LOCAL ARTIST SHARES TALENT & ENABLES ALUMNI TO GIVE TO CAMPERSHIP

Hello Friendship alumni and current staff/volunteers,

This fall has been busy with lots of respite campers. We are looking forward to winter camp. Winter camp is Dec 26-31, 2009 and January 3-8, 2010 at Camp Friendship. At Camp Eden Wood we are having our very first winter day camp Dec 28-31, 2009, and we are pretty excited about it. In February we will being having our first winter Camp Adventure (for children with ADD and ADHD) at Camp New Hope. We have quite a few staff already signed up for winter camp, but need more so if you are interested give us a call or go to out website and apply on line. http://www.friendshipventures.org/ If you want to volunteer, you should call Sam at 952-852-0113 or volunteers@friendshipventures.org

We have some staff changes at Eden Wood happening in October. Program Manager Erik Chipman will be leaving us for the field of nursing and Kayla Anason has been promoted to Program Manager. Best of luck to both Erik and Kayla in their new positions.

I am including in this post an article that is going to be coming out soon in our Frantic Footnotes. I want you to hear about it right away. This is a project I am really excited about. I know the artist personally and really appreciate her volunteering her talent and time! This is the first Friendship Ventures project that the staff and volunteer alumni are being asked to contribute to that allows us to come together to not only make camp more beautiful, puts your name on the wall forever and raises money for the campers we love so dear. By giving just $25 you can get your name on the mural. It would be amazing to see the mural covered with names of the people who have spent their time with Friendship Ventures caring for and supporting the campers. I hope that you will consider giving to this project and making a pledge to give on a year round basis. I am writing my check today and hope you do too! Chet

Here is the Frantic Footnotes:

A project exclusive to Friendship Ventures Staff and Volunteer Alumni will help complete and customize the underpass to Uncle Fogy's Nature Center at Camp Friendship. In 2007, the concrete walls outside this tunnel underwent a make-over, beginning the transformation from plain concrete to a beautifully painted landscape of trees and blue skies.

We continue to update by adding more trees, and portraits of participants and staff to the mural. Also being added to the mural are names of alumni who donate scholarships for participants. Names will be painted beginning spring 2010, continuing as your donations come in.

The mural is the creation of realist artist Vigee Blue, who is volunteering her time to the project. Vigee has been making a living with her artwork for the past five years and loves it. Although she collects inspiration from all genres of art, she is focused on realism. Vigee also teaches art classes for Partnership Resources, Inc., who provide services to adults who have disabilities.

Some of the participants you can expect to see on the wall are Jackie Mills, Jim Law Jr., and Wayne Krippner, who have been coming to camp for many years. If you have a suggestion for other camp activities you would like to see on the wall, let us know.

Friendship Ventures does not receive any financial support from government agencies, so we rely on businesses, foundations and individuals such as you to support and improve our facilities and programs.

Anyone who works with Friendship Ventures knows the level of passion we have for the community our staff serve and gratefully, you share that same passion. Each contribution made represents a significant investment in the health and well being of children and adults with disabilities. Friendship Alumni who donate a minimum of $25 will have their names painted on the mural. Friendship Ventures asks those who would like to keep giving to pledge to give monthly. This project is exclusive to Staff and Volunteer Alumni, and we hope to fill the wall with names of alumni who still carry camp in their heart, so we can fill camp with participants who love to be here.

For more information about the mural, please contact Chet at 952-852-0108.

Please add your name to the mural by making a contribution today. Send your check or money order to:
Friendship Ventures
10509 108th St. NW
Annandale, MN 55302
In the Memo: Mural, your name as you want it on the mural and the year(s) you worked or volunteered at Friendship Ventures.


You can also give direct online by following this link: https://www.givedirect.org/give/givefrm.asp?Action=GC&CID=529

Check out more Vigee Blue art on the web: www.mnartist.org/Vigee_Blue

August 9-14, 2009

It is Friday evening, and the campers have all gone and most of the staff have left for a night on the town. The office is quiet, with an ocassional respite staff member bopping in now and then. The office is too quiet. Like it will be next Friday when all the campers, volunteers and staff will have gone home for the summer. People often ask me if I am glad the summer is coming to a close and I can honestly say no. It was been a great summer. I love seeing the campers at camp enjoying their vacations and making friends. I love seeing how the summer staff blossomed into this incrediable team of caregivers who put their campers needs before their own and care about each other so much.

