Author: Jalisa Danhof

Scott Lakin was hired on at Camp Newaygo this month, as a year-round Program Director for Community Events and Volunteerism.

Scott is a native Michigander, with a master’s in architecture from Detroit Mercy. When earning his degree, Scott found that the creative process is an important skill for young people to learn. He was drawn to positive youth development, and after graduating, worked for Michigan State Extension managing programs with youth throughout the state.

His love of camping began when he attended scout camps as a child. He worked six seasons for a small camp in Cadillac as a cabin counselor, and eventually the summer director.

He heard about Camp Newaygo through a job advertisement with the American Camp Association. As a second Program Director, Scott will focus on how Camp Newaygo can thrive within our local community. He will build our community events, volunteer network, and local partnerships year-round.

This summer, Scott will serve as our Waterfront Director. He is excited to make the waterfront a safe place to make great memories. He can’t wait to refresh his sailing skills, hone his stand-up paddleboarding posture, and finally master windsurfing.

His favorite Camp Song is Ham Bone (which he will teach this summer), but he also loves the Moose/Juice song.

His favorite part of the job, so far, has been planning for summer during long drives for recruitment.

Scott is thoughtful, enthusiastic, and creative.

He came to work at Camp Newaygo, because he feels that everyone has a story, and everyone matters (a thought inspired by his Aunt, Candy Lakin).

We are so thrilled to have Scott on our team – and we can’t wait for you to meet him!

For less than $600 per year, you can invest in your daughter’s growth and maturity by becoming more resilient, more self-confident and ensure her independence for a successful college experience.

Camp Newaygo can have an enormous impact on youth. We know that the work we do can positively affect campers, long-after their experience.

Resiliency Study

In 2014, we began a partnership with Radford University, to show that impact with real numbers. Our first camper study was completed in the summer of 2014.

 

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Camp Alumni Study

In 2016 we completed a study with our Camp Alumni at our 90th Reunion.

The purpose of this study was to examine if Camp Newaygo promotes college readiness skills in female alumnae.  Using a retrospective analysis approach alumnae were asked to report whether they felt camp impacted their educational choices and the extent to which certain skills (related to college readiness) were impacted by their experience.

• Participants were recruited during a reunion in the summer of 2016.
• 59 women completed a survey.
• Participants were asked a series of Likert scale questions, one forced choice question and one open-ended question.

Camp Newaygo Results:

• Camp Newaygo offers opportunities for girls to gain skills relevant to college
• Open-ended responses support the outcomes of the percentage reported with Independence/Self-Reliance as the main theme.

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College Readiness Study

We’re currently working on an ongoing research on Developing College Readiness Skills at Camp.

The purpose of this study is to examine if Camp Newaygo promotes college readiness skills in campers.  Campers entering 11^th grade were studied in 2016, with a pre-and post test during their camp experience. A follow-up study will be completed when the girls are freshman in college, after their first semester. The Camp Newaygo girls will be studied against a group of freshman at Radford University, who did not attend camp.

This is the first ever study done to research college readiness skills through camp. We’re excited to publish ongoing results, to show the amazing impact camp can have on youth.

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Why Research?

We hear stories of impact from campers and parents constantly. But we think it’s important to show the value of camp in concrete numbers. For instance, if we told you that:

For less than $600 per year, you could invest in your daughter becoming more resilient, increase her self-confidence, and ensure that she is independent enough to be successful in college 

…Wouldn’t that be worth budgeting into your family’s summer? We think so. And that’s why research is important. We want to show that camp is more than just songs and friendship bracelets. It’s a unique opportunity to grow youth into more successful people.

 

The renovation for the Arts and Crafts shop is in full swing!

 

DONATE HERE

Need:

• Current building no longer supports our growing number of campers and programs operating simultaneously.
• Built in 1949 for summer use only, a year-round facility is needed to expand programming.
• Additional space needed for increased number of camper requests for arts and crafts programs.

