Category: Camp Shows

Camp Shows Are the BEST!

Austin, Texas – Liz McLane stayed on to drive the three some hours down to Austin, TX where we attended a wonderful service at First Church, Austin. We then went over to the Tippets family home where we got to see the whole gang! Our hosts, Jeri and Mark Tippets, were there with their fun clan of children-Jennifer, Emily (current Kohahna camper), Melanie (current Kohahna camper), and Andy (current Leelanau camper). We were also joined by members of the Glosser family including Jan (mom), Jenny (current Kohahna camper), and Delaney (future Kohahna camper hopeful). After eating the entire two bags of Cherry Republic treats, and watching all the camp slide shows and video, we talked about our fondest camp memories and why Leelanau and Kohahna are so special. The kids all agreed that their camp experiences at Leelanau and Kohahna are unparalleled, and I am hopeful that another summer will only further solidify why the experience is so rewarding, and important for every child to have!

Liz and I drove back to Dallas that evening to catch a steak dinner with her parents, Jane and Greg McLane. We had lovely conversation and good company, and it was a lovely way to close out the camp show season. I am so grateful to all the Texas families that came out to our shows, and to those who hosted me too!

We’ll see ya’ll at Leelanau and Kohahna!! ~ Kathleen

Dallas, Texas – After a “snow day” for Michigan schools, I was ready to head back down south for some more warmth, many friendly faces, and some good old camper recruitment! While the Busch men were all out of town, Sandi (Kohahna alum and camper mother) and Casey (Kohahna alum and recent staff member) were both eager and willing to open their home for a camp show! It was a warm 80 degree day- just perfect for some ice cream sundaes and sharing the blessings of camp. Liz McLane (Kohahna Alum and recent staff member) came all the way home to Dallas from her current post in Oklahoma as a book editor to be part of the fun and help out with the Texas tour. We also had Nick Klusmeyer (current Leelanau camper) and his mother Donna Spencer join us post baseball game ready to sign up for the four week session on the spot. Chris Cassignham (Current Leelanau Camper) and his dad, Scott Cassingham, came to represent the family while the Cassingham women were at Colleen’s(Kohahan CT 2011) drill team competition. Thank goodness the boys came with an appetite because we had a nice array of Sundae fixings, flavors, and toppings to enjoy. To wrap up our party guest list, we were also joined by Peggy Williams, CS, who is a former Leelanau Mom and Harvest Weekend Participant. It was such fun to see everyone, and we all enjoyed some sweet treats-with the sweetest of all being the conversation about the blessings of camp!!! A big thanks to the Busch family for hosting the party and providing the ice cream Sundae bar- I was so glad to have caught Casey on the tail end of her Spring Break so she could be home for the event. We look forward to having our Dallas friends up in Michigan soon! ~ Kathleen

Minneapolis,  Minnesota – Small-but-Awesome.  That is the name of the club that stalwart seven-weeker Jeremy Hanson started last summer.  Well, I would rename him Small-but-Unrelenting Marketer-of-Camp.  This was a joint show with all 6 Christian Science Camps attending.  Leelanau and Kohahna were well represented with Jeremy and brother Ben (current Leelanau Camper) Hanson, their mother Becky (Camp Mom), and Alums Dan (Leelanu) and Andrea (Current Board Member) Geer.  I also found Trippy Mohan (Current Leelanau Trips Counselor) stumbling along the road in the U.P. so I brought him to the show too.  Pippi Schroeder couldn’t be kept away either.

The sun was shining at Beacon Haven Nursing Facility as the we showed the camp video, talked about the blessings of camp, and mixed and mingled with many new faces, and one old face -That’s right, Derek Farnam (Leelanau Camper 02-03) is now 19 and looking like a grown up!

A good time was had by all and I am so very grateful for the people of Minneapolis and their welcoming nature for this show.

I also want to take a moment and say a huge THANK YOU to everybody that attending a camp show in 2011.  It has been a wonderfully warm and welcoming rookie year for me on the camp show tour and it gets my juices flowing for summer camp which is now just around the corner!  We’ll be seeing you all very soon.

All the best in the camping spirit,

Weldon

Washington D.C. – Our Nation’s capital was bustling with Spring this past weekend, as we arrived for some lovely family time with our hosts, the Timoner family. Current Board Member Susan Timoner (Leelanau for Girls camper, and Kohahna Staff Alum) and her husband, David,  and their oldest son Reed, who’s deep love and appreciation of camp made him an excellent spokesperson, and younger son, Grayson, who was absent from the show due to a soccer tournament, were all wonderful party planners.  We had a delicious meal, a lively viewing of the Camp video, and great crowd to share the spirit of camp with.

