It was a chilly Saturday morning for late April but I knew the Tai Chi would warm me up. It was the second in a series of free classes offered through the AmeriCorps Safe Routes to Health initiative at Camp Newaygo. The class, like the first one, was to be held in their new Health and Leadership Lodge, in a large room with picturesque views of the Wetland Trail.
I’m actually writing about another event, but feel I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the new lodge which offers Newaygo County and West Michigan residents yet another great rental option at Camp Newaygo for meetings, parties and the like. Things are really happening out there and you ought to check it out.
Full disclosure; I work for Camp Newaygo’s parent company, TrueNorth Community Services and was asked to spend some time there on Saturday, April 27 to photograph their annual Enchanted Forest event. I also have to admit, as a 52 year-old male I’m NOT the target audience for this event. Local artists and crafters spend a great deal of time creating miniature “fairy houses” and “gnome homes” which are then strategically “hidden” on the beautiful grounds of Camp Newaygo, along several trails. Families bring their young children, girls and boys, to hike the trails and “discover” these magical dwellings along the way.
Three things about this event really struck me as particularly cool.
- The houses made by the volunteer artisans are amazing! They range in size and scope from simple hollowed out gourds to multi-floor dwellings complete with chimneys, decks and porch swings.
- It is really, really cool to see kids outdoors, hiking and squealing with glee upon “discovering” a magical fairy house hidden in the woods. There’s something really special about seeing children young enough to still have their innocence intact, who still believe in magic in this environment… and to see their parents and grandparents experience the whole thing with them. There were little girls and boys with fairy wings on and even some adults!
- The grounds of Camp Newaygo really are beautiful. Most people probably only know Camp Newaygo as a girl’s summer resident camp, but in recent years they have added so much more to their year-round programming. Everything from co-ed day camp, to a long, high, 3-section public zip line. They offer a number of public events for adults and children alike to experience the beauty of this local jewel in the woods on Pickerel Lake. It has become a hot-spot for “destination weddings” due to their beautiful rustic setting, available top-notch on-site catering, and a multitude of overnight lodging options.
My take-away was – I really want to bring my grandkids to this event, while they’re still young enough to appreciate it. I also want to encourage readers to check out any of the public events at Camp Newaygo. It’s right here in our back yard… waiting to be discovered.
by Chris Kuebler
Deer Hunter’s Must-Do in Newaygo County
The trees are bare, the air is crisp and the calendar has just flipped to November… In Northern Michigan, that means deer hunters are headed to the woods! If you haven’t tried your luck in the deer woods of Newaygo County, we recommend checking it out. With...
Fall Colors: A Bird’s Eye View
Flying amidst the clouds, high above Newaygo County, Doug Harmon captured Newaygo County's fall beauty perfectly. It's the season, jump in your car and head North! Newaygo County is here to greet you. Grab a bite, even stay the night! Come explore the rivers,...
Fall Means Apple Cider Slushies
The cider slushies are the best-tasting brain freeze I have ever had, and I look forward to it every year.
Sandy Beach Camping
My favorite part of the camping, is waking up early in the morning. When the campground is quiet. I usually get up before the sunrise, to take a quiet stroll around the park.
First Time Hiker
I’m a bit embarrassed to admit, that even growing up next to the Manistee National Forest, literal minutes from the North Country Trail, my first time hiking it was this past winter… in my mid 30’s! While my preferred adventure typically includes a glass of wine on...
Traipsing Through the Winter Woods
I am in love with Newaygo County. We’ve lived here three years now and keep discovering hidden treasures. If you love to be out in nature as my husband and I do, then each season brings new adventures and experiences.I did not think snowshoeing sounded like much...
Christmas Season Festivities
I grew up in Newaygo country. My memories of the area are rich odes to the senses. There’s the feeling of the cold river running over my feet in the summer, sunlight on my face as it blinked through the rustling tree branches along the bank. There was the taste of...
Church’s Tree Farm
Finding the right tree!Snow fell, and we said goodbye to fall as if it were a thing that never existed. There were never leaves of red, yellow, or orange decorating the skyline. There were no greying trees of exposed branches and bark. There is only this place, this...
Fall Color Tour Time!
Top 5 places (and maybe a few more) to take great Fall color photosFall is my favorite time of year. I love watching the rainbow of colors change from day to day. Science says that water and temperature determine when a tree’s leaves turn colors. I don’t much care for...
Something for Everyone at the Dogwood Center for Performing Arts
Just outside of Fremont proper, off of West 48th street (which really is a continuation of West Main street in downtown Fremont) is a beautiful, easily accessible facility named Dogwood Center for Performing Arts. “We have something for everyone throughout the year,”...
Newaygo’s Riverfront Park – A Great Place to Walk Your Dogs!
We have 14 acres and some nice trails on our property that our dogs get walked on regularly, but we try to get them out for a ride in the truck and a walk “elsewhere” as often as we can too. They really like walks in the woods but sometimes, especially after work, we...
Get Your Art On!
This not so summery weather seemed to call for something fun inside today. Newaygo County, known for its outdoor activities, has plenty of hidden treasures for these occasions. However, this morning, I was really in for a special treat as I ventured into an...
Fresh From the Farm
Agriculture has long been a staple of the NewayGo County economy. One reason why Gerber Baby Food put the area on the map was because of its relationship with local farmers. You’ll see the same focus on agriculture and locally produced fruits and vegetables at...
Studio37 Arts and Culture Center: A Grassroots Underground for Community Creativity
Being new to Newaygo County, I am loving discovering all the secret treasures this area holds. My husband and I chose to move to the area because of the bountiful wilderness and outdoor activities. However, we’re beginning to find that this natural gem has even more...
Flowers are Popping at Loda Lake Wildflower Sanctuary
This darn crazy spring and summer weather we are having is making it frustrating for photographers. I went to Loda Lake this week on the only day it hadn’t rained and was surprised by how I was joined by other photographers and hikers doing the same thing. School is...
Coolbough Natural Area Offers Birds, Bugs and Boot Prints
The Coolbough Natural Area is one of my favorite places to hike. Why? There are many reasons such as easy parking, looping paths, lots of wildlife and points of interest, a porta-john, and many more, but I will save my favorite for last.Coolbough has many options for...
The Wetland Trail – A Unique Ecosystem
I’ve mentioned before in a previous blog that I work for TrueNorth Community Services, the parent company of Camp Newaygo. Unless people attend one of Camp Newaygo’s public events such as their “Dinners on the Ridge” series this summer (July 20 or August 10) most...
Exploring Newaygo’s Past
Growing up, in an area, we often become familiar with local history. It is taught in schools, on field trips, family members talk about "back when...", and traditions are born in recognition of the history. When you're raised in a community, you often become tired of...