This was the first week that it has actually been hot outside on the day of the water carnival, so you should have seen the line of people waiting to go down the water slide. It was almost wrapped around Cardinal!

Many campers were very excited about going to the Twins game this week. We had about 17 people attend the game on Wednesday night. They made signs to hold up at the game, and part of the group was on the webcam at the game! They were pretty happy about that and the fact that the Twins really hammered the Royals. Sorry Lehi, it had to be said! Lee is one of our former staff members so spent a week working at camp this summer! Very Cool Lee, it was great to have you at camp again.

Speaking of staff alumni working, we have had some nice visits from alumni the last couple weeks. Last week Liz Wentland took a week of vacation to spend at CF with one of her favorate campers. Andrea Johnson spend a couple days working at EW. Kristin Seifert is back for a couple weeks before she starting working for VT. Wouldn't it be great to connect with your camp friends and pick a week that you want to come back and work for a week at camp or maybe go on the Ventures Travel trip together. Beth Osborne - Beasly stopped at camp this week, with her mom and ther son (cutie). Beth worked at camp in the mid 90's as an arts and crafts leader and activity coordinator. Last and not least is Kristen Rasmussen was at camp yesterday for a training for FV Ambassadors. We love having alumni stop by. Your visits and stories remind us of how your expereince at FV as influenced your life in such positive ways, plus we love to see your smiling faces.

In friendship,
Chet / PD

August 2-7th, 2009

Aspergers Camp is underway at Camp Friendship along side ouir regular sessions this week. Thirteen teens are navigating their way through daily social skills, new activities and uncomfortable situations. Yes, "uncomfortable sitations". You see, for individuals with Aspergers some of the most mundane interactions and daily living tasks can be uncomfortable, especially away from their home and usual routine. People with Aspergers have trouble reading the facial expressions and body language of others, so sharing a cabin and doing activities with others all day can be a challenge. It is a challenge that they are going well with. Ten of the thirteen are returning campers who do find comfort in returing to "their camp" where they belong, and where there are other teens like them. Despite the challenges the teens are having a great time swimming, playing soccer, fishing and canoeing. The older teens are involved with the LIT program. This new twist to the Aspergers Camp is proving to be sucessfull. The teen are in the LIT program with the other use who are volunteering for the week. Making friends and working together to lead a station at the tonight carnival during evening program.

Campers have been enjoying massage from massage therapist Jaime Jost. The massages last for 15-20 minutes and are free. Thanks Jaime for adding and extra pleasure to so many campers vacation!

The "Back 40 or Gilbert's Trail" camp site (we still haven't made a decision on the name), has been very popular with cabin groups. The camp site is peaceful, not so buggy and has plenty of flat areas for tents and playing.

This morning the St. Cloud River Bat's players came to camp to "play ball" with the campers. They had campers hitting, outfielding and running the bases. There were even a couple home runs. The players were kind and patient with the campers, helping the campers feel very special to get to meet and play with the players. Thank you players for a great morning! Last night the day trip attended the River Bat's game in St. Cloud.

The mud pit has changed over the years, but the dirty, stinky fun has not. Our camper, Charles loves the mud pit. It is the highlight of his week. Yesterday he and cabin mate Derek went with their counselor, Derek. They spent rest hour flinging mud and swamp water at each other and rubbing it on their bodies. You haven't truely expereinced the full Camp Friendship expereince if you haven't been in the mud pit!

I think the only thing that might top the mud pit would be the peanut butter balls that Baker Barb has been making with the baking groups. For those of us that ate too many of those treats that Barb makes, we also find ourseves joining the morning stretches on the green with Recreation Specialist Earnest Snowden. Ernest leads fitness classes every day, but each morning to start the day an average of about 70 people have been joining him on the green to strech to music and start the day out right. Thanks Ernest, you are a fine fitness instructor.

Til next week,

Chet
Program Director

July 26-31, 2009

Participants and staff filled all 18 cabins at camp this week. The program staff chose, "A week at the movies," as a theme for the week. Sunday night they hosted a traditional Campfire Extravaganza, with goofy costumes, jokes and songs; Monday, participants enjoyed a night at the "Old wild west," where they dug for gold, learned to square dance, and took aim at the water gun shooting range. On Tuesday evening, we hunted mummies, drew hieroglyphics, and played games for our first Egyptian night. In my personal opinion, the best 'movies' are the "Who dun' it" programs, which will be held tonight. I am excited about being a part of the cast, as Madam Cuckoo.

Program staff who acted in the Murder Mystery show act their parts through a photo.