Guests at this event included new comers George and Sarah Beebe and their children, Sophia (future Kohahna camper), Nora (future Kohahna camper), and the youngest guest, baby Grant (future Leelanau camper) who stole our hearts with their youthful energy, and precious smiles. We had another young family in the crowd as well- Leelanau alum Ian Schmidt brought his wife, Kristin, and their twin daughters, Addison and Mackenzie, who were equally precious- we can’t wait to have them at family camp until the girls are Kohahna age! All these youngsters were particularly interested in the Timoner’s dog, Mogul, and it was quite entertaining watching a group of 2 and 3yr. old girls chasing after a sweet little Havanese dog.

On the older end of the spectrum, we had another set of twins- Tom and Will Bisbee (Current Leelanau Staff Members)! Having just finished up an internship, Will was happy to have his brother Tom there to round out Principia College Spring Break, and we were happy to have them join us for an evening of fun. My cousin, the lovely Molly Danner (former Kohahna Camper and Staff member), who works in D.C., made the trip over to be part of the event as well.  Lastly, we were joined by Elaine Douglas-Noel who is the grandmother of some Camps Leelanau & Kohahna and hopefuls! The evening was rounded out by s’more making (an old camp favorite) on the back deck, some trampoline fun between Reed Timoner and Tom Bisbee, and lots of questions and answers in hopes of getting Sophia Beebe at Kohahna this summer! ~ Kathleen

Orange County, California – Something I call the “Ben and Everett Factor”

I’d say it is time for another set of twins to take the Early Bird section by storm so I set out to visit  twins, Ben and Everett, and their parents Jordan (Leelanau Alum ‘90’s) and Stacy Poznick in Orange County.  We had dinner, a camp video viewing, played with legos, and I answered a lot of questions about cabins, activities, and how the heck we keep track of so many kids everyday.

I got to thinking that upon Ben and Everett making it to camp this summer our enrollment would explode because alums of Leelanau past would be interested to watch the Poznick progeny prove what their father might have been to the North or South team if only he had come to camp before his counselor years.  Only time and the Spirit of the Manitou can tell…  ~ Weldon

Los Angeles, California – What a warm welcome Weldon and I had in the City of Angels!  Our entire weekend was lovingly guided by our hosts Mike and Diane (Davis) Holland who toted us around to church, to our camp show, and to and from the airport.  Both former staff members, Diane (Kohahna Alum) and Mike(Leelanau Crib Team) keep camp close to their heart, and they were both enthusiastically helpful in supporting our weekend objectives for both business and pleasure (yes we went surfing, out to eat, and I even saw a celebrity!).

After attending 10^th church in Los Angeles on Sunday morning, we made our way over to Sherman Oaks where Jodie (Kohahna Alum) and Darrin Kennedy live with their two children Katie (Kohahna Camper 2011) and Colin (future Leelanau camper).  The Kennedy family opened their beautiful home for quite a large show with 45 guests in total. Many recognizable names and faces were in the crowd including Jodie’s brother, Blake Windal (Leelanau Alum) and his wife Sara, with their two daughters Amelia and Aria (future Kohahna Campers).  Also in the crowd were former Kohahna and Leelanau campers and staff members Charley Martin, Craig Mattison, Mike Hufstader, Elise Epperson Crow, Phil Riley, Diane Holland, and Mike Holland. Each of the aforementioned alum shared some of their thoughts on the benefits of Camps Leelanau & Kohahna which proved to be useful selling tools to the roughly 10 new potential campers and their families in the crowd. A big thanks to Frances Schloss (Kohahna alum for the 1930s) for coming to the show and bringing several old photographs of camp in 1933 for our archives!

Jodie and Darrin ordered up some fantastic weather, delicious food, and fine company, for over two hours the house and yard bustled with camp show activity. We ate, we played with the children in the yard, and we presented our video and promotional materials amidst many affirmative murmurings from youngsters in the crowd about their desire to attend camp. We are so grateful to the Kennedy’s, our show hosts, for drumming up such fantastic attendance, and it was certainly our pleasure to meet with many wonderful LA area families that we hope to have join us for a fresh water swimming experience soon. ~ Kathleen

San Diego, California – After arriving to the LAX airport and getting the lay of the land in LA for one evening, it was time to jump in the car to make the trek down to the San Diego area. There I met with Jeff Scott and his wife Linne and their two daughters Olivia and Kate. We had a yummy lunch at the Scott home, and plenty of excited conversation as the family posed questions about camp and Northern Michigan. Following the meal, we sat down to watch the video, and it did appear that we have some excited future Kohahna girls in Olivia and Kate, and ideally even a Family Camp experience for the whole crew in the works too! After the video and a few more questions, it was time to get out and enjoy the beautiful day, so we went to see the tide pools in La Jolla- what a neat experience! And what would a trip to the tide pools be with out putting your toes in the ocean-or if you are Kate and Olivia- putting nearly all of your legs in!! These young ladies will surely love dips and beach period at camp to say the least.  It was a treat to spend time with the Scott family, and we look forward to having them at Camps Leelanau & Kohahna in the near future! ~ Kathleen

