We know that there were A LOT of people registering this weekend to squeek in before the early registration deadline.  Due to the huge demand and in order for you to get some extra time to complete those last minute registrations, we have extended the early registration deadline.  You can register for Summer Camp 2011 and get early registration rates through Tuesday, November 2! Keep those registrations coming!

As told by a former Camper and Counselor

I love that we eat all our meals with at least 10 other people around one table. People miss out when they don’t get that human interaction- never mind that we’re eating corndogs, trays of pizzas, and sloppy joes that might not be your favorite choice at home. Eating family style is good for you.

Devotions are the perfect way to end the day. Coming together in a circle with just candlelight, revisiting the whole day, talking about important things, the occasional crying, praying while interspersing hugs or high-5s, and falling asleep knowing we’ll all be together tomorrow.

My friend was telling me that the highlight of her day was talking to a 3rd grader for 10 minutes. At camp we are surrounded by children from age 5-15 all day long. They make me laugh, teach me about my faith, write notes in the sand, never brush their hair, ask tough questions, drive me nuts, give the best hugs, tell crazy stories, make up games like jelly-ball, dress like lax bros, smile constantly, sing LOUD and love unconditionally.

At camp all your friends are no more than a village away. Instead of communication via text or facebook we communicate village to village. We talk before chapel, get so excited to see each other when we pass on the hill, teach clinics together and sit on porches long after the campers have fallen asleep . At camp you always greet friends with a hug. Leaving each other for 25 hours on the weekend feels like an eternity.

Being 3rd is a way of life. It is normal, expected, celebrated, and anticipated to have conversations about faith and to center your days around the way God wants you to live. We are kind to people because it’s just what you do. We love people well. Kids don’t have to worry about fitting in- everyone belongs and is part of the family.

HAVE FUN is a non-negotiable goal. We try to make every week the best week of the whole year. I understand that it’s necessary for us to go to work or school the rest of the year- I support both of those things. But I don’t think that having fun should stop. Talk in a weird accent, make your friends sing karaoke in the car, wear overalls on a normal day, draw with sidewalk chalk, take a jumping picture or give a friend a present just because you love them. We do fun things more often at camp.

Hurry, there are only HOURS left for early registration for 2011.

Camp Tecumseh is inviting any and all CILTs (Campers in Leadership Training) from the summer of 2010 to a winter reunion!

Saturday, December 12 – Sunday, December 13 the CILTs are invited to come back to camp for some time of fun, games, catching up and more!  Many of your favorite Camp T counselors will be there to make sure it’s a great time!

Interviews for Day Camp will also be conducted on a limited basis.

To sign up, print off a registration form from here and mail it in with your $25 by December 1.

For questions or more information, feel free to contact Joel Sieplinga.

October 31 is the deadline for 2011 Early Registration! The full fees for 2011 are going to go up this year, so this is your chance to get into Summer Camp 2011 while paying 2010 prices!

Go plan your summer now! All programs except for CILTs have spots immediately available! You can sign up at anytime using our Online Registration System.

Eileen O’Gorman is the winner of last summer’s poetry contest with her entry Feelings of Camp.  She has really captured the feel of camp in a way that many campers will be able to relate to. There were many excellent poems submitted and we thank all those who did so. Watch this news site for others that will be displayed.

Feelings of Camp a poem by camper Eileen O’Gorman, age 12

The birds as they chirp,  the trees as they sway
The hustle and bustle of an awakening day.

The drumroll of feet as you jump out of bed,
The sun on your face, the hopes in your head.

There’s a light in your eye as you slowly make way
To the yummy aromas of breakfast today.

Chatter and laughter are heard as you eat
While your cabin sits hoping for the golden toilet-seat.

Soon after you’re off to an adventure abroad
The songs in the chapel connect you to God.

You say your goodbyes as you make your way
To the magical place the first road of the day

Your day goes by fast, you plop down in exhaustion,
You prepare yourself for, that night’s magical devotion

You give God your vow as your week flies by
The thought of camp ending puts a tear in your eye.

That sad day soon comes and you watch from the window,
As the cabins disappear, and your friends and laughs go,

Though a sweet calling is there upon your wrist,
It’s a sweet memory: a beaded bracelet.

You know in your heart, a thought you can’t explain,
The feeling and rush of that very first day…..