For the past three weeks Camp Friendship has been offering a new luxury for campers; massage therapy. Jaime Jost, massage therapist, has been offering 15-30 minute massages to campers, and they love it! Thank you Jaime for sharing your special talent with our campers.

A new camp site joined our community this summer. Our eighth camp site is located on Gilbert's Trail, but has not been named yet. Participants and staff who stay there say it is beautiful, and the seclusion from the rest of the world is extremely peaceful and relaxing.

Sonja and Laura cook s'mores at the new campsite.

The youth group from the First Plymouth Church of Lincoln, Nebraska has made its annual trip to camp this week. The group is lead by Youth Leader, Mitch, and consists of 21 volunteers. The young men and women. are outstanding. They truly know the meaning of serving others with an open and gleeful heart. This is about the 10th year we have seen this youth group joined camp with over 20 youth volunteers for one week.

Volunteer Program Manager, Sam, and Volunteer Village leader, Jessica, pose for a Cabin Photo.

Thanks!

Chet, Program Director

Laughter filled the Camp Friendship basketball courts Tuesday evening, thanks to a summertime carnival hosted by a local church group. Members of the United Methodist Church of Kimball came to camp to host a Summertime Carnival that campers and staff enjoyed immensley. among the members hosting the carnival, was Camp Friendship's very own Larry Blum (Thanks Larry!).

Members of The United Methodist Church pose for a photo after hosting the carnival at Camp Friendship.

Camp participants Tammy, Kim, Rachel, Kelly, and Megan watch the festivities with counselors Willeke and Sarah on the basketball courts.




Throughout the jamboree, there was excitement with bubbles, bean bag toss, mini golf, musical squares and other games. Campers walked away with great prizes, like slinkys, bubbles and toy snakes!

Camp participant Will, and camp counselor Danielle check out their prizes at the carnival hosted by United Methodist Church.

We always enjoy when visitors come to camp to entertain us. It gives our participants and staff who are here for more than one week a great deal of variety. This particular group comes to camp every summer to host a program, and hopefully they will keep spending their time with us for years to come. Over the next few weeks at Camp Friendship, you can look forward to hearing more about special events and programs. A few we are particularly excited about are Creature Encounters, and the St. Cloud River Bats coming to visit.

Counselor Tyler, participant Lyle, and counselor Adam pause for a quick photo

while enjoying the carnival.

Stay tuned,

Chet

Program Director

July 19-24, 2009

This has been a big week at Camp Friendship in terms of numbers of campers, about 115 and because we had our ACA (American Camp Association) standards visit. We did well with our visit and although we don't get the offical congratuations letter until October, I have no doubt that it will be coming. Thank you to all the staff who contributed to the sucess of the visit!

I have seen and heard many campers enjoy the pool this week. Splashing their counselors and cooling off have been the top responscs from campers. The water carnival took place on Wednesday and the water slide is still the most popular activity during the carnival. I don't know who squeal louder, the campers of the staff. The men from Wasie were not all able to climb the outdoor climbin wall on Tuesday because of a rain storm but tonight at dinner, David told me that both he and Nicholas climbed to the top. Pound Out Brothers!

The United Methodist Church of Kimball had members of all ages come to camp on Wednesday night and they had about 20 station in a carnival with fun games and prizes. It was fun seeing the kids from the church all dressed up in clown outfits getting involved with our campers.

The ladies at Sandpiper have a nightly routine of sitting on the deck of the cabin after summer, to discuss the days happenings, the cute guys and listen to music. Every night the group gets a little bigger I have noticed.

Our Director of Health Care had a camper as her to be his wife. When she declined, he said that was OK, as he had two wives at home already! I await tomorrow's talent show when our camper Mary does her talent which will be a song and dance from Sister Act II.

Until next week,
Chet
Program Director

Staff Appreciation Event

No one says it better than the parents of our campers, when they say thank you to the staff for the work they do with the campers.

Tonight we were blessed with parents, Dave Ring, Jay Wetch and Sharon and Charlie Morgenstein along with past staff members Allyson (Westrud) Dressel and Andrea Johnson speaking at the staff Appreciation Event.

My friend and co worker of 24 years, Margaret Schuster sang "Wonderful World" with Peter Davis on key board. Samantha Rauscher made us smile with photo and live video of the camper over the past 6 weeks. Verlyn and Jennie, thank you for helping fix the problems with technology wasn't on Samantha's side tonight.