Sacramento, California – Bill Blake.  Emily Ellis.  Raji Blake-Ellis.  Leelanau Alum.  Kohahna Alum.  Family Camp Alum.  It was a small and impromptu show, but Bill taught me everything I know about improvisation so it seemed fitting.  I literally showed up on their doorstep with the Camp Video in hand and told them I wasn’t leaving until Raji watched the video and they fed me Girl Scout cookies.  Well…Success!  On all counts.  I love traveling for camp.  See you this summer!! ~ Weldon

San Francisco, California – Just an hour south and across the Golden Gate Bridge, I found less potential campers, but a warm collection of old friends from Camp.  Ryan Williams (Leelanau Alum 80’s-’00) made steak sandwiches for myself, Hilary Palanza (Kohahna Alum late 90’s-’04), and Roger Topp (Leelanau Alum ’94-’00).  After dinner we retired to Oakland to meet up with Dan Griggs (Leelanau Alum 80’s-’00) and enjoy friendship, camp stories, and Dreyer’s Ice Cream.  Although we did not technically show the video this time around, I consider this stop an important one for Alumni Development, and hopefully we’ll see Roger’s crew at Family Camp in another year or two. ~ Weldon

Petaluma, California – Heading south down the coast…Monday evening brought me to the home of David (Leelanau Alum 60’s and Eagles Nest late 90’s) and Lori Stevens.  They graciously hosted a show in their home where I got to meet their nieces, or at least 3 of the 4 Erikson girls from the Joel and Rosie side of the family.  Also Julie Simpson C.S. brought her son Cole to learn about Leelanau, and Cole found himself rather intrigued by a little thing we call the Flag Trip.  He will certainly be a welcome addition to whichever team the Spirit of the Manitou deems appropriate.  Karyn Battenburg stopped by to offer testimony to the positive experience all five of her children had at Leelanau and Kohahna from 1998 to 2005.  I really can’t think of a better way to spend a Monday evening.  A huge thank you to Dave and Lori for their years of support for camp and efforts to get Petaluma kids all the way to Michigan. ~ Weldon

Seattle, Washington – Only 18 hours later I found myself in Downtown Seattle on the Campus of the University of Washington at the CSO building on “The Ave”.  The five other camp directors and I reconvened for another joint camp show extolling the virtues of Christian Science summer camps around the country.

Again, I met a number of new and potential recruits for Leelanau and Kohahna and had a great opportunity to reconnect with a few “blasts from the past”.  Chris Helms (Leelanau Alum early 90’s) and his son Gabe were at the show.  Patti Paul (Eagles Nest late 90’s) gave me the update on all of her children.  And Ali Osborne (LOC Staff) came and stood by my table even though she usually attends Bow Isle.  It was all a wonderful afternoon of camp camaraderie. ~ Weldon

Portland, Oregon is home to the largest Patagonia Store (for square footage) in North America.  This is one of many factoids that I learned while visiting this Pacific Northwest city.  All six C.S. camp directors gathered on Saturday night to share the virtues of summer camp.

There are many wonderfully supportive Leelanau/Kohahna Alum that live in the area and I was very grateful for the opportunity to reconnect with Jon Bonkoski (Leelanau ’88-2000), his wife Brooke, and three month old son Emmett.  I also got to see Amy (Gentry(Miliken)) Roberts (Kohahna Alum 80’s and 90’s) and her husband Matt, who are thinking about Family Camp in another few years.  John Goodnow (Leelanau Alum 80’s and 90’s) is out in Portland along with his brother Dan (Leelanau Alum 90’s –00’s).  Ashey (Schmidt) Smith (Kohahna Alum 00’s) and her husband Nate (Kitchen ’03) welcomed me to their home the night before the show, and I was able to meet their future camper Chandler (18 months), and hope to see them at Family Camp in a few years.

All in all a warm and welcoming climate, despite the classic PNW drizzle, was found for Leelanau and Kohahna in Portland Oregon. ~ Weldon

Detroit, Michigan – Holy-Moly did we have a crowd for the Detroit show, or what?  Jack, Rebecca and Grant McNaughton welcomed us to their home.  While Lisa, Keith, William, and Greta Johnson took on the duties of organizing the delicious potluck.  Larry, Ginger, and Jocelyn Dean brought a hint of family camp by insisting we sing the Froggy Song after showing the video.  Cliff, Nancy, and Tom Sebring shared the value of Camp as an athletic training ground where true substance is developed.  Jackie, Clint, Joey, and Caleigh White brought some mad skills to the Foosball table.  Jack, Vera, and Victoria McCuen shared a similar enthusiasm at air hockey.  The Greater Moyer Clan was well represented with Grandma Neva, Mark and Martha, Marcia Danner and Shelley Danner, and of course Kathleen Moyer rounding out three generations.  Diane and Lily O’Connor stopped in to chat up Kohahna with Doug, Julia, Heather, and Robyn Jackson.  And last but not least Nikki Craig brought her two sons Amare and Allondre who we certainly hope to welcome to Leelanau this summer!

