Testimonials
Camper Testimonials
“Camp Newaygo is the best. I went horse back riding for the first time and it was so great. I went camping in a tent and cooked at a fire, which was also fun. Tyler took us canoeing and Tess, Kristen, Adrianna, Xindi, and I also did arts and crafts. I had a very, very great time at Camp Newaygo.”
- Lesasha, 9 years old
“I loved everyone in my cabin because they were a family to each other. My counselors were amazing. They were like moms to me while I was at camp. I loved horse back riding—it was fun. I also loved meeting new people and learning where they were from and about their culture. I would love to come again with my friends so that they see that Camp Newaygo is very fun!”
- Tyresha, 11 years old
“I tried doing a lot of stuff like moving my arms around, kicking, and doing a fin thing and I learned how to swim. Then they taught me to float on my back and stomach. Today I’m doing the swim test; I’ll be like a frog underwater.”
- Tyron, 12 years old
“At Camp Tall Turf I learned how to work my problems out and get along with others.”
- Imoni
“I am very happy to be allowed to come back to Blue Lake. It will hopefully bring my playing to a whole new level.”
- Male baritone saxophone player, 17 years old
Parent / Staff Testimonials
“God brings me back to Camp Tall Turf. He keeps making a way. I was a camper, a teen Leader In Training (LIT), and now I'm a counselor. I’ve been here 8 or 9 years. I love it and can’t get away.”
- Stan, Camp Counselor
“As the mother of a hearing impaired thirteen year old boy, thank you Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp. The scholarship means so much more than only making the camp more affordable, it does much of what the camp experience does for students. Building confidence, expanding horizons and rewarding hard work are essential to every age child.”
- Mother of a trombonist
“It was amazing what the staff at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp could do in 12 days. But most of all, [my son] started out a caterpillar, and he spun his cocoon there at camp. And through the OUTSTANDING counselors and leaders, he came back to me a young man with wings...My boy now knows he can fly! Thanks for helping my boy get his wings!”
- Mother of a violinist
“Thank you to everyone involved for making my grand daughter’s stay the camp such a wonderful experience. It was a very positive reinforcement for something she enjoys so much. Please use my small contribution to help someone else make it to the camp next summer.”
- Grandmother of a 14 year-old female trumpeter
To contribute a testimonial, please contact Amanda St. Pierre, PR & Marketing Associate at the Grand Rapids Community Foundation at (616) 454-1751 or astpierre@grfoundation.org.