Trek to Bay Cliff

One of the campers at Bay Cliff is doing something unprecedented — giving back to the facility that means so much to him by raising money.

14-year-old Gene Fletcher of Nahma has cerebral palsy and scoliosis, and he’s been going to Bay Cliff for the last 6 years.

He’s wanted for a while to show what the camp means to him, and he decided to do it through a unique fundraiser.

Gene is going on a 100-mile trip from Rapid River to the camp in Big Bay in his wheelchair.

His father, Mike Fletcher, helped get it together, but it was entirely Gene’s idea.

Mike says Bay Cliff staff have told him this is the first time an active camper there has ever raised money for the facility.

Gene and Mike have been collecting pledges for the journey.

Their goal was $10,000, but they’ve already collected about $12,000.

And the trip hasn’t even started yet.

Gene is setting off from the Rapid River Lions Club Wednesday morning.

He’s expecting to stop for the night in Kiva, then make his way into Marquette on Thursday.

Gene will be spending Friday in Marquette, particularly making time for the SAIL Ability Fair at the Marquette Commons.

He’s leaving Marquette Saturday morning and expects to reach Bay Cliff early Saturday afternoon.

You can learn more about Gene and the trip online at trektobaycliff.com .

We also met both Gene and Mike Fletcher recently, and we’ll have that story on the air for you as soon as we can.