Oh yeah, the Burg arrived late, in order to make a grand entrance and share his well polished soliloquy about the joys of camp.  The dutiful Pippi Schroeder made it through the whole weekend with us again too!

I love Michigan and all of the wonderful people we have been blessed to have as part of the camp family in this great state.

Imported from Detroit. ~ Weldon

East Lansing, Michigan – If Petoskey is “home plate” then East Lansing has to be the “Home Front,” specifically because my mother hosted a show for the Camps in the house I grew up in!  What a special afternoon, full of good cookies, my mother’s dog barking, and really great sledding after the show!

Brett and Reece Schaberg (current Leelanau campers who are fulfilling the requirement of having a set of twins on the South team) brought their mother Terry, and some unique snowy-hill-descending devices (i.e. a skate board with no wheels).  Sasha Grier (prospective Leelanau camper) brought his mother Jo Ellen, and sister Elena (potential Kohahna camper).  Sasha was the only Grier who joined us for sledding and amidst the other “big kids” he effectively held his own in the Mario Kart inspired races down the hill.  Muriel (former Kohahna camper) and Jackie (potential Kohahna camper) Scott brought their mother Becky, to join in the fun too.

The next morning in church we got to see Brett Graham (soon to be Leelanau Counselor) and his sister Erin (former Kohahna camper and CT).  We also ran into Lillian Marshall (current Kohahna camper, and CT 2011) down in the Sunday School.

A great time was had by all in East Lansing, and I know there is only more good yet to come.  ~ Weldon

Petoskey, Michigan – Some would even go so far as to call it “covering home plate.”  Petoskey Michigan is a beautiful piece of Northern Michigan with a loving and active Sunday School.  Kathleen and I decided to bring out the “big guns” for this show, so we dusted off Pippi Schroeder, Laura Ann Johnson, and Freddie “Momo” Morrison to join us in convincing the seven- that’s right seven, potential neophyte campers at the show that Kohahna and Leelanau should be their summer home.

Heidi and John VanPatten hosted us all at John’s school, the Vivace School of Music and Art.  Pianos, guitars, and musical timelines surrounded us as we welcomed the VanPatten children Jacob and Hayley.  The Schupbach family brought the grill and the meat for our potluck, Erik and Heather (parents) also unloaded all four daughters Elaina, Tasha, Anika, and Kora –watch out Kohahna!

Leelanau Alum Rich Bachus brought his daughter Lainie to plant the seed and show her what Kohahna will bring to her experience in future years.  Kurt Zimmerle –the man who single-handedly recreated R.C.A. for Leelanau came to support the show too.

Trapper Rick and Jen –staff from Wolverine Camps and close friends heard there was a party going on and came out to support Camp and see the video.  Rick admitted that he was ready to move to Leelanau County after one look at our video.  All in all a great show, and great fun to see dear friends from one of my “home” churches.  The Michigan tour has begun!!  ~ Weldon

Grand Rapids, Michigan the largest city on the west side of Michigan.

Marcia Schaberg Hufstader (our very own Alumni Coodinator) and her son Steven (current Leelanau Counselor) welcomed us to their home for a bite of lunch and fond memories of the warm sunny beaches at camp as snow began to dump down outside.

Joining Kathleen and I in celebration of the greatness of camp were Luann Kohlbek (Kohahna Alum) and her daughter Ashley (Kohahna Alum), Lorie Klooster (both our CPA and a Kohahna alum), Nina Brown (Harvest participant), and Bud and Nancy Olsen (Leelanau and Kohahna alum, and progenitors of two more generations of campers and counselors for both Leelanau and Kohahana), oh yeah, Pippi Schroeder (current Kohahna counselor) came along too, because she heard there would be sloppy joes –her favorite.

The above list of fine folk did a wonderful job of representing camp to Melissa Smith (camper parent) and her two daughters, Keaton (current Kohahna camper), and Halsey (soon to be Kohahna camper), and to Madison Scurlock (future Kohahna camper), and her mother Erika.  Also joining us were the gentlemen of the family Wynn.  Charlie (Dad) brought his two boys, Tyler and Drew.  They were enthusiastically struck by the potential for Landsports in such a positive and encouraging environment.  We hope to see them both on the Huey Field this summer.

