Camp Newaygo 90th Reunion

Camp Newaygo 90th Reunion
By Marianne Boerigter

Happy. Easy. Perfect. Newaygo Forever.  
That was a Facebook post from one of the over 100 women who attended the Camp Newaygo 90th Reunion June 17-19.  That sentiment seemed to ring true for all of the attendees.

They carved out time for the event. Women from St. Louis, Phoenix, Iowa City, Washington DC, Chicago, San Diego, and across the country, carved time out of their busy lives to come to the Reunion that brought together past staff and campers.
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Just coming up the steep drive into camp brought out strong emotions for the...

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...reunion-goers.  Many said it was like coming back to their second home.

Think of connections stronger than the ones you have for the people in your graduating class, stronger than the sorority you were in, stronger than the

team you played on….a high level bond that crossed decades of age ranges at the Reunion. It was that kind of connection that brought these women back to celebrate their time at camp in years past and their times at camp yet to come.

And 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.

With its beautiful setting on Pickeral Lake, Camp Newaygo has been a vital part of Newaygo County since 1926.  Growth, renovations and expansions keep it at the forefront of outdoor experiences for many.  Not only a girl’s resident camp during the summer, Camp Newaygo provides a variety of youth programming, outdoor education, recreational programs, and community events all year round.  
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For more information on Camp Newaygo, visit www.campnewaygo.org or phone 231.652.1184.
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