Oak & White Pine Blog 02/20/12

February 20, 2012

News

  • Featured Photograph - Each week we post a picture from camp (current or a historic picture from the archives) for you to enjoy.  The picture this week is from a 1960's canoe trip.  I'm not sure where this photo is taken from.  Take a look at the picture and post your comments underneath it.  Enjoy!
  • Summer staff news
    • ​Summer staff applications were due last Wednesday.  We have about 50 applicants for counselor and kitchen staff.  Matt and I are finishing interviewing all of the counselor applications today.  We will get to kitchen staff soon.
    • We are doing final interviews for counselor positions different this year.  Instead of doing 15-20 interviews backto back all day long we are inviting final applicants out to camp for a full day interview.  We'll take a hike, do introductions, play games, do activities, which will give us a chance to get to know them better than in a 20 minute interview.
  • Congratulations - We've had two additions to the Camp Roger family recently.  Jim and Rebecca Peterson  welcomed Hezekiah James Peterson into their family and Rich and Rachel welcomed Elijah Scott Hekman.   
  • Thanks - We owe a big debt of thanks to Kraig Klynstra and Esther Kuiper who have just retired from the Camp Roger board after finishing their 6 year term.  Both of them have contributed to camp in a wide variety of important ways.  Thanks Kraig and Esther!    
  • Welcome - We also welcome Steve Currie to the Camp Roger board.  Steve was a last minute addition to a Joe's Big Race team last year and after competing in the race, he wanted to get more involved.  Steve is also the Deputy Director for the Michigan Association of Counties.  Welcome Steve!
  • Visitors at camp this week:
    • Rockford Christian 7th Grade
    • Camp Roger Bird Program
    • East Rockford Middle School
    • French Back-to-Back Program
    • Immanual CRC
  • Questions or ideas? - Don't ever hesitate to give me a call if you have questions or ideas.  My cell phone number is 616-460-6584.

Upcoming Camp Events

  • Staff Applications  - Counselor final interviews Feb. 25th.
  • Executive Committee Meeting - Tuesday, April 24th, 11:30pm at D&M Metal Products
  • Finance/Audit Committee Meeting - Thursday, May 24th, 4:30pm, BHS insurance
  • Board Meeting - Thursday, May 24th, 5:30pm, BHS Insurance

Prayer Requests 

  • Final Counselor Interviews are this Saturday.  Please pray that the day will result with a staff who can safely and effectively point children toward God this summer.
  • Praise God for a strong start to summer camp registration.
  • Pray for continued safety for the thousands of children that explore and learn on our property.
  • Pray for a full camp of campers this summer so that we can point kids toward God as much as possible.  

Wish List 

  • Digital projector - We are increasingly getting requests from visitors to have access to a digital projector for meetings, presentations, and educational purposes.  The current projector that we have is no longer compatible with typical computers.  We would benefit from a donated projector similar to this one.
  • 25 Teams for Joe's Big Race - If you don't want to start your own team then find a  high school youth group member, a college student you know, or somebody competitive and tell them you'll help support their team.  When you break down the fundraising part between four team members, it goes quite easily.
  • Tractor - This is a larger dream/wish, but it would sure be helpful as we continue to take on more projects and improvements for camp.  I'm thinking a used tractor similar to a John Deere 4000 series tractor.  We currently don't have it in our budget to purchase this, but would be extremely grateful of any help with this wish list item.
  • L-shaped couch - We could use a donation of a couch or two to replace a few that are worn out in the Counselor Room in the basement of the Dining Hall.  L-shaped couches work particularly well in the room.  Please let us know if you have one in good shape that you would like to donate to camp.

Questions or comments?  Please send me an email or give me a call.  I can be reached at 616.874.7286 or 616.460.6584 or send me an email.  Thanks!  Doug Vanderwell, Executive Director

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