As we drove home in the pounding snow we couldn’t help but be struck by gratitude for all of the supporters of camp we get to see this time of year as we continue to seek to introduce camp to brand new families too.

The Michigan road trip is just beginning; look for us in Petoskey, East Lansing, and Detroit in the coming week.

All the best, Weldon.

Cincinnati, Ohio – It was a lovely day to celebrate camp this past Saturday (2/19) in Cincinnati, Ohio. It felt like spring as guests began to arrive, and the Vogt Family Home was a buzz with happy campers running about as adults of all generations swapped stories of camp memories and the latest church news. Our hosts, Susan and Colin Vogt (avid Family Campers), and their children, JC (Leelanau Camper) and Jelena (Family Camper) opened their lovely home to over 20 guests. Current Summer Counselors, Lindsay Clark and Charlie Busch, made the drive over from Oxford Ohio where they attend Miami University, just to join in the fun! Summer counselor and LOC Program Coordinator, Pippi Schroeder, was also in attendance (as she snuck in the camp van for the long road trip with Weldon and myself)!

We welcomed Sue Nichols (Harvest Weekend Participant), Joan Turner (Family Camper and the mother of Susan Vogt), Shelley and Wendy Rankin (Long time Camp supporters), Susan Theiss (Kohahna Alum and Harvest Go-er) and her husband Vik Theiss, and their friend Sharon Lawson (future Harvest attendee).  Also in the crowd were Phyllis Stewart and her son David (Leelanau CT 2011), Aaron and Corey Carter (Leelanau Campers), the famous Betty Rhoades (Kohahna Counselor and Harvest Staff), David Jario (Leelanau Alum) who shared the benefit of his Leelanau sailing experiences, and Tom Jenkins (a camp supporter and local youth advocate). Elaine Nomina and her two boys, Jack and Luke were our new recruits in the group, and we do hope to have them at Family Camp and Leelanau soon! Julie and Bryan Holland came to check out the camps in hopes that their son Scott will be able to attend Leelanau in the near future. Mary Jean and Dave Weber (Colin Vogt’s Parents) came to hear more about the programs their family attend; and you can’t forget Grandma Jean Eggert (Colin’s Grandma) who came to support the camps as well. It was quite the family affair!

After eating some yummy snack foods, we watched the camp video via projector onto the ceiling (the Vogt’s wanted to make the camp show different than any other video viewing we have had) followed by happy sharing of highlights and gratitude for camp.  For those that could stay, we had a bonfire and s’mores outside, and the event was rounded out nicely with a game of two-on-two basketball where Weldon and I nearly beat out Corey Carter and JC Vogt. We look forward to having all those enthusiastic faces on our camp property in just a few months! ~ Kathleen

Raleigh, North Carolina – One of the special features of our camp show travel is what we call the “Joint Camp Shows”.  The Joint Shows are an opportunity for all six of the camps serving Christian Science Families to be represented at the same show. Essentially, a Camp Director or a staff representative from each camp gets together to participate in a presentation about all the camps which includes a showing of the All-Camps Video created by DiscoveryBound.  We only do a few each year, and our first one of the season was at the First Church in Raleigh.  At the show I had the chance to visit with Roxanna Demers and her mother, Michelle, and to catch up on Roxanna’s life in Middle School and her busy acting career.  We hope to have both Roxanna and her brother John Coleman back at camp this summer!  I had the chance to speak to other families including a few Harvest Weekend and Leelanau/Kohahna hopefuls, as well as having the chance to visit with Don Wallingford CS, one of our camp practitioners, who was in town giving a lecture. The mild temperature and sunshine in the Carolinas only furthered my excitement for SUMMER TIME! ~ Kathleen

Charlotte, North Carolina – The Charlotte Church was bustling with activity on Sunday afternoon (2/13)! The robust Sunday School population, which included some visitors from local areas, all came to listen to another Joint Camp Show presentation. After sharing the commonalities of all the camps- including Christian Science, Family Camp, and Camperships, each Camp Director was able to share a few special feature of their respective camps. How is it possible to share just a few features of Leelanau and Kohahna?! It’s a tough job, but boy do I love to gush about our beautiful property, our talented staff, the historic nature of our location and camp legacy, and the strength of our programs (to say the least)!

After a successful show, I had the chance to visit with the Murphy family, including Sadie (Kohahna Camper), Kian (future Leelanau Camper 2011) and parents Jen (Kohahna Alum) and Mark. They hosted me for a Valentine’s Day dinner and we had a lovely time chatting, eating, giving gratitude, and getting excited for summer camp! A big thanks to their family for helping to coordinate show camp show set up and attendance encouragement.

