December 10^th, 2018 by Matthew Abel, Camp Director of YMCA Camp Pendalouan

Homesickness is a major concern when sending a child to camp. Not only for parents, but camp directors as well! It's a tough phone call to make when it has become too much an impediment for the camper. However, this is one part of the camp experience parents can help prepare their children for.

 

Overnight camp is a huge achievement for a child. The personal pride that builds after successfully spending a week away from home is incredible. As with any achievement, practice can help perfect the skill. Staying away from home may not seem like a skill, but providing children with opportunity to stay away from their guardians for a night or two prior to an overnight camp helps them practice. Staying with other relatives or friends gives them a base of confidence - they learn they can stay away from home.

 

Choosing a camp helps as well. Most camp directors are biased about which camp is the best, but letting the child help choose gives them a sense of ownership. It becomes "their" camp far more easily - they won't want to give it up quickly. Most camps offer preview days throughout the year for this reason.

 

Once practice has started and a camp is selected, language becomes very important. Some parents want their child to feel safe and tell them they will come pick them up. This can crack a child's confidence. Letting the child know they will be missed is important, but so is setting the expectation that you will be picking them up after their session is over. It creates more confidence in the child - they believe in themselves because their guardian does.

 

It's also helpful to discuss correspondence with the camp. Figure out if letters make sense or if there is some sort of email system in place. Phone calls can often hasten homesickness - camp directors will give parents a call if needed and determine if it may help or hinder a child for whom homesickness has taken hold.

 

Homesickness is a real concern. We always let kids know missing home is normal for everyone, that they can have fun and succeed in a week at camp. A plan to help prepare your camper for their time away from home, so they enter their cabin with confidence, is one of the strongest pieces of the parent-camp team. Once your camper arrives, the counselors will keep them engaged and happy.

 

This blog was contributed by Matthew Abel, camp director of YMCA Camp Pendalouan. Find out more about the camp in our camp listings or by visting them at http://www.pendalouan.org/. 

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July 15^th, 2016 by Erica Thomas

"If you want to make a difference in someone's life, you don't need to be gorgeous, rich, famous, brilliant, or perfect. You just have to care."

This summer, Camp Henry invites you to explore what it means to Go and Do. As you come to camp, our hope is for you to be encouraged to extend God's love and grace through your passions and individual gifts.

Much of our inspiration for this theme comes from the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37). We are motivated by the acts of this ordinary Samaritan who went out of his way to care for a stranger in need. What really catches our attention are the two high rulers of the church who passed by this man on the side of the road before the Samaritan arrived.

Jesus later asks "which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man...?"

The expert in law replied "The man who was kind to him."

Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise"

Who, in your life, inspires and motivates you to be the best version of yourself? Your parents? Your teacher? Coach? Counselor? Dog? Whoever it is, continue to discover why that is and go and do likewise so that you can be an inspiration to others in need.

Through simple actions of being generous, choosing joy, and accepting others, you will easily get a glimpse of what it means to live in the image of Christ.

We are so excited for this summer and cannot wait to have you here!

 

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June 21^st, 2016 by By: Nicole Winter

I never went to sleepaway camp. To ensure I still enjoyed an active summer, my parents encouraged me to be physically and mentally active during those three months outside the classroom. My parents, both teachers, truly understood the importance of seeing this “vacation” not as a break from activity but as a redirection of my energy. As a child, my summers were filled with taking trips to the beach, playing games of wiffle ball with my brother and reading stacks of books taller than me.

Many families are aware of the perks of summer camps, which offer children mental stimulation and physical activity while fostering independence and confidence. However, for many families, summer camps are too expensive to be a reality.

A recent New York Times article, entitled “The Families That Can’t Afford Summer,” attributed the lack of a summer camp experience to the socio-economic achievement gap. “Most kids lose math skills over the summer, but low income children also lose, on average, more than two months of reading skills,” the article said.

Here in Grand Rapids, several organizations have committed to helping all kids – whatever their economic background – enjoy stimulating, exciting and affordable activities. We have compiled free or low-cost options for summer fun, meant to be in addition to the classic suggestions of parks, beaches and renting library books.

The Grand Rapids Public Library has partnered with area attractions to provide visitors the opportunity to use their library card (you can get one for free!) to check out a free membership to museums, zoos and botanical gardens. Participating organizations in the “Check it Out” program include Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, John Ball Zoo, Grand Rapids Children’s Museum and more. These memberships entitle up to six people to visit the organization once within a six day period.

Your free library card can also admit you to hundreds of destinations throughout Michigan. The Michigan Activity Pass grants free or discounted admission passes to Michigan state parks, campgrounds, arts and cultural destinations and more.