Plan:

• Expand the building to include increased program and storage space.
• Include the designated pottery and photography spaces.
• Maintain the integrity of the 1949 historic camp building.
• Winterize the building to include a restroom, insulation, heat, and new high efficiency windows

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Step 1: Empty the Craft Shop

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Step 2: Create the expansion (which includes basement)

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Step 3: Add Walls & A Roof

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Step 4: Close In The Expansion

 

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Step 5: Insulate

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Step 6: Shiplap!

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More Exciting Steps Coming Soon!

 

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FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE CAPITAL CAMPAIGN HERE

Every summer we honor selected outstanding campers and staff. These awards are voted on by the summer staff and celebrated in the Log Book. Featured below are the award recipients from Summer 2016:

Rookie of The Year – Emma Kuske
A first-year staff member

 

Appreciation – Caitlin Shannahan
A staff member or volunteer

 

Dedication – Jackie Charette
The highest honor given to a staff member or volunteer

 

Independence Day Grommets – Rachel Westgate & Bronwen Mcdonagh
One outstanding Camper & Counselor given the grommets from our flag retirement ceremony

 

July Torches – Jane Tresco & Mia Peterson
Two campers (one from cabins and one from units) that light the final campfire of Session 4

 

August Lights – Lauren Clegg, Elise Steketee, Lindsay Eisenhour
Three campers (one from cabins, one from young units, and one from older units) that light the wishing boats for the ceremony

Dedicator – Clara Smith
A Last-Year-Camper (LYC) who writes the staff award pages in the log book. The highest award you can earn as a camper

 

Congratulations to these fantastic young women for their achievement. The beautiful tradition of these awards is one of the pieces that makes Camp Newaygo such a special place.

When You Get “The Letter” Home from Camp…

It usually arrives a few days into the session.

Maybe it is a postcard. Maybe it is notebook paper folded three times.

And maybe it says something like this:

Dear Mom and Dad,
Camp is terrible. I miss home so much. Please come get me today.
Love,
Your very dramatic camper

First. Don’t panic.

In a study by Dr. Chris Thurber, one of the leading experts on homesickness, a whopping 83% of campers reported feeling homesick on at least one day of camp.

That means homesickness is not unusual. It is not a sign camp is going badly. It does not mean your camper is miserable all day long.

More often, homesickness comes in waves.

A camper might feel sad during rest hour or before bed, write a heartfelt letter home, and then twenty minutes later head off to swim, laugh with cabinmates, roast marshmallows, and have an amazing evening.

By the time the letter actually arrives in your mailbox, your camper may already be doing much better.

That is why we encourage families to pause before reacting.

And if you receive a letter that raises concern, please call camp. We are happy to give you an update and partner with you.

Sometimes the best next step is writing back with encouragement.

A helpful letter home might sound something like this:

Dear Susie,

Thank you for writing and telling me how you are feeling. I know missing home can feel really big sometimes, and I am so proud of you for talking about it and asking for help.

I believe in you. Camp is new, and new things can feel hard at first. I know you can do hard things.

We are cheering you on from home and cannot wait to hear about the friends you are making and the fun things you are trying. Keep leaning into camp, stay busy, ask your counselors for help when you need it, and know we are so proud of you.

Love you always,
Mom

A letter like that can do so much. It reminds your camper that you love them, believe in them, and trust them to do hard things.

And even better, there are a few simple ways families can help set campers up for success before homesickness ever shows up.

This is where we really get to partner together.

1. Prevent
Encourage your camper’s independence before camp. Sleepovers, spending time away from home, or practicing simple routines on their own can all help build confidence.

Talk through what camp will be like before arrival. Things like where they will sleep, how the day flows, or how to ask a counselor for help can help camp feel more familiar.

Camp Newaygo is intentionally tech-free, so please leave cell phones and smart devices at home. We also know every camper is different. Sometimes a connection with home can help, and sometimes it can make homesickness feel bigger. We partner with families thoughtfully and use that option when we feel it would truly support the camper.

