia Language Villages since 1976. The property has been owned and maintained by the Fraser family since 1920. Many generations of this family have helped provide camp programming to young people since Camp Holiday began operating as a private girls' camp in 1922. Most of the buildings still in use on the site were built during the late 20's and 30's, except for 6 cabins replaced in the 60's, and the bathroom/shower facilities. The buildings and grounds have been well maintained and upgraded over the years to cherish the “camp” atmosphere and also accommodate modern needs. Altogether, there are more than 40 buildings that have sheltered a good many villagers and staff over the years.

As you enter the site, you'll see that the Village is nestled between two lakes: Mann Lake and Baby Lake. The one-lane road with a little wooden bridge passes over the channel. The road continues past several buildings and goes up a hill. At the top, you'll see the kitchen and the back of the dining hall, as well as the health center, and the office. Continuing on the road, you'll pass through “the narrows” with its picturesque views to each side. The big rock is a favorite place to look at the lake, and the other side offers a great view of the sunset. Continuing straight on, you'll see one of the gathering places of the Village, including the beach/café/boutique/arts and crafts area. The large swimming area, sandy beach, and terraced slope are the center of the Village. Continuing just a little further, one reaches the grassy playing field surrounded by the north woods. At the far end, you'll find our lakeside wood-burning sauna. To the east and west of this axis are the two residential areas of the Village, each on a hill overlooking one of the lakes. The hills are named “La France” and “La Francophonie” (French-speaking countries). Each residential area has 8 cabins, bathroom facilities, and a cozy, wooden, meeting lodge with stone fireplace. The Chicago Tribune described Camp Holiday:

What we found at the end of the road was the quintessential rustic summer camp of our own youth, nestled between Baby Lake and Mann Lake; rough-hewn log cabins (no electricity) with sturdy bunk beds and lodges shaded by tall pines, well-trod sandy paths to the common bathrooms, a lovely little beach with canoes sheltered nearby. Loons calling to each other complete the scene. ("Camp Francophile", March 4, 2001)

The staff and I are pleased to share these experiences with your villager and appréciez la difference! (appreciate the difference)

A few words to participants - The Camp Holiday site is a beautiful, rustic site that we dearly love. It will be very different from your home. At night, we hear loon calls, and see the bright stars overhead. Communal areas of the Village—such as meeting lodges, dining room, small group meeting spaces, stores, arts and craft areas and bathrooms—are well lit by electric lights. Living facilities do not have electricity, but are very simple and cozy, offering bunk beds and space to hang out with the friends you'll make among your cabin mates. Bathrooms are centrally located in the Village—just a short walk from your cabin. Footpaths around the Village can become rugged and muddy in rainy weather, so sturdy footwear or boots are in order. Showers are available, but many villagers enjoy throwing on swimsuits and bathing with biodegradable soaps and shampoos in our beautiful lake. The lakeside wood-burning sauna is lit everyday.

Lac du Bois Hackensack has a great impact on the Concordia Language Village French programs as the founding site of Lac du Bois and the longest standing French Language Village site. In addition, the site itself evokes an attachment to the past in its pristine natural beauty, traditional architecture, and emphasis on simple, communal living in harmony with nature.

Girls holding a canoe in 1914....

...and moving canoes in 2003. Quelle différence!