Consider attending Grand Rapids’ museums on their discounted days. For instance, the Grand Rapids Art Museum holds Meijer Free Tuesdays and Free Thursday nights. These special offers occur every week. Also, the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum offers a discounted entry price of $1.75 on Thursdays after 5pm.

For outdoor fun, visit Millennium Park, a 1,400 acre park on the Grand River. Most of the park is available for free use, but a small entry fee grants access to the beach and splashpad. There are also boats and kayaks available for a very reasonable rental price. Consider attending one of six Maranda Park Parties throughout the summer. These free parties are filled with games, music, food and other surprises, such as a zip-line or inflatable obstacle course. Finally, Grand Rapids has several public pools and water playground locations that cost no more than $1 for children to use.

Undoubtedly, summer can be a challenging time for working parents. It takes thought and creativity to compile a list of engaging and budget-friendly activities for children. Hopefully these suggestions provide a sense of relief that you can offer your children, grandchildren or younger siblings interesting and affordable outlets for their persistent energy. 

For more information on the suggestions listed above:

• Check it Out
• Michigan Activity Pass
• Grand Rapids Art Museum
• Grand Rapids Children’s Museum
• Millennium Park
• Maranda Park Parties
• Grand Rapids Public Pools and Playgrounds

 

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June 8^th, 2016 by Megan Lougheed

It has been such a great pleasure and joy working here at Indian Trails Camp! March marked my two year anniversary from when I first started. The decision to switch jobs was a tough one as I really did enjoy my previous job but I couldn’t be happier with the decision that I made.

It has been such an amazing couple of years! Each day I am happy to come to work, I don’t think many people get to say that and truly mean it. I have met so many amazing people, get to work with incredible staff and build friendship with coworkers and campers alike.

Each day brings new and exciting challenges, I am able to grow and learn, teach and train each day somehow being better than the last.

As we are in the hiring process for our 2016 summer camp staff I get excited sharing why I love Indian Trails Camp when the question is asked, which it often is, but I get even more excited as we hire people, knowing that they are going to have a fantastic, memorable and life-changing summer/experience. It is inevitable.

Here’s to 2016 at ITC being the best year yet! I Ike Ikus, nobody like us, we are the camp of ITC!

Blessings & Love,

Megan Lougheed

Camp Director & Respite Coordinator

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Thank you to Megan at Indian Trails Camp & IKUS Life Enrichment Services for sharing this blog post. Click here to learn more about Indian Trails Camp.

"Our Mission here at Indian Trails Camp & IKUS Life Enrichment Services is to provide individuals with disabilities an enriched life experience through recreation, advocacy and meaningful relationships."

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June 6^th, 2016 by Nicole Winter

When the doors to your child’s school close for the summer, will you have enough plans in mind to keep him or her busy, active, and engaged? Why not consider a West Michigan summer camp?

Summer camps offer mental stimulation and physical activity while fostering independence, creativity, and confidence. As a parent, there are many questions to consider before choosing the right camp for your child. This website offers a guide to the camps held in West Michigan, detailing their programs, costs, financial assistance opportunities, and more.

View our Camp Directory to find the camp that is right for your family. Discover answers to all of your questions with our FAQ page. Contact camp leaders for more information about camps of interest to you.

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June 3^rd, 2015 by

Each summer, youth from across West Michigan leave home for the experience of a lifetime—summer camp. As a parent, there is much to consider when it comes to choosing the right camp program for your child. This website is intended to help you learn about the camps and programs offered in West Michigan, along with providing the information and resources necessary to make the dream of summer camp a reality for your child. 

Get started by viewing our camp guide. We're sure you will find something that meets your child's needs, and more!

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August 6^th, 2014 by Daniel VandeBunte, Camp Geneva

My adventures here at Camp Geneva begin as a little kid about to leave home for something unknown. For me, that consisted of hopping onto a huge double-decker bus for my first day of Day Camp. Once I tasted a week at camp, I was hooked. The amazing experiences continued on Shores with songs and skits, Bible studies, color wars, lanyard making, and my personal favorite- counselor hunt!

Although all of the activities were fun and memorable, the real reason I was drawn to camp was the people… the counselors. I had never seen a group act so crazy and energetic. I had never seen a group live with such love and joy. The people are what make camp such an incredible place.

Day Camp, Shores, and Pines were all a part of my childhood, but it wasn’t until my last summer on Pines when I felt my faith mature and become more personal. A strong moment that sticks with me from that week of camp was a game called “Romans and Christians”. It is a game that challenges students to verbalize what they believe and why they believe it. I had never been asked to articulate my faith like that before and I remember laying awake in bed that night (way past bed time) thinking about what my God and my life meant to me. It was strangely uncomfortable, but I loved it.

