I am a former camper, having attended Interlochen for three summers - twice as a scholarship Junior Girl (at age 10 and 11), and once as a High School Girl (age 16). The music, dance and theatre education I received there was intensely impactful and helped me to pursue an eventual career in the arts. I made lifelong friends, and have only beautiful memories.

All three summers I was there were also within the time frame that Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell were actively visiting and utilizing the lodge. I am horrified and heartbroken that a place in which I felt so safe, cared for, and artistically nourished was in fact one of the many hunting grounds of one of the world's most infamous child predators.

The legacy of Jeffrey Epstein is a dark stain on many institutions, including our beloved Interlochen. Known to many as a “sanctuary for the arts,” Interlochen should be a place where young talents are nurtured and creativity flourishes in a supportive and safe environment, free from the shadows of an evil it unwittingly harbored.

The former Epstein lodge, which he funded the construction of and later stayed in as a place from which to recruit his victims, is now known as the "Green Lake Heritage House". This building serves now as a constant reminder of these horrors. Its continued presence is painful knowledge not just for me, but for many who have valued Interlochen as a pivotal part of their development. It is currently available to rent for anyone wishing to visit campus - https://www.interlochen.org/stone-hotel-and-cottages/green-lake-heritage-house - those who do so certainly have no idea of the history of this lodge and the abuses that have been orchestrated from within its walls. You can read more about Epstein's ties to the camp here: https://www.npr.org/2026/02/19/nx-s1-5707290/epstein-files-victims-interlochen-ghislaine-maxwell

This building should not stand any longer. Tearing it down would be both an act of healing and a powerful institutional statement in condemnation of this man and his ties to our beloved camp. Changing the name is not enough. Removing the structure entirely can allow Interlochen to truly renew its grounds, free from the echo of past abuses.

I propose that the site where the lodge stands be transformed into a healing space – a garden, where joy, peace, reflection, and creativity will reign. This space can serve as a dedication to the resilience and courage of survivors and as a powerful testimony to Interlochen’s commitment to providing a nurturing and safe environment for all its campers and staff.

I urge the Interlochen administration and governing bodies to tear down this vestige of pain and to build what will become a symbol of hope and renewal. This transformation can make Interlochen even more emblematic of its mission to inspire and nurture through the power of the arts.

Please join me in urging the Interlochen administration to take immediate action. Sign this petition to tear down the former Epstein lodge and create a space of healing and hope for all future Interlochen campers.