S’mores, swimming, sunsets and more were just the beginning of another magical overnight camp experience at Camp Tanuga in Kalkaska (30 miles east of Traverse City.) The camp includes 220 acres of wooded trails, grassy fields and modern day play areas overlooking Lake Manistee. About 100 DBG students packed their bags for an amazing 3-day trip made possible by the Bear Hug Foundation, a Birmingham-based nonprofit organization that sponsors students to go to overnight camps.
“Paddle boarding was probably the best activity so far,” Nolan, a 10th grader, shared with a smile. “I had a lot of fun with my friends in the water. It was so cool. It really was a great bonding experience for all of us.”
Camp is a place to explore new activities, forge lasting friendships, and try things our students have never tried before. Whether it’s waking up to a beautiful sunrise over Lake Manistee, roasting marshmallows over an open fire, or opting in (or out) of various activities, every moment at camp is designed to foster independence and resilience.
“I’ve done it the last three summers now. It has always been a really cool experience to see the kids being in a totally different environment,” DBG coach Morgan Parr explained. “They get to explore new parts of themselves and try new things, and it’s nice to be there with them for that process.”
A bugle echoed through the crisp morning air, signaling the start of a new day. There was energy and excitement as our students got ready to dive into new adventures.
“One of my favorite things was soccer scrimmages because I play soccer at school and my team at camp won the tournament,” said 9th grader Emmanuel Smith.
“The best, best part was the dogs they had at camp. I love dogs and theirs were so friendly and sweet,” added D’aire, an incoming 4th grader.
Other activities ranged from tubing and kayaking to archery and arts and crafts.
“For a lot of our kids, it’s their first time away from home and it’s also their first time out in the woods, which can be scary,” added Parr. “But they get to do it in a way that’s really designed for them to enjoy themselves and I think they all come out of it with really awesome memories.”
Research shows summer camp provides a safe environment for children to develop social and decision-making skills while experiencing the great outdoors. Other benefits include the chance to develop self-confidence, social integration, nature appreciation, and emotional intelligence skills like empathy. DBG campers took turns holding a tiny toad that hopped by one afternoon, swimming and boating on the lake, playing sports, working on art projects, and enjoying the summer sunshine. Evenings were spent around the campfire and sleeping overnight in cozy cabins.
Thank you to the Bear Hug Foundation and the Camp Tanuga team for helping us make more magical summer memories. Here a few more snapshots below.
