Camp Newaygo in the Windy City

Jalisa and I had a whirlwind trip to Chicago over the weekend with TrueNorth's volunteer coordinator Lora Stevens. It was Jalisa's first visit to the windy city, and she had a blast! We did all the touristy things - the Art Institute of Chicago, the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and Sears Tower. We were even brave enough to walk out onto the glass enclosure to pose with a Camp Newaygo sign!

Next month we are headed off to Atlanta for the American Camp Association annual conference, so we'll be bring a sign with us for some great photo opportunities!

Happy New Year!

I must say, this holiday season was a roller coaster of events! On December 20 we went caroling at Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek. It was a lot of fun - as you can see, we made great representatives for Camp Newaygo!
I became a PRO at driving the trolley at our Winter Reunion, and the campers had an amazing time baking cookies, video chatting with counselors around the world (Connecticut, England and Rome!), and rocking out some marvelous sweaters.

We are so excited for 2012! We'll keep you posted on our great events coming up this winter, like Cabin Fever and Krop for Kids. Stay tuned!

Driving the Trolley

Jalisa and I are learning to drive the trolley today. Since we both have limited experience in backing up with trailers, today should be fun!
Today we also volunteered for the Children's Christmas Program at TrueNorth. It was amazing to see all the toys, games, socks, hats, mittens and other items that we were able to collect and give to families in need this season. It was a reminder that we work for a very wonderful organization! Way to go TrueNorth!

Santa and S'mores

Families came out to Camp Newaygo Friday night to enjoy the nice weather and some Holiday Cheer. Santa Himself made a special stop at Camp Newaygo. He hung out next to his sleigh all evening and enjoyed some colorful Christmas gift requests. 

His reindeer were stationed out at the Rangers Stables. Molly (still auditioning for the Santa Team) and Prancer snuggled up next to each other to keep warm. We found out that the clip clop you hear on your rooftop is actually the reindeer hooves! Who knew?!?

Santa's elves were busy at the Craft Shop helping families make ornaments and Christmas Cards for recovering soldiers. The elves, particularly Jalisa, got questions about height. It is a common misconception that all elves are short. How else would the elves reach toys on the top shelf?

Some kids were so excited to see Santa, they tired themselves out before they even made it to the main event. Check out April, David, and Brayden with Santa.

Everyone was excited to see Santa, but none more than Summer, from our Youth Advisory Council. Summer asked Santa for World Peace...and maybe a Pony. The Youth Advisory Council has met every month this year, and has helped out with several Camp Newaygo Events.

Now that Santa and S'mores is behind us, it's time to start looking forward to the Winter Reunion! Everyone get your tacky sweaters ready!!!

Santa is coming tomorrow!

I'm so EXCITED! Santa is coming to Camp Newaygo, and he's brought some elves and reindeer with him, too! (They got a bit restless and needed to get out and stretch their legs a bit before Christmas.) We're preparing camp for him and his elves - they've set up in the craft shop with areas for writing letters and making ornaments.

I've got my eyes glued to the weather reports hoping for snow tonight. It's December and no snow yet- come on weather, what's the deal! Jalisa is getting tired of waiting! We all want to see her jump into a big snow drift. As you can see, I got into the Christmas spirit with a fun game of "Stocking Antlers." Check it out:

Happy Camping!

Christa

Ladies Night: Music, Men and Merriment

We had such a fun evening at Ladies Night last night! If you missed it, check out some of the great photos taken by Jalisa:

The guests listening to the Bell Choir perform. They were spectacular.
The Bell Choir.
One of the lovely decorated tables. The jewelry table! So many pretty pieces!

If you missed out, don't worry - Friday is our Santa and S'mores from 6pm to 9pm. Come meet Santa and pet some reindeer!

Keep your fingers crossed for snow!

Poinsettias Everywhere!

The poinsettias have arrived at Camp Newaygo! Currently the Kresge Dinning Room and the Frye Room are covered in beautiful Poinsettias to be delivered. Camp could not be more excited. We're sad to see all these lovely flowers go - but we're excited they will be making your homes Holiday Ready this winter season. 

 Here's Sue, our new Business and Operations Director poising with all her Christmas Spirit. Come stop by camp this Winter to meet her in person!

Check out all our color choices! I wanted the pink ones....

  

If you missed out on the poinsettia sale this year - don't worry, there are still other ways to get involved with Camp Newaygo.

Check out all our great winter events here: http://www.campnewaygo.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=lk6uCKk2gn0%3d&tabid=37

We hope you have a Happy Holiday Season - and we hope you enjoy your poinsettias!