We are thankful to Caitlin, Katie L, Linda K, Diane and all the support staff. A Special thanks to the folks from the Camp Friendship Ladies Auxilary and the United Methodist Church of Kimball for donating the decorations and decorating the dining hall in our staff colors of yellow and blue. The fresh flowers were so nice to have and your kind faces were fabulous!

It was great that tonight the staff could sit down and eat without having to help somene else eat first, pass medications or do the dishes. It was wonderful that many of you brought with you your friends and family tonight.

Jay Wetch quote a verse from Hillary Clinton tonight and whether you are a fan of the Clinton's or not, I believe Hillary had it right when she said, "it take a village to raise a child", it also take a village to coordinate a lovely event like tonights program. Thanks everyone.

In friendship,
Chet
Program Director

July 14th, 2009

Eighty campers are enjoying the shores of Clearwater lake this week. Fishing is ever popular with campers reporting that they are catching bass and sunnies, "as long as my arms can reach". Our campers practice "catch and release", so there is no hassle cleaning the fish. Swimming in the lake has been fun for everyone this summer. We manages to escape having anyone get "the itch", which is a big blessing.



Campers have been enjoying not only the animals at camp this summer but also the other nature activies that Sarah Jo has been pairing with a visit to the bunnies, chickens or sheep. The bunnies are very popular, especially Barnabus who is Sarah Jo's personal pet.



The week I am honored that my college friend, (Go Big Blue - SDSU) Karin has her daughter attending camp this week. Karin tells me that since April, Sonja has been asking several time a day "is it time to go to Camp Friendship today?" Sonja's other sibblings go to their own camps, and it is very important to her that she go to her own camp. Children of all ages like their independence.



Also this week, by pal Jim Jr. is at camp. He love the day trips and for some reason, her enjoys hanging out with me. He often makes me smile when he calls me he "beautiful queen"!



This year on the staff shirt is the slogan "Camp is for the Camper". I see our staff living this moto every day when they take the time to walk beside someone who takes 20 minutes to walk from the lodge to the dining hall, when they serve their campers food first, when they make sure the camper gets to buy what the camper wants from the canteen, when the program leader come up with creative ways to do an activity so that everyone can participate, and when they speak to the campers with kindness and understanding. Our staff this summer really get it, they get the campers and they get "Camp is for the Campers".



Respectfully,

Chet

Program Director

July 5-10, 2009 at Camp Friendship

116 participants joined us at Camp Friendship last week, July 5-10. Several campers extended their stay from the previous week. Other campers began their stay this week with one of my favorite times: Sunday Check-in. I enjoy seeing the smiling faces of returning campers, and meeting those who are coming to camp for the first time. I also enjoy seeing caregivers and parents of campers. I met some families 15 years ago, when I became the full time Program Director at Friendship Ventures. There are also many families I met before I became Program Director. I met one family in 1985, when I was a Camp Counselor at Camp Friendship. I was a counselor in a cabin still called Poplar; their son, Ira joined me, a few other counselors, and 15 other boys, for a week at Camp Friendship. His father and mother, Sol and Sybil along with their daughter, Joy, make the trip from North Dakota each year to bring Ira to camp for two weeks. Each summer, I look forward to finding out how the family is doing.

Mercy has been coming to camp since 1997. When her parents brought her to camp last Sunday, they said that they did not tell their daughter that she would be attending Camp Friendship this week; however their daughter knew in her soul that she would be attending camp soon. Her mom said that the previous week, Mercy took out her sleeping bag and sign language book in preparation for camp.

Other highlights this week:

• Camp participant, Todd, let his staff at the group home know that he has dreams of sleeping in the top bunk at Camp Friendship.
• David is spending his fourth week at Camp Friendship this summer. He loved the St. Cloud River Bat's game, and the rest of the time he spent with camp. We will be sad to see him go and we are anticipating his return next summer.
• Keenin is already talking about next year's camp out, and has requested that it be on Thursday night next year, because for him the camp out is the highlight of the week. He is also excited for the talent show, which we have every Friday before campers say, "goodbye for now!" to us.
• Four campers participated in the Horseback Riding program last week. Jim can tell you all of the facts about the horse he rode, Sonjay. He knows she is a 9-year-old Morgan, who's back nearly reached his neck when they stood together. Camp Friendship partners with Project Astride out of Avon.
• The guys from Blue Heron enjoyed Camp Friendship's indoor pool last week. They reported that the pool water is "nice and warm."

