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Summer Success
Safety, joy and growth while at Camp Newaygo
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| In the midst of a global pandemic, whether or not to operate Girls’ Resident Camp this summer was not a decision that was taken lightly by the Camp Newaygo team. After months of ever-changing recommendations, extensive protocols were put in place to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 at camp. We are excited to share that Camp Newaygo successfully provided 7 weeks of summer camp fun without any confirmed cases of COVID-19.
Girls' overnight camp looked different but felt the same to the 400 campers and 37 young adult staff there this summer. Prescreening and testing requirements to attend, intensive sanitization procedures, daily health screenings, and a program overhaul to maintain small camper pods all ensured a safe experience. With all of these changes, the spirit of camp was preserved with fun activities, healthy challenges, and a strong sense of community. Campers as young as 7 were calling home often, not to ask to be picked up, but to see if they could spend another week at camp.
In reflecting on camp’s mitigation steps, one parent shared: “Camp Newaygo demonstrated to every one of their campers what it is to persevere through adversity; to figure out solutions for moving safely forward. I so appreciate the model Camp provided these young women who are enduring, along with their families, extremely trying times.”
Another family shared the impact camp had this summer: “I can't even describe the positive impact, joy, freedom, fun, and growth opportunities you provided this summer. These children deserved to get away from the problems of the world and just focus on being kids. The positive impacts are immeasurable, and from the bottom of our hearts we are grateful!”
In this time of uncertainty and social isolation, this summer has made it clear that camps can continue to play an important role in supporting youth and families. The team at Camp Newaygo is responding to that call while applying everything they learned from this summer to create COVID-Careful programs. Coming this fall, camp is launching their Outdoor Learning Center for local students to complete virtual learning, Semester at Camp for high school students to live on-site, and socially distanced Fall Family Weekends.
Camp Newaygo will continue to adapt in order to provide outdoor recreation and responsible social interaction while ensuring youth have a safe place to grow into their best selves.
Your financial support, now more than ever, is critically important to continue Camp's mission.
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Helping through griefMeghann used her talents to help others
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| Losing a pet can be so very difficult. For many of us, animals are an integral part of our family. A companion who is there through everything we encounter – all the highs and all the lows. That’s why such grief occurs when you lose your furry friend. Unfortunately, that’s what happened to Meghann. Meghann’s, first cat, Ginger traveled over the rainbow bridge.
To channel her grief and deal with the isolation of Covid-19, Meghann decided to give back to offset her loneliness. For her birthday she asked family and friends to gift her yarn...and lots of yarn arrived. She then spent countless hours using the yarn to crochet hats, scarves, headbands, and blankets for those in need. She in turn donated them to TrueNorth for distribution at our Coats for Kids (& Adults) and Children’s Christmas Program (CCP) events.
Meghann’s lovely creations resulted in 91 items now slated for distribution! Wow! We are grateful for Meghann’s donation, in honor of her cat Ginger and her efforts to give back to others despite her recent loss.
And a happy ending to our story, Meghann recently rescued Bagheera who was a pharmacy lab cat used for clinical trials. What a generous heart and the perfect ending to this story!
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Graudation among COVID
Circles honors three Circle Leaders graduates!
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| Circles Newaygo County recently graduated three Circle Leaders, from their third cohort. Creativity was necessary due to the COVID crisis, to pull off a modified graduation ceremony virtually. Circles Coordinator, Michelle Marciniak, and Circles Coach, Katie Kozma, delivered graduation care packages including cupcakes, graduation certificates, scrapbooks, peer awards, a beautiful journal, and other goodies to the graduating Circle Leaders.
The first Circle Leader graduating was Amanda, who made huge strides towards her goals for herself and her children. She has solid go-forward plans for furthering her education and working towards homeownership.
Next was Circle Leader Jessica, who cleared one major hurdle in gaining her driver’s license. The freedom and accessibility this will afford her is going to pay huge dividends as she seeks out meaningful employment in an arts-related field; something she is truly passionate about.
The third, was Jennifer, who graciously allowed us to tell part of her story as a Food Pantry client back in March. Jennifer has become very excited about getting and staying involved in causes she holds dear and is on track to own her home, free and clear by the end of the year.
We’re always so impressed with our Circle Leaders for the work they put in to making real, lasting positive changes in their lives. Congratulations graduates!
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Back to school bound
School supplies distributed to almost 500 students
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We wrapped up our 17th annual Tools for School event earlier this moth. Although a different look and feel this year, we still served nearly 500 students. TrueNorth staff members were able to offer mobile registration stations, and a curbside backpack selection process.
“No matter what the school year looks like this fall for students, youth will need these essential supplies to aid in their success,” said Mike Voyt, TrueNorth’s Hunger Prevention, Volunteer & Special Projects Director, “We are happy we are able to provide this service to the community.”
Students received a backpack full of age appropriate supplies like: folders, notebooks, pens, pencils, erasers, markers, crayons and binders. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we also distributed face masks to each student.
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| Community Activities & Events
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