Summer is coming, so it’s time to check out summer activities at Gordonwood Camp and Retreat Center.
While the camp is open year-round, summer is the time for outdoor fun at the American Camping Association-endorsed camp for youths.
Nestled on acres of natural woodlands, Gordonwood Camp provides a safe, family-oriented day camp program.
Owned and operated by the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan for the past 40 years, the highly trained staff encourages an expedition in spiritual growth with a focus on scholastic enhancement.
Program director Brian Kirby’s 11 years of experience in youth and camp ministry with the Episcopal diocese helps him offer kids the space and safety to explore their Christian faith.
‘It’s amazing what they can absorb in a safe environment,? said Kirby.
Daily programs are designed to deepen development of personal talents, confidence and socialization skills through drama workshops, arts, crafts and team building exercises in a safe environment..
With a staff of one to every six campers, learning skills are improved through programs that merge play and tactical proficiency. Camp team builders focus on successful group learning through outdoor games, sports, nature studies, hay rides, recreational and instructional swimming, canoeing, arts and crafts, fishing, archery, and camping.
As an alternative to traditional day camping, Gordonwood offers affordable accommodations. Speciality camps include dance, music, drama, aquatic leaders-in-training, lifeguard training, canoeing, white water rafting and swimming.
The camp has extensive programs for building leaders among the youth with a staff who is sincerely dedicated of today’s enrichment of youth.
Gordonwood runs three types of camps during the summer months.
? A day program for 5 to 11-year-old boys and girls with an emphasis on environmental education and crafts.
? Overnight camp programs for boys and girls 5 to 17 years old emphasizes leadership training, community building, and spiritual growth.
? A trip camp program offers canoeing, and white water rafting.
Gordonwood Camp recently remolded the general lobby and office area to become handicap accessible.
Facility manager Michelle Corneail said Gordonwood is looking forward to future renovation plans which include a conference center pavilion, six small cabins in the woods, with four lake view cabins, which include plumbing and heat.
See the renovations and meet the staff for lunch, hayride tours and other activities at the spring open house from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 1.
Gordonwood Camp is located at 669 Grange Hall Road in Brandon Township. Summer hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Winter hours are 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Telephone is (248) 627-2558. E-mail address is gordonwood.org.