Located in the heart of Wisconsin's North Country and surrounded by woods, a sparkling lake, fresh air and peaceful quiet, Camp American Legion is a respite for veterans who have served their country and now need help.

Funded by donations, the camp is a program of the Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Commission of the Department of Wisconsin. Founded in 1925, the camp is open to all veterans regardless of whether they belong to The American Legion.

Cabins are sponsored by state Legion posts. Carpenters, housekeepers, plumbers and cooks volunteer their services. Physical therapists also work free of charge to help make the disabled veterans comfortable during their stays, which can last up to a week.

Camp director James Youngquist is a life member of Cudworth Post 23 in Milwaukee. “This truly is a place where there are veterans helping veterans,” he said.

The camp accommodates amputees, and those who have had strokes, nervous conditions, operations or other illnesses. It is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day each summer, with nearly two-thirds of the campers being repeat visitors. Camp American Legion features 19 cabins, a main lodge, a therapy building, chapel and motorboats. Traditional camp activities such as fishing, swimming and hiking are all available to the veterans.

Each summer, Camp American Legion serves more than 400 injured and disabled veterans, giving Wisconsin veterans a helping hand back onto the road to good health.