Send encouraging emails or letters. It is okay to say you miss your camper, but pair that with confidence. “I miss you and I know you are going to have such a great week” goes a long way.

And under no circumstances should parents make a “pick-up deal.” Promising “if you don’t like it, I’ll come get you” can make it much harder for campers settle in and trust themselves.

2. Problem-Solve
When a camper tells a counselor she is feeling homesick, the first thing we do is listen.

We remind campers that homesickness is normal and nothing to feel embarrassed about.

Then we coach through the moment. Sometimes that means helping write a letter home. Sometimes it means grabbing a buddy, jumping into the next activity, focusing on what is fun, or simply checking back in a little later.

Most of the time, a camper just needs support, encouragement, and a reminder that she is not alone.

3. Partner with Parents
If a camper is struggling and needs extra support, you may hear from a director.

Please do not let that scare you.

Sometimes we simply want to share an update. Sometimes we ask for a little extra encouragement we can pass along from home.

A message like, “We love you, we believe in you, and we cannot wait to hear about your adventures” can be exactly what a camper needs.

That partnership matters, and we are grateful for it.

And please know this.

You are always welcome to call camp for an update.

You have entrusted us with someone incredibly important, and we take that seriously.

We handle homesickness every summer. We know how real it can feel in the moment. We also get to watch campers move through it, find their footing, and leave camp stronger and more confident than when they arrived.

That growth is one of the best parts of camp.

And we are honored to walk through it with both campers and families.

On the way home from camp, make sure to ask your Camp Newaygo girl all these questions:

1. What friends did you make?
One of the best parts of any summer camp experience is the chance to make friends with kids you wouldn’t normally meet. We’ve got campers from all over the world. We love when campers gain friendships that can last a lifetime.

2. Will you sing me a camp song?
Prepare to be blown away. Bonus points if you learn one yourself.

3. What was the craziest thing that happened at Evening Program?
From Battle of the Bands to Sponge Wars – there’s always something wild going on at night around Camp Newaygo.

4. How was the food?
From pancakes to taco Tuesdays, our camp food can meet even the pickiest eater’s expectations.

5. Where did you go on your overnight?
All of our campers sleep in a tent for at least one night during the week. Ask your camper all about her overnight. What did you cook over a fire? What games did you play?

6. Did you try anything new?
We love getting kids outside. We love getting kids outside their comfort zones even more. It is such a valuable learning experience to try something that might scare you a little bit. Campers spend their week with us doing activities that are often new to them, going places they’ve never been, and building skills and confidence that will stick with them long after summer ends.

7. What classes did you take, and which one was your favorite?
Campers have SO MANY choices here at Camp Newaygo. Your camper might discover she is a pottery pro, or windsurfing wiz here at camp.

8. What is the Riggidy Jig Song?
Campers do their own dishes here at camp. They also make their own beds, help try to win cleanest cabin, and clean up during activities.

9. What were the staff/counselors like?
We have staff from all over the world. Our counselors are goofy, fun, caring, and engaging.

10. What will you miss most about Camp Newaygo?
And then make sure they know that we will miss them, too!

This past weekend alumni from all over the United States gathered at Camp Newaygo for a weekend of fun, sun and memories.

Former campers and staff were able to relive their best camp memories including Sing-on-the-Lake, Wishing Boats, and Weldon ceremonies.

Here’s how Teep, a treasured camp alumni, described the reunion:
“On this special birthday weekend campers were reliving their memories, falling  asleep to the sounds of owls, bullfrogs and crickets, seeing the moon light up the night sky, singing the camp songs at the top of their lungs, and soaking in that wonderfully unique feeling that comes with being at camp.  Their camp.

Despite the many years separating their times at this magical place there exists a strong connectedness forged by their common experiences while there.  Connections born out of traditions. Wishing Boats, Sing on the Lake, reflections at Walden, Serenade….memories of experiences that bridged any difference in age.

