Get Outside!

It's always an interesting feeling for me when we get to hang out with kids that have limited experiences with nature.  I must admit that it strikes me as odd that a kid can grow up not knowing the taste of food cooked over a fire or what being waterlogged from swimming all day feels like - or never even seeing a snake up close.  Growing up in this area, I was lucky enough to spend my summers camping with my family and the rest of the year running around my suburban neighborhood climbing trees or looking for treasure in the dirt alley bisecting our block. I guess I never considered myself to be fortunate to have those things, and I never stopped to think other children weren't doing the same, even back then.

Thinking about it now, however,  I feel incredibly humble.  I get to be the one that shows these kids the wonder that is the s'more, how useful Sassafrass and Birch bark is, what little creatures live underneath the leaves on the forest floor.  I'm even learning new things right along with them, like the difference between conifers and evergreens and what mimicry means. 

Working at a camp I sometimes get complacent, thinking that the things going on here every day are normal and commonplace.  It's nice to have a reminder that what we do is important for kids.  And not just kids - even I forget to stop every once and awhile and just look up, to take in that distinctive shade of sky blue on a clear sunny day or just how brilliant the night sky can be when the conditions are right.  We need to remember that what we have right outside our window can be profound, if we just learn to embrace it and share it with others.  So my wish for all of you is to get outside and discover for yourself just how amazing our world really is!

Women's Weekend Fun

Women's Weekend is not your typical Camp retreat, which is why it is my favorite weekend of the year.  The women are all so nice and the activities ROCK.  It was so relaxing and fun.

Friday night we had a contra dance caller Preston Gritter show us some moves - did you know the promonade and do-se-do are different? 'cuz I didn't - and a camp fire.  Saturday we got to learn pastel drawing, watercolors, caricatures, NIA dancing, and of course the massages and mani/pedis.  We had a bit of a chilly pontoon cruise, but it was clear and smooth on the water.  On Sunday we made art with wine bottles and corks, jewelry, and stacked glass, kayaked, and played Frisbee golf.

And did I mention the delicious food?  Apple bacon sandwiches, fettecini alfredo, cheesy wild rice soup, and HUGE desserts like chocolate brownies with peanut butter mousse and caramel, butterscotch cheesecake in wine glasses, and homemade apple turnovers.  We ate like royalty.  I was pleasantly stuffed after every meal.

If you missed it this year, you HAVE to come next year.  We want to continue this amazing event so that our CN sisters have a place to relax and catch up every year!  Put October 4-6, 2013 on your calendars today!

Art Prize and Hay Art

There are so many creative and fun things going on around Camp Newaygo right now.  Art Prize in Grand Rapids is wrapping up this week, and we all got a chance to go see it.  Jalisa was a part of the epic lantern launch on Friday.  There were so many, it probably felt like being in the middle of a Disney Movie ("At last I see the light..."  I love Tangled!)  The event was chosen as a Top Ten contender - and don't worry, all the lanterns are biodegradable, and nothing caught fire.  Grand Rapidsites were encouraged to find and return any burned out lanterns for raffle prizes.  Yesterday I saw seven of the top ten.  Which of the top ten was your favorite?  Mine is a tie between The Chase (the moose and wolves) and Rebirth of Spring (the oil painting of the forest).  They were all very good though.  I loved the penquins and the giant lure outside of the Gerald R. Ford Museum.

Fremont also has some great art around town: Hay Art!  I've seen Angry Birds, a lumberjack, a giant tractor, a skunk, and more.  TrueNorth has a great one shaped like a shopping cart, complete with hay bale groceries inside.  The sheer scale and planning required is amazing.  I think next year camp should do one in the middle of the Veterans Park, shaped like a red chair.  Or a smore.  What do you think?

Only a few more G3's to go, then it's time to get ready for Halloweekend at Camp Newaygo.  So much fun!  I'm already working on my costume....  Oh yeah, and don't forget about Volunteer Day October 20th from 9am to 3pm.  Lunch is provided - and you know how good our catering is!