Heritage Camp 2013!

Pam and I are planning Heritage Camp 2013!  If you are interested in being a volunteer, please let us know. We are currently looking the following volunteers:

TWO CAMP COORDINATORS" IN-TRAINING" : This is fun job, really!  It is usually a two to three year "gig", and we will be there to help you for 2013 and 2014. We need you to help continue Heritage Camp!!

Gym Teacher
Picnic Coordinator
Adult Volunteer Coordinator" in-training"
Preschool Coordinator
Opening/Closing Ceremonies Coordinator
Global Camp Coordinator "in-training
Playground Coordinator

If you think you would like to help Heritage Camp continue to grow and be successful, please contact either Cathy Wood (amycathydave@comcast.net)   or Pam Eggers (pam@thinkboxcreative.com)   and we will send you a "job description".

Thanks,
Cathy and Pam

Heritage Camp 2012 Starts Tomorrow!

Welcome to all campers and adult volunteers!!  We are ready to roll!!  See  you tomorrow; the school will be open at 8:30.  Camp begins at 9:00 and ends at 2:00 each day.  Opening Ceremonies will begin at 9:30; come and watch :-)

Heritage Camp 2012- Let's go!!

‎385 internationally adopted campers
165 Adult Volunteers
One year of planning
Crafts, Music, Food, and more
Making new friends, re-connecting with old friends
Celebrating Families
This IS Heritage Camp!!

The Countries of Heritage Camp 2012

China, Viet Nam, Russia, Kazakhstan, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Ethiopia, Thailand, Korea, Guatemala, Colombia, Peru, Mexico, Nicaragua, Belarus, and Romania; the countries of Heritage Camp 2012

2012 Heritage Camp Assemblies

We have three amazing groups coming  Heritage Camp this year to preform for us!  Thanks to Kevin Kammeraad for Coordinating our Assemblies.

 Daily schedule:

10am - 10:25: preK to 3rd grade

10:35 - 11am:  4th to 6th 

June 19

Lori Fithian

Drummunity

www.drummunity.com

http://www.drummunity.com/pdf/info_flier.pdf

"A ”Drummunity” circle is a high energy, fun and empowering activity for any group. Lori Fithian, drum circle facilitator and workshop leader, will bring her collection of hand drums and percussion toys to your location to transform your community into a “Drummunity” – a word she invented for the community-building that happens when people come together around a circle of drums.  

Lori will be connecting to various cultures around the world with a specific connection for Heritage camp featuring Africa (Ethiopia) and the Caribbean (St. Vincent and the Grenadines). 

June 20

Bob & Audrey

The Storytellers

http://www.thestorytellers.org/images/SummerReading.pdf

Musical Folktales is an upbeat concert of interactive stories, beautiful music, humor and some interesting musical instruments.  Audrey uses multiple voices and uncanny vocal effects to captivate young audiences.  Lively Brazilian melodies, familiar American songs, Caribbean  tunes, Australian (didgeridoo) melodies, original  compositions and more are featured  in  this  program.  The music accompanying their stories is enjoyed by audiences of all ages.

We asked them to focus on a Latin American theme and to possibly find music and/or a story from Ethiopia or Haiti.

June 21
Sinaboro

https://sites.google.com/site/uofmsinaboro/

Traditional Korean Samulnori Drumming Group from the University of Michigan

Directions for Central Clearance

Below are the directions for completing the paper work to apply for clearance from Central Registry.  You can visit the FFIC Heritage Camp web-site for the actual link, which will lead you to the county directory.

Please request that your results be mailed to 

FFIC

PO Box 2053

Grand Rapids, MI 49501

You can also have the results delivered to your home and bring the results with you on the first day of Heritage Camp.

Thanks,

Cathy

Section II. Michigan Residents Requesting Information on Themselves 

Individuals requesting a central registry clearance on themselves who are Michigan residents should complete the Request for Central Registry Clearance (DHS-194) form.  Mail or take the completed DHS-194 to the DHS office in the county (county directory). To pick up the results in person, the individual must present picture identification. To have the results mailed, a copy of the individual's picture identification must be provided with the DHS-194. (Note: Results will only be mailed to the address on the picture identification.) 

If the subject of the inquiry is NOT listed on central registry and provides written consent on the DHS-194, a copy of the results of the central registry clearance can also be sent directly to any of the following for the individual:

• Employer.
• Potential employer.
• Agency for which the individual is volunteering or applying to volunteer

This link, also found on the FFIC Heritage Camp we-site, will lead you to a copy of the Adult Volunteer clearance form which can be printed.

http://www.fficgr.org/PDF/DHS-AdultVolunteer-ClearanceForm.pdf

This is the address for the Heritage Camp web-site:

http://www.fficgr.org/camp.html

"Ethnic" Clothing Sale

Has your child outgrown those cute "Parade Of Nations" outfits? Are you wondering what to do with that adorable clothing? Or, are you looking for something for your child to wear in Parade of Nations?  Check out the Clothing Sale, which is located in the Parent Resource Room.

Used Ethnic/National Clothing Sale, too!

Sellers:

·        On an envelope, write the country, size, gender, and price of the article of clothing.  Also include your Name, Phone Number, and e-mail.  Please label each article of clothing separately.

·        Pin the envelope to the clothing/outfit and place it on the rack in the Parent Resource Room.

Buyers:

·        Contact the seller via the information on the envelope to complete the transaction.

·        Alternately, you can write a check to the seller, write your name on the envelope, put the check in the envelope, and put the envelope in the box next to the clothing rack. 

·        Checks only please…no cash sales.

Parent Resource Room

During Heritage, we have a Parent Resource Room available.  Be sure to stop and see what's happening!

2012 FFIC Heritage Camp   June 19-22

Parent Resource Room

·        A place to gather with other families

·        Coffee, soda, water provided… bring snacks to share J

·        Adoption-related materials and brochures

·        All parents, grandparents, parents-to-be, and those contemplating adoption are welcome!  Invite new parents for a sneak preview of Heritage Camp.

·        Little pre-campers are welcome, too, but this is not a nursery.  Please keep “future campers” constantly supervised.

Great Wall of Juice Boxes

The Great Wall of Juice Boxes

Dear Camp Families,

This year the Teen Camp is collecting juice boxes to donate to Kid’s Food Basket, a local organization that provides sack lunch/dinner to those kids whose parents struggle to make ends meet.

We are asking for a minimum donation to help make this drive a success in size to rival The Great Wall of China!!  Okay, okay, we don’t really want that much juice, but we know we we’ll be making a BIG delivery to Kid’s Food Basket.

We are asking that each camper bring a package of juice