This week, back at their own homes, work, and families, the women from the Reunion are probably still humming camp songs as they go about their lives as judges, doctors, teachers, moms and grandmas.
And smiling.”

Mary Wilner, a 1970’s alumni, rode the zipline for the first time, and said “Camp Newaygo is still giving me the courage and confidence to try things out of my comfort zone.”

The weekend was celebrated with a banquet titled “Standing on the Shoulders of Those Who Came Before Us.” Bev Cassidy was honored, a former camp director from 1977-1989. The new camp property was named “Cassidy Point” to show appreciation for her years of dedication to Camp Newaygo.

Our current Camp Newaygo staff are already counting down the years to the 100th Alumni Reunion in 2026.

Remember me Newaygo, I’m coming back someday.

While Camp Newaygo has long held a very relaxed policy on packages, in recent years we have noticed packages causing a growing rate of negative side effects. The subject of packages, including who was receiving them and what was in them, began causing jealousy and unnecessary competition, as well as an influx of excessive and wasted “stuff” that hampered the camp experience. In efforts to celebrate the unique, simplistic lifestyle that camp allows and to promote unity within the camp family, Camp Newaygo is going package-free. We encourage you to use creative ways of interacting with your camper through non-package letters this summer, such as including word puzzles, a comic clipping from the newspaper, riddles and pictures.

Now, for the fine print: If you need to send an essential item that was forgotten at home, such as a retainer, glasses, or a spare inhaler, please send them labeled Attn: Jalisa Danhof and we will be sure the item gets to your camper. If a camper’s birthday occurs during camp, she may receive a food-and candy-free package for their birthday. Please mark “Birthday!” clearly on the package and send it Attn: Jalisa Danhof. In BOTH of these cases, please call camp ahead of time, so we will be expecting an approved camper package.

Any other packages sent to campers will be returned to the sender unopened. Please be sure to share this information with family and friends who may be planning to send packages! Packages are any items received in the mail other than regular flat envelope (Up to the size of a flat “6 X 9” envelope). This policy also applies to packages brought on check-in day. Campers with special food needs can still bring a small bag with snack items, which we will store in the kitchen.

We realize that changes at camp can cause stress, but we want to assure our camp families that this new policy was a result of a serious problems in our camp community:

1. Most packages only contained one thing: junk food.The average camper package was comprised of sugar filled treats and snacks. As our camper population grew, the number of junk-food filled packages grew, and we do not have an adequate place to store them. The packages were attracting raccoon and other critters into cabins and tents, because campers and staff were overwhelmed with STUFF. At the camp store, we are able to limit camper’s candy consumption, by only allowing two treats a day. There was not limit on the candy they could receive in a package. We will continue to offer candy in our camp store (all for $1 or less) and will will move our snack time to early afternoon, so that campers who do not visit the store have a healthy afternoon snack option.

2. Some campers felt homesick and jealous after NOT receiving packages.

Many of our camp families do not have the ability to send an expensive care package, or they choose not to. Some campers felt left out they were not getting care packages, and experienced homesickness.

3. The waste was overwhelming.

Most of what was sent to camp ends up in the trash. Camp Newaygo is always trying to be a responsible environmental ambassador, and packages were not environmentally friendly.

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Many camps these days are package-free, so going in this direction is in line with existing camp industry trends. And those camps universally agree that no packages is a positive move for camp, campers, and parents.

Your letter or postcard is more than enough to encourage, uplift, and connect your child to home while leaving her free to “get away from it all,” — including from toys, gifts, and just all the “stuff” from the modern, commercialized world.

We believe you will find this a painless policy change and may even be glad to have one more thing off of your “feeling obligated,” list. When your camper gets away from it all, it’s also a time for parents to have a lighter load!

As always if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to e-mail me. I’d be happy to answer any of your concerns.

