Red Arrow Camp has always been more than just a summer escape—it’s a place where lifelong friendships are formed, character is built, and family traditions are forged. For the Jacobus family, RAC has been an integral part of their story for generations, beginning in 1940 when Chuck and Dick Jacobus first arrived at camp. Their younger brother, Jack, soon followed in 1945, continuing the legacy that would span decades.
While their sons were at RAC, Harriet and Delwin Jacobus made it a family tradition to vacation nearby, initially staying at Cardinal’s down the Trout Lake shoreline. Generationally, the Jacobus extended families also spent summers in the Northwoods making RAC summers not just a time for the boys at camp, but a way for the families to connect with RAC.
As campers, Chuck and Dick took part in the legendary traditions of RAC, some spoken of in family lore and others kept secret among the brotherhood. Tales of ‘Haunted Island’ adventures and mischievous waterfront antics were just a few of the experiences that shaped their summers. Jack Jacobus followed in his older brothers’ footsteps, embracing the spirit of Red Arrow with enthusiasm. His time at camp mirrored the same love for adventure, camaraderie, and personal growth that defined the Jacobus experience. The three brothers passed that appreciation for RAC on to their own families ensuring the tradition carried forward into future generations.
The second generation found not only all of the sons of these brothers attending RAC, but in addition, their sister Susanna Jacobus Souder’s boys also attended.
Spanning almost two decades (sans 1984), you could find at least one, if not up to five family members, participating in camp as either a camper, cookie or counselor. Not to be out done, the third generation saw nine Jacobus/Eislet boys attending. This legacy not only helped to develop incredibly deep bonds within the RAC community but made the cousins’ relationships very meaningful and lasting.
Because the RAC legacy has been so profound to this family, it is important for them to give back to ensure these opportunities for the future generations.
A significant pledge was made by the Souder Family Foundation in honor of Scott Souder. With this pledge, the Charles D. Jacobus Family Foundation and the Souder Family Foundation are the largest overall contributors to the RACF. The Richard G. Jacobus Family Foundation has also made a generous pledge this year in honor of Richard Jacobus, and his son, Richard “Rick” Jacobus Jr.
We are forever grateful for the commitment and love the Jacobus and Souder families have for Red Arrow Camp. For the Jacobus and Souder families, Red Arrow Camp has never been just a summer experience—it has been a defining chapter in their lives, passed down from one generation to the next. And as long as the waters of Trout Lake ripple against the shore, the spirit of their RAC legacy will live on.
The Jacobus Family Through The Generations