Respectfully,

Chet

Program Director

During this past week two campers and one counselor, in the same cabin group at Camp Friendship, were sent home on Wednesday, July 1, 2009 due to influenza like symptoms. On July 2, 2009, Robyn Erickson, our Director of Health Care Services, was informed that one of the individuals sent home had a confirmed case of H1N1 flu. Erickson consulted with the physician who made the diagnosis, Friendship Ventures Medical Director and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) who supported our actions to have all campers and staff in that cabin group isolated or sent home on July 2, 2009. Georgann Rumsey, our Vice President-Programs and Robyn Erickson our Director of Health Care at Friendship Ventures have been working closely with the MN Dept. of Health in reviewing procedures and policies to prevent and deal with any suspected cases of the flu. Our camp programs will continue as scheduled at all of our locations.

Friendship Ventures has been concerned with H1N1 flu since the beginning, and continues to take every precaution to ensure that campers and staff are healthy and safe, while still providing a positive camp experience.
· Friendship Ventures is providing to all parents and caregivers information for screening prior to arrival, best practices to reinforce universal precautions and additional updates as we receive them from the MN Department of Health, Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Association of Camp Nurses (ACN), and the American Camp Association (ACA) .
· We are staying informed. We are taking precautions outlined by the MN Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and reinforcing best practices such as hand washing, safe sneezing, and site and facility sanitation.
· Friendship Ventures camps are accredited by the ACA which requires accredited camps to have an established procedure in practice to carefully screen for illness, injury, and communicable diseases.

For more information on precautions and what to expect in the future:
Minnesota Department of Health
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Association of Camp Nurses

Friendship Ventures works to be a leader in providing the highest quality services for our participants. We strive to motivate, excite, and challenge the people who come to visit here. Those who come to Friendship Ventures enjoy activities that they might not have the chance to participate in anywhere else. Rock Climbing, lead by Sam Berg, is one of the many examples. With indoor and outdoor climbing facilities, participants of all ages and levels of disability are sure to find a fun and challenging course suited to their needs.

Camp Friendship has had a tractor drawn hayride for some time now. The hayride has always been a beloved activity that all campers and staff enjoy. Recently, the hayride underwent a few updates to better meet the needs of Camp Friendship participants. First; Camp Friendship built a small wall where the hayride parks, so the hayride pulls right next to this wall; This summer we recieved an donation of a ramp that we were able to install onto the hayride making it easier to campers who utilize wheelchairs or walkers are board the hayride.

Some classic games such as Yahtzee, Connect Four, and Hungry, Hungry Hippo were recently adapted to meet the needs of our participants. These games had pieces added to them to make them easily recognized by participants who are visually impaired, easier to manipulate, and more enjoyable for participants.

Each year, Friendship Ventures becomes more able to meet the needs of people with disabilities, and their families. We become more knowledgeable, more accessible and more stimulating; both mentally and physically.

An ongoing theme throughout Camp Friendship this year, seems to be Superheroes. We sing about them in songs, we put superhero shells on our hermit crabs, and of course, staff and campers love putting undies on the outside of our pants to dress like them.

In the time I have been here, whether it has been years or weeks, I see staff being inspired by our own Friendship Ventures Superhero’s. Whether it is a participant at Friendship Ventures, a staff member or a volunteer, there are plenty of inspiring faces around camp.

3,000 Campers of all ages and levels of disabilities visit Friendship Ventures every year. They are participating in some pretty amazing activities this summer. From archery and rock climbing, to dancing in front of a large crowd; we’ve got to hand it to our participants for inspiring all of us.

Staff members are probably staying up later, and setting their alarm clocks earlier than they ever have before. At Friendship Ventures, staff members are probably working one of the most rewarding jobs they ever have, or ever will. Samantha Vokaty, Program Manager of Volunteers at Friendship Ventures says; “I think it’s amazing that so many of our staff started as volunteers. Erik, Cindy and I, are three examples of people who were volunteers before they were leadership staff. That always inspires me. Also, people that have a long history with camp – Georgann, our VP, started as a lifeguard; Chet started as a Canteen Manager; Jon started as a counselor; it inspires me that so many people love camp so much!” I think it is pretty clear that staff know that there may be easier jobs out there, but few that give back so much.

Volunteers come to Friendship Ventures offering their valuable time in exchange for a great experience, but no monetary compensation. They assist with participants, entertain, and just plain rock! More than 1,200 volunteers donate more than 75,000 hours each year; the equivalent of 35 full time employees.

As you can see, there is a little superhero in all of us just waiting to be discovered. For over 40 years Friendship Ventures has offered a great atmosphere to bring out that superhero in all of us!