A few weeks ago, I was cleaning out shelves in my room and stumbled across an old math book from fourth grade. I threw it away, but my mom happened to find an essay about Camp Geneva inside (pictured below). The paper helped me refocus Camp Geneva through the eyes of my 10-year-old self. Now that I’m an actual counselor here, things have really come full circle. I realize that everything we do here is for the kids. It is about showing them the love of Christ and inspiring a spirit-filled life. I used to look up to my counselors as some type of superhuman college student, but I realize now that I am in that position, that I am nothing; God is everything. I wouldn’t have made it past day one on my own.

 

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May 29^th, 2012 by GRCF

Fellow campers line the walkways, saying goodbyes, talking with teachers, and creating chalk pictures on the sidewalks.  In a few minutes camp is off and running!  We head inside to our classroom to talk about the day’s adventures.  Our class is called Animal Survivor and we’re learning about how different animals survive in their habitats. 

Miss Jen reads us a very funny story about an opossum and then explains how they play dead to trick their predators!  As we head across the park to the zoo entrance we spy another class heading towards us, Miss Jen shouts “Danger” and we hit the ground to play opossum, a quick “danger’s gone” lets us know that we can wake back up and head on our way! 

Today, we are exploring the North American animals.  The otter is using its tail as a rudder while it swims and we are all impressed with how well the bobcat climbs around her exhibit.  The bears show us some of their survival skills as they dig in their new sandbox!  Upon leaving the bear exhibit Miss Jen chants our class motto “Only the clever survive,” we all follow with a hefty “huh!” 

Miss Jen leads us down the hill to visit more animals up close in our animal demonstration.  A zoo volunteer, Mr. Tim, brings out a Sinaloan snake and we learn that it mimics the deadly coral snake, we get to touch and feel the snake’s smooth scales.  We also get to see and touch the wood duck.  The last animal Mr. Tim shows us is an opossum!  We watch as the opossum wraps its tail around Mr. Tim and he points out how their special toes help them climb trees.  The opossum is my favorite, it has soft fur. 

Back in the classroom we make our craft for the day, a potato porcupine!  I put dirt inside my dug out potato and plant seeds, the seeds will grow into the porcupine’s quills!  Miss Jen leads us back out to the curbs where our parents pick us up.  I can’t wait to come to Summer Discovery tomorrow, Miss Jen says we’ll be exploring how the African animals survive in the savanna…ROAR!

For more information visit http://www.johnballzoosociety.org/

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May 2^nd, 2012 by by Tim Hileman, Executive Director of Indian Trails Camp

This summer will mark the 60th anniversary of Indian Trails Camp. It’s hard to believe that it was just 60 years ago when the parents of children from Eastern Orthopedic School in Grand Rapids got together with principals Cynthia Heth and Margaret Hamilton, dreaming of an all-inclusive summer camp that their children could be a part of.  This vision went on to create an amazing camp that has served thousands of individuals with disabilities throughout the years.

                                          

The facilities, programs and services at Indian Trails Camp have changed and in many cases expanded—we are now a year-round organization serving children and adults with physical and/or developmental abilities through Skill-Building services, Respite Weekends, Day-Camp, Community Living Supports and Summer Camp. However, while our organization has grown to serve even more individuals than ever before, the core mission and values at Indian Trails Camp have remained steadfast.

Indian Trails Camp is been a place where all individuals—regardless of their disability— can experience “Love, Excitement, Friendship, Independence, Community, Recreation, Laughter and Esteem” in a camp setting. It is a place to leave life’s worries behind and experience the feelings of comfort and support. This special place has been so important to so many lives for the past 60 years. From all of us at Indian Trails Camp, I would like to thank you for being a part of this with us.

To celebrate the 60^th anniversary at Indian Trails Camp, a large volunteer project entitled “60 for 60” is currently underway. The goal of this project is to have a day of volunteering to commemorate each year of Indian Trails Camp, so we need your help in filling 60 days of volunteering!

There are numerous volunteer days and opportunities available weekdays and weekends throughout this year and include everything from painting, raking and planting to cleaning, building and fixing. So get your friends together, grab some office mates, bring your family and help make Indian Trails Camp an even greater experience for all we serve.  

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Amy DeMott (616) 677-5251.

“I Love camp because it gives me an opportunity to do things I can’t do other places. I make lots of friends and I can do lots of activities like rope climbing, row boat, swimming, arts & crafts”.

-Craig P (Camper)

 

 

 

 

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April 10^th, 2012 by By: Sarah DeYoung, Camp Tall Turf

Camp Tall Turf partnered with Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital  to break the limitations children with asthma can face. Asthma Camp allows kids with asthma to be kids and fully participate in the fun activities camps have to offer. Find out more about this camp session  for 8-13 year olds in this recent Rapidian article.

 

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