Henry R. Daggett, a local business owner in Petoskey, often brought his Sunday School classes to his property on Walloon Lake in the late 1890s. In 1924, his daughter, Harriet S. Harper, donated the 43-acre parcel to establish a children’s summer camp. In 1925, Petoskey teacher Walter J. MacMillan opened Camp Daggett on this property, starting with a traditional boys’ summer camp. The camp's mission was to influence children's lives positively, reflecting Henry Daggett’s belief that "the children in a community are its richest assets."

Despite the challenges of the Great Depression, Camp Daggett managed to thrive. The camp built a strong foundation by focusing on its mission of providing character-building experiences. Strategic staffing and the dedication of the Board of Trustees, comprising members appointed from local service clubs, ensured the camp's survival and growth during these difficult years. Facilities and programs began to expand, laying the groundwork for future development. In 1927, the camp began offering sessions for girls, marking a significant step towards inclusivity.

During this period, Camp Daggett expanded its facilities and programs, adapting to the needs of the community. The camp added new buildings and amenities to accommodate growing numbers of campers. The focus remained on outdoor activities, personal development, and fostering a sense of community among the youth. The camp's reputation grew, attracting campers from beyond the immediate local area.

Walter J. MacMillan retires in 1954 after 30 years as Summer Camp Director. In the decades following World War II, Camp Daggett experienced significant growth. New facilities were added, including modernized cabins and recreational areas. The camp expanded its programming to include a wider range of educational and recreational activities, catering to the evolving interests of campers. This period saw the introduction of more structured programs and a greater emphasis on leadership development.

This brief period marked significant changes in leadership and operations. The camp continued to adapt its facilities and programs to meet the evolving needs of its campers and the broader community. Despite the changes, Camp Daggett maintained its core mission and values, ensuring continuity and stability during this transitional time. In 1976, Camp Daggett became co-educational, meaning both boys and girls attended camp during the same sessions.

Camp Daggett underwent further modernization during these years. New buildings were constructed, and existing facilities were upgraded to provide a more comfortable and safe environment for campers. 1976 was the first year camp became co-educational, offering boys and girls the opportunity to attend camp during the same sessions. This period saw the introduction of Adventure Education programming, which became a cornerstone of the camp’s offerings, promoting teamwork, leadership, and personal growth through challenging outdoor activities. The camp's programs continued to evolve, offering new and exciting opportunities for campers of all ages.

The camp maintained its focus on community engagement and youth development. The Board of Trustees played a crucial role in supporting the camp's mission and ensuring its continued success. This period saw increased involvement from local service clubs and community organizations, which provided essential support and resources. Camp Daggett expanded its outreach efforts, strengthening its ties to the community and enhancing its programs to better serve the needs of Northern Michigan children and families.

Recent years have seen significant updates to the camp's facilities and programs. New initiatives were introduced to keep the camp relevant and engaging for modern campers. The camp added new adventure-based programs and upgraded its facilities to meet contemporary standards. These enhancements ensured that Camp Daggett continued to provide quality character-building experiences in a safe, fun environment, staying true to its long-standing mission while adapting to the needs of today's youth .

Camp Daggett remains committed to program development and community engagement, emphasizing its core values while adapting to changing needs and trends. As a beacon of outdoor education and youth development, Camp Daggett continues to thrive, inspiring future generations of campers and leaders.