Grand Haven is a special place for so many reasons, including our beaches, hospitality, and thriving downtown. But, there is very special place in Grand Haven Township that many of you may have driven by countless times and never even noticed it was right in your own back yard.
I’m going to let you in on a secret in our community that shouldn’t be a secret at all: Camp Blodgett. Now, this isn’t just another camp with old, wooden cabins tucked far back in the woods. In fact, Camp Blodgett is located along Lakeshore Dr. in Grand Haven Township, and the beautiful camp buildings overlook Lake Michigan. It may sound like it’s a camp for kids from privileged families, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth.
Camp Blodgett provides camp programs for the thousands of children who live in poverty in Kent and Ottawa Counties, and the campers are able to attend at a very reduced cost to their families. Camp Blodgett provides many underprivileged kids a chance to spend a session at a camp during the summer. These kids get to experience a camp adventure just like the many other kids who are lucky enough to go to camp every summer. This amazing place allows these kids to feel special and help them become more successful in their educational efforts.
So, how does Camp Blodgett offer these life-changing programs at such a reduced cost to the children and families it serves? As I mentioned, Camp Blodgett sits along the shores of beautiful Lake Michigan, so it’s a perfect venue for events all year long. They host corporate retreats, school foundation meetings, weddings, family reunions, summer concerts, and festivals. And the one-of-a-kind Lake Michigan sunsets are included in the cost! It truly is one of the best spots in our community for just about any occasion.
Couples from as far away as Los Angeles and New York have held their weddings at Camp Blodgett. Even famous musicians, have performed at this hidden gem on the lake before moving on to bigger stages. If you haven’t checked out Camp Blodgett for yourself, you really need to see what you are missing. Here is a link to some of the concerts that are being held there this summer: http://www.campblodgett.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Concert-Poster-2016.pdf.
If you would like to support the mission of Camp Blodgett, there are plenty of fundraisers you can take part in. And, they truly are FUN Rai$ers! A big one is being held next Wednesday, May 4, in Grand Rapids. Here is a link with more information if you are interested in joining the fun: http://woodtv.com/2016/04/20/fashion-for-a-good-cause-2/. Of course, I will be there celebrating and promoting their cause, so email me if you are interested in attending the event.
Camp Blodgett is my favorite non-profit organization, so please know that if I can’t support your cause this year, I am supporting one that is very near and dear to my heart!
