Work Hard, Camp Hard

Hello All,

What a week!  We've had backpacking trips, high ropes adventures, outdoor cooking smorgasbords, and waterfront shenanigans galore.  Day Camp had a double program this week - some foiled the Toilet Paper Villain during Superheroes Week, and others made awesome crafts in Arts Around Us.  It's been so much fun seeing our staff bond with each other and the campers, and watching the campers get out of their comfort zones to make new friends and memories.  I had one camper tell me after getting off the Power Pole, "Wow!  I'm afraid of heights, so I wasn't sure if I could make it!"  She hadn't said a thing beforehand, and just jumped right into the challenge of conquering her fear.

Last Saturday was also our July Ridge Dinner, a New England style four-course meal including a shrimp boil and delicious whoopie pies.  The incredible PRIDE of Newaygo County volunteered for the event, Donald Benson and Jay Round performed, and we were able to raise funds for the PRIDE members to attend the Drug Prevention Conference in Arkansas.  Overall it was a beautiful night.

Next week is the last week of resident camp.  It goes by so fast...

Happy Camping!

Community Picnic Tonight!

Hello All,

I cannot believe we are already four weeks into summer camp!  We only have two full weeks left.  At least we still have Christmas in July to look forward to.  The staff has gotten their Secret Santa assignments and ornaments are being made in the craft shop.  I can't wait for the big reveal on Friday to see who had who!  The kids will leave their "stockings" outside tomorrow night for a special treat, and the day will be filled with decorating, singing, special activities and a great Christmas dinner.

Monday night we resurrected a tradition for the evening:  Newaygo Squares!  Campers tested their knowledge against celebrity panelists such as the Coppertone girl, Justin Bieber, and the Cookie Monster.  Check it out:

Abe is the famous "Rigg'a'Bamboo" - she's red and gold and purple too!

Don't forget to visit the Community Picnic at Fremont Veteran's Memorial Park, hosted by TrueNorth Community Services, tonight.  Get a meal for a $1 donation from 5pm to 7:30pm.  I'll be there selling raffle tickets to support Camp and eating some yummy food.  It's going to be a blast!

Happy Camping!

Summer Camp News!

Hello All,

Camp is in full swing here, and every day is a new adventure!  A lot goes on behind the scenes that our campers probably don't even notice.  So many people help to run camp like a well-oiled machine - counselors, directors, and staff.  While the counselors are here to give the girls an amazing experience at camp, there are just as many people in the background keeping it all going.  Many thanks to Mary, Lori, Caitlin, Caroline, Nikki, Kaci, Liz, Laurie, Mary Ann, Penny, Kari, Naoe, Gary, Julia, Jalisa, Jane, Lisa, Marcia, Jelanie, Mary M., Carol, Shelby, Miranda, Joe, Andrea, Tyler, and Daina!  Phew that's quite a list!

Big news from the 4th of July!  Our very own Day Camp Director Jeremy had quite a surprise for our Waterfront Director Kaci during our lantern ceremony.  As the lanterns were lit and sent up above Pickerel Lake, Jeremy proposed!  It was beautiful.  After the special moment people around the lake began to set off fireworks as if in celebration of the engagement.  Congratulations to Kaci and Jeremy!


Happy Camping!