June 21-26, 2009

Keeping cool is the theme for this week! Campers and staff have been keeping cool by using the pool, taking boat rides, chilling out in the shade, running through the sprinklers. We have also ebeen utilizing the air conditioned buildings such as the Program Center and Thompson Hall for activities such as recreation, canteen, the game room and bingo.

This week we welcomed five new campers and ninety eight returning campers. At least two of this week campers, Joan and Sue have been coming to camp since the 1960's, this is when they met and have been friend ever since! Now that is impressive!

This week we have day trips going to a St Cloud River Bats game, Dairy Queen, Movies at Monticello (they have a wonderful theater) and everyone's favorite; bowling. Day Trip Leader, Jenn Cook, who reigns from the southern state of Louisiana is getting to know her way around the St. Cloud and Twins Cities area pretty well.

Charlotte Henning will be the Program Manager at Camp New Hope this summer, so she and the Village Leader Mickey Fisher along with three other staff will be heading up to CNH this week to check it out and plan for the July 12th starting date.

We have twelve staff going through orientation starting today. They took a tour of camp this morning and this afternoon they are learning important lessons about Friendship Ventures policy. The new counsilers will continuously be learning about the people we serve, and how we serve them. After this summer, staff and volunteers will be able to add teaching, lesson development, problem solving, leadership skills, behavior management, team player and more to their resumes. Our new group includes the sister of a past volunteer, Sara M. and two friends of current staff members. We encourage friends and family of staff, volunteers and campers, to participate with the camp by volunteering, becoming an employee or coming to camp activities; such as the Camp Friendship Talent Show.

It is great to know that by telling our Camp Friendship memories with enthuses and love, we can share what a great experience participants, staff and volunteers have with Friendship Ventures. Camp Friendship is a special place for thousands of people; we are happy to provide participants, staff and volunteers the opportiunity to make memories of their own.

This past weekend news of the H1N1 flu virus was reported about in several newspapers and local news broadcasts. The stories focused on confirmed cases at another camp which is not connected with Friendship Ventures. To reassure you, at Friendship Ventures Georgann Rumsey our Vice President-Programs and Robyn Erickson our Director of Health Care have been working closely with MN Dept. of Health in reviewing procedures and policies to prevent an outbreak of the flu and how to deal with any suspected cases of the flu. Our camp programs will continue as scheduled at all of our locations.

Friendship Ventures focus has always been to protect the health and safety of all children and adults involved in our services.
· Friendship Ventures has been concerned with H1N1 flu since the beginning, and continues to take every precaution to ensure that campers and staff are healthy and safe, while still providing a positive camp experience.
· Friendship Ventures is providing to all parents and caregivers information for screening prior to arrival, best practices to reinforce universal precautions and additional updates as we receive them from the MN Department of Health, CDC updates, Association of Camp Nurses (ACN), and the American Camp Association (ACA) .
· We are staying informed. We are taking precautions outlined by the MN Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and reinforcing best practices such as hand washing, safe sneezing, and site and facility sanitation.
· Friendship Ventures camps are accredited by the ACA which requires accredited camps to have an established procedure in practice to carefully screen for illness, injury, and communicable diseases.

Summer camp begins at Camp Friendship

June 14-19 2009

Camp Friendship staff welcomed 74 children and adults on Sunday. With suitcases in hand and fun in their minds, they set out for a great adventure. After settling into their cabins, participants enjoyed cookies, graham crackers and juice at the hayride before checking out program areas like music, art and boating. After Sunday evening supper, song and laughter bounced across the camp from the Campfire Extravaganza.

The season’s first island camp out was enjoyed on Monday by teenage boys, who are residing in our Basswood Cabin. The campers who attended told me they most enjoyed grilling cheeseburgers and ‘smores over the campfire while listening to the night sounds of the lake. Despite the rain falling hard outside they enjoyed their island adventure.

Participants are enjoying creating superhero costumes; tissue papers collages and welcome signs for tonight’s entertainment, in Arts & Crafts with Program Leaders Sunny and Lorna.

This year the Wild Turkey Foundation donated money for Friendship Ventures so we could buy new archery equipment (Thanks guys!). New recurved bows, and compound bows are helping campers take air a little easier than in previous years. Program Leader Earnest is one of the instructors who lead archery, as well as the morning stretches and recreation activities such as tandem bike riding and basketball.

Enjoy the rest of your week; I know we will at camp!




In Friendship,
Chet