After speaking with many new parents and campers from the south, we do hope to share the beauty and joy of summers in Northern Michigan with them soon! ~ Kathleen

Indianapolis, Indiana – the most often abbreviated city in the Midwest.

There was nothing curtailed about the camp show the Ferland Family put on for us on Sunday, February 13, 2011.  Family Camp veterans Gabe (Leelanau Alum) and Dory Ferland opened their home, with the help of their three children Isaac (Leelanau Alum), Gretchen (Kohahna current camper), and Bridgette (Kohahna current camper).  The ultra-Valentine colored cupcakes were also visited by local camp celebrities Ben Reismeyer (Leelanau CT 2010) and Jimmy Ray (Leelanau Counselor) many times over, largely because Jimmy is an engineering student at Purdue and apparently they don’t feed him there.

Other guests included Christi Eherenman Sears (Kohahna Alum) and her daughter Mary Beth who will be following the family tradition and beginning her tenure at Kohahna this summer.  Alison Beiswanger (potential Kohahna CT) brought her mother, Tracy Ferland (past Harvest participant) and grandmother Patty.

Two young men, Seth Vang and Connor Everett, also attended as guests of Isaac Ferland.  These two have been attending Sunday School with the Ferland Family and were excited to learn about more opportunities to grow in Christian Science.  Seth brought his mother Joanna to take in the amazing atmosphere that surrounds any event that is associated with camp.

A huge thank you to the Ferlands for their continued generous support to camp, and keep an eye out for the Gold Venture as it continues its tour of the beautiful Midwest in February.  Cheers. ~ Weldon

Tampa, Florida – I love Florida in February! It was a particular pleasure to see so many friends of camp, families, and their children in an environment that mirrors the warmth of summer! I arrived to Tampa on Saturday evening to stay with the Shugart Family. Seeing that Billy (Leelanau Counselor), Leigh (Kohahna Counselor), and Tommy (Leelanau Alum) are all away at college, Elizabeth and Julia (both current Kohahna campers) were happy to make room at their dinner table for me. Caroline and Scott Shugart were lovely hosts and not only did they have the boat ready to take kids tubing on the lake, they even set up a shrine of camp awards, art projects and CT certificates for new families to preview some of the physical products of camp.

Sunday afternoon was “show time” and we welcomed a hearty crew. We had our Development Director, Amber Rand Watt (Kohahna Alum), her husband, Morgan, and two children, Jonathan and Jamie. The Goering Family, including parents Laura and Glen, were in attendance with their son, Connor (Leelanau Camper) who is also a featured speaker in the Come to Camp in 2011 Video. Laura and Drew Hanser and their three girls, Emma, Kelsey, and Peyton, were there for the show and full of gusto! Future family camp hopefuls Ginny(mother) and Gracie (daughter) Gianakos (future Kohahna camper) came to learn more about the camp program in addition to new family Jill and Peter Stilton and their son Matthew (future Leelanau camper). We also welcomed Eric and Lisa Troseth (Harvest Weekend hopeful) who came to hear more about the camp programs and left impressed!

We had a tasty potluck lunch, yummy desserts, sharing of the video presentation, and of course plenty of socializing for the parents. The kids had fun playing with a variety of Shugart household toys, and as I mentioned before, most of the children went out with Scott Shugart for a boat ride! It was an excellent event, and I was so grateful to have the chance to wear my flip flops, see some sunshine, and play with many fun campers and camper hopefuls! Summer 2011 is getting closer, let’s get signed up! ~ Kathleen

Orlando, Florida – The land of Disney, Alligators, and Billy Shugart.

Perhaps even edging out Billy for his spot as MVP of the Greater Orlando Area would be the Quitter Family.  Father Don (Leelanau Alum 80’s-90’s), Mother Susie, Son Cole (Current Leelanau Camper), and Daughter Kinnsey (future Kohahna camper), went above and beyond by organizing not one but two events to help promote camp this past Super Bowl Sunday.  First they pulled together a post Sunday School lunch gathering at a local restaurant where folk were able to get a bite and learn about the joys of camp.  Billy and Brother Tommy Shugart attended in order to help me parallel park my car and entertain the youngsters thus affording the grown-ups an opportunity to chat.

Later that afternoon the Quitters invited a handful of families over to eat pizza and celebrate watching some football game.  However the truly main event of the evening was an epic four inning kickball game in the backyard.  The Briggs boys (Josh and Zac) joined up with Cole and Billy to create a dominant team that faced the indiscourageable team of Grace Blackwell, Clark McFarlane (current Leelanau Camper) and his father, John, and myself.  We peppered every inning with stolen bases, nail biting pickles, and ESPN worthy slides into base.  Eventually both teams retired to the backyard campfire for celebratory s’mores.