My son has the kind of summer that you dream about.  He goes swimming every day.  He canoes across the lake to get ice-cream.  Practices archery and zip lines through the trees.  Once a week he gets to camp out with his buddies and on one very special night, he sleeps at the zoo.  He has made friends he will keep for life and memories that will comfort him when he is old.  It is the type of summer I wish I had and am beyond grateful that I can give him, especially since I am a working mother.  It is the type of summer where dreams come true and it is only made possible because of Camp Newaygo.

For the past 3 years, my son Brody has attended Camp Newaygo’s coed Day Camp.  It starts the end of June and goes through the middle of August.  Every week the theme is different, with a wide variety of options.  This year he is most excited about Star Wars week, although Wild About Animals is a close second.  I drop him off at 8am with his backpack and lunch and pick him up at 5pm with a smile on his face and stories to tell, and maybe a few bug bites.  Some of my friends have commented about how expensive this must be, but honestly, it is the same cost as daycare in Newaygo County.  Who wouldn’t pick camp over daycare?

Brody, like most children, was a little nervous at the beginning of camp.  I can remember the first day of camp, we had no idea what we were doing.  I signed him in, walked him over to the other kids and hugged him goodbye.  I could see the trepidation in his eyes, but before I had even made it to the car, a camp counselor had pulled him into a group and began working on an art project.  He didn’t even watch me go.

Our house is filled with a multitude of memories from the different weeks of camp.  My personal favorite is the marshmallow shooter.  Brody has a yellow handkerchief that he bought from the camp store.  I am not allowed to wash it just so that he can smell camp throughout the year.  As summer time approaches, the countdown isn’t “How many more days of school?” it’s “How many more days till camp!!!”

This summer Camp Newaygo has added an additional week for a total of 9 amazing weeks of camp.  They kick off with Disney week and end with Survivor.  With so many options, I am sure there is at least one week your child would love.  So my advice, from one parent to another, is send your children to Camp Newaygo for a week they will never forget.

  

 

You can check out more about Camp Newaygo’s Day Camp: HERE

-Shannon Carpenter, Proud Day Camp Mom

By: Marianne Boerigter (Teep)

​I grew up as an outdoorsy kid,a stick in one hand and a butterfly net in the other…I don’t remember the reason for the stick. With an older brother a Boy Scout and Dad the leader of Troop 33, I energetically tagged along in “family camp” when the troop went to summer camp at Camp Ottawa and even a trip to the ultimate Boy Scout camp in Philmont, New Mexico. I was outdoors and loved every second.

I attended a few camps on my own as a kid also, by my real camp experience wasn’t until I was 21 and starting working at Camp Newaygo on Pickeral Lake. Not only did Camp instill in me self-confidence and the ability to change any well laid plan on a dime if needed, but I also could see the impact the experience had on campers and other staff.

That smile a kid gets when their arrow finally, finally hits the target in archery; the awe on their face when they see a bullfrog as big as a dinner plate; the joy of being with their new camp buddies around a campfire; feeling like they belong; being responsible and feeling a bit independent. I know these are only little things, but it is that good feeling that sticks with you for life.

In 1986 while I was on staff, Camp Newaygo celebrated its 60th anniversary. A reunion of sort for past staff and campers, it was a treat for me to hear the stories and meet the people who loved the camp experience as much as I was growing to love then too.

Now, 30 years later, I drive up the hill into Camp Newaygo and still feel like it is home. Of course, it looks different with new buildings and people, but the feeling of camp embedded many years ago still feels good. I can hear laughter in the air and see smiles as the people there now also get hooked on the camp experience. It is a community, a family of sorts and I am part of it.
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There are lots of camps, with most providing similar experiences with their own unique flavor. My camp though is Camp Newaygo. The 90th anniversary of Camp Newaygo is this year and camp stories and memories are flowing. We will bring you some of these stories to you over the next few weeks and hope you too resurrect some great camp memories you may have had…at your camp.