What started as a simple running camp in 1969 has turned into one of the most influential instructional opportunities in all of Michigan.

HQ2 camps, formerly known as Wolverine Camps, spent many years in their first location up north in the town of Wolverine. Following Wolverine Camp’s closing after 50 years, the cross-country camp rebranded to HQ2 camps and began a new venture this summer at their new location at Eagle Village Camp and Retreat Center in Hersey.

“Eagle Village is an amazing place to be and to run,” Co-camp director Drew Ludtke said. “We loved combining our HQ2 Cross Country staff with the outstanding Eagle Village staff. They have an outstanding organization and we were very happy with the ability to host a running camp that felt safe both on-site and when running the local dirt roads and trails.”

Over a two-week period in late July, 150 campers from all over Michigan and even other states like Virginia, Minnesota, and California, received a full camp experience that included teaching in biomechanics, nutrition, sports psychology, and mentorship. Campers also experienced activities provided by Eagle Village like high ropes adventure, climbing wall, basketball, and swimming.

 

*Campers climbing in Eagle Village's high ropes course (Photo credit to Joan Perry Ludtke).

 

Led by Ludtke and experienced co-director Stu Scholl, the camp provides mentors with over 100 years of running experience. This includes a counselor staff made up of current and former collegiate athletes with experience in NCAA cross country and track and field competition as well as post-collegiate racing on the trail, road, and snowshoe circuits.

“We started in 1969 at Wolverine Camps and have been able to continue,” Ludtke said. “We have the most cross-country national champions of any camp in the country having three Footlocker and Eastbay National Champions. (Former director) Kermit Ambrose kept the camp going from 1971 to the early 1990's had coached Olympic athletes and many other great athletes.”

Other mentors include experienced coaches and speakers that hold instructional sessions with the campers. One of these speakers includes former 10 mile and half marathon world record holder Herbert Lindsay, who has been a part of the camp for over 20 years and grew up in the area. Herbert even has family ties to Eagle Village from the start of his running as a kid.

 

*Herbert Lindsay speaking to campers during instructional session (Photo credit to Joan Perry Ludtke).

 

“(Herbert) had family members who helped construct the first dining hall at Eagle Village,” Ludtke said. “He spent many hours running around the Eagle Village property as a youth, before the camp was developed. Herbert credits this play and experience in nature as a major reason he developed his love for running.”

Along with Lindsay, former Olympian Paul McMullen had been a staple speaker in the camp lineup for many years and even filled in as a director for one year. McMullen unfortunately passed away in 2021 from a skiing accident but his impact on the camp is still felt every year.

“Paul was a great motivator who helped many athletes in his time at camp,” Ludtke said. “We keep his name, stories and impact going through sharing his life stories.”

 

*Campers on a run led by co-director Drew Ludtke on the bike (Photo credit to Joan Perry Ludtke).

 

With a mission to be the best running camp in the nation, HQ2 continually searches for ways to be better each year. According to Ludtke, their first camp at Eagle Village was extremely successful but that won’t stop them from searching for more ways to be better.

“We are always looking forward to next year and what we can improve. This year was some of the most positive feedback that we have had. Campers loved the climbing and running trails and roads.”

For more information on the camp, visit HQ2running.com.