I must say we had so much fun in Florida, a huge thank you to the Quitters, and now it’s time to store my flip-flops again until June. ~ Weldon

St. Louis, Missouri – Weldon and I took an extended stay in St. Louis to give ourselves adequate time to visit with camp families, campers, counselors at Principia College, and new faces to welcome to our Leelanau and Kohahna family. Weldon stayed with Sam Wade, a House Pop at the Upper School who used to work here at camp as the Program Coordinator for LOC (the Leelanau Outdoor Center). I stayed with Melody Baillargeon, a long time Kohahna camper and counselor who is currently working as a House Mom at the Upper School. After attending a church service at the Town and Country Church, we visited with many happy and excited campers and alum before heading off to the Towle residence to have our show. With upwards of 75 people present, the show was very well attended-check out the photos for a visual representation of the event!

Guests poured into the Towle home and began to chat, laugh, and enjoy some tasty afternoon desserts. Campers met up with current and former Leelanau and Kohahna counselors, many of whom had traveled into the suburbs from Principia College. We were so grateful to have the opportunity to reunite AND to prepare for the upcoming blessings of summer 2011. Once it was clear that all the guests had arrived, the troops headed down to the basement where the presentation began. Weldon and I did our usual song and dance followed by playing the Come to Camp in 2011 video and audience participation and sharing. The excitement to be with friends, the anticipation of the approaching summer, and the gratitude for our remarkable organization was evident amidst all the attendees. We got to hear about the tangible blessings of camp, and begin to look forward towards the importance of attending camp this summer!

We are so grateful to all who attended, and for the parents who helped shuttle their children to the event whilst whipping up a dessert treat to share. A big thanks again to the Towle family for hosting, Principia staff who helped advertise and get children to the event, and the counselors who came to support the show on their busy Sunday of studying (right?!). ~ Kathleen

Maple City, Michigan – Camp shows are the best.  And even better is getting to do a camp show at Camp!  16 degrees Fahrenheit, bright sun, and a sledding hill “slicker than snot” met us on Sunday afternoon.  Kathleen and I asked the Winter LOC staff (including Stevie Huff, Drake Schaberg, Pippi, Kayle Williams, LAJ, and Ali Osborne) to join us in welcoming local families from the Leelanau County and Grand Traverse Area to camp for sledding and a potluck.  Of course the Pierce-Bluhm’s joined us including Kohahna Director Sue, Maintenance Chieftain Steve, and daughters Olivia and Ella. Our Office Manager, Pamela Chernivsky, came out to support the sledding and provide some delicious food for the potluck.  The Moothart Clan including Nancy, Noah, and Isaac arrived in full force with their own sleds and their waterskiing skills translating nicely to standing up on sleds as they cruise down the hill.  The Kunz-Murphy crew (John, Pam, and Leelanau Campers Ben and Will) also contributed unique sleds to the event; these things looked more like lunch-boxes with shovel handles attached, but the boys knew how to ride them.  Leelanau Counselor Freddie Momo dressed entirely in Carhart Cotton, brought his parents Bonnie and Bruce who, though late, still arrived in time to show off their hand eye coordination while singing “Chester” before dinner.

Other attendees included Chris Hronek, who happens to have uncanny balance on a saucer sled (must be from that Pictured Rocks trip last summer), and his parents Mary and Josh Hollister.  Potential Leelanau Camper Ryan Landers, with parents Mike and Cindy have recently relocated from Orlando to Leelanau County and came out to see all the good things we are about.  Adie Dolan (LOC camper) and her mom Andy came to represent Glen Lake schools.  Former Office Manager and soon to be camper grandparent Lee McAninch and husband Ross came to show their support.  The famous “Skipper Ted” Peterson and wife Amy also came out as representatives of our broader camp family. Camp mom, Debbie Master, CS, and youngest son, Charlie (Leelanau Alum) were also in attendance.

It was just too fun getting to show the camp video on the screen in the Greatroom, with the fire crackling, and the wintery wind blowing outside.  So much camp warmth and highlights were shared, it will keep the proverbial fire burning until opening day. ~ Weldon

Milwaukee, Wisconsin – Weldon and I arrived to Whitefish Bay a few hours before the show and just in time to enjoy the company of our lovely host family-the Brunos! We were fortunate to share time with Tom and Susan Bruno and their children Elsa (current Kohahna counselor) and Thad (future Leelanau CT ’11). The show was a great success despite the Greenbay Packers Game we had to compete with! We were visited by Russ White and his son Jon who will be in his 3rd year at Leelanau as a 9 year old! We also got to host Joy Hughes (Harvest Weekend participant) and her daughter Annie who is a current Kohahna camper. The Hughes were able to bring along Maddie Steele (Kohahna camper) who was able to represent for her family though her brother, Landon (Leelanau camper) and sister, Spencer (future Kohahna camper) were unable to attend. Caroline Morales (Kohahna Camper) and her mother Jennifer Morales brought along cousins Charlie Sloan (dad) and his daughters Margo and Meredith who we hope to have at Kohahna and for Family Camp as soon as possible! Sandy Patzwald graced us with her presence as the mother of three camp alum and a Harvest Weekend hopeful.  The evening consisted of wonderful conversation, DELICIOUS food (gotta love a good potluck) and a lot of fun with our video presentation and slideshow viewing. We are looking forward to having our friends from across the lake join us in 2011. ~ Kathleen

Holland, Michigan – On our way to Milwaukee Weldon and I visited with the Cieply family in Holland, MI! We had a lovely dinner with parents Chris and Annabel and campers Skylyr, and Krystn. After hearing about their life at school, their extra-curricular activities, and their precious pets, we sat down to have a look at the Come to Camp in 2011 video. Fortunately the Cieply’s had ALREADY watched the movie when it came to them at Christmas, but they were happy to humor us and have another look at the video! We look forward to having the Cieply’s back at camp this summer! ~ Kathleen

Winnetka, Illinois – Straightway from Naperville, Weldon and I drove our trusty camp van up to the Eichar home in Winnetka. Cami and Bill Eichar are long standing supporters of camp and have two sons who have each been campers, CTs, and counselors at Leelanau. Cami herself is an avid Harvest Weekend for Women attendee! Our show drew a large crowd of current campers, future campers, current and former staff members, and loyal Harvest go-ers! We had the Casper Family including their daughters Claire (current Kohahna camper) and Trisha (future Kohahna camper), Jan Harley and her daughters Glynnis (current Kohahna camper) and Megan(future camper) who are regulars at Family camp, the Donnelly family including campers Diana and William, former Kohahna and Leelanau SKY and CRIB team members including Joy Deal, Jessica Fine, and David Libbe, the Drozdoff children including Leelanau alum and CT ’07 graduate Colin and his sister Natalia who is a future Kohahna camper, and their mother Ardath Hamman who is a Harvest Weekend veteran, Linda Fine (Harvest Weekend hopeful), The Sholeen clan including Heather (Harvest Weekend regular), Phil ( Leelanau CT ’11) and Bonnie (current Kohahna camper), current Kohahna camper Hannah Gates (CT ’11), and new comer family the Whites who have two future Leelanau campers Sasha and Andrew. ~ Kathleen

Naperville, Illinois – After attending a lovely service at the Naperville, IL church, Weldon and I made our way over to the Dunsire Family home. Our host, Julie Dunsire, C.S.,  has recently served as our camp practitioner, and she has four boys who have all attended Leelanau (and some still are!). Kevin, who just finished his CT summer, was in attendance at the show, as well as his little brother Tommy, who is currently in fifth grade and is looking forward to his summer in the cabin of Barbados! Their older brother and Leelanau Alum, David, was present as well! We had many families join us for our show including Doug Moser and his daughter Molly (who will be a Kohahna CT this summer), former Leelanau Camper and Counselor Ben Chernivsky, former camp practitioner and Harvest Weekend go-er Pam McKnight, C.S., 2010 camp practitioner Carla Stillman, C.S.,  former camper Andy Fine (Leelanau alum and CT 2010 graduate), future Leelanau camper and past family camper Christian Moore, Joyelle Pacyga (Kohahna Camper and current Family camper attendee) and her husband  Ken brought their two future campers Mason and Ellie, Kohahna camper Amberly Petkus, Harvest Weekend go-er and proud Leelanau camper mother Kim Haig, and two potential new families- the Mahon family and the Lizarazo family! It was a fantastic show full of fun and sharing- it was evident that the kids were ready to come to camp as soon as possible! ~ Kathleen

Frankfort, Illinois – Weldon and I traveled to the Burghard family home in Frankfort, IL to visit with current Kohahna campers Reese Burghard and Megan Varchetto, and future Kohahna camper Olivia Burghard. We were hosted by Elizabeth and David Burghard who are both alums of the Camps. Janet Barnes, Elizabeth’s mother, was also in attendance.  Elizabeth and Janet are regular attenders of the Harvest Weekend for Women programs that we put on every October! It was a wonderful reunion, and we had delicious appetizers, watched the camp video and the Christmas 2010 Slideshows (a gift mailed to families with campers who attended camp in 2010), and enjoyed great conversation about the blessings of camp. After our Frankfort visit, we zipped over to Hinsdale, IL to have dinner with my relatives- the Moyer/Wise clan. We had some fantastic Chicago style pizza with our hosts Jane Moyer and David Wise, and their son Mike Wise who was a Leelanau CT and a 10 year blanket recipient in the summer of 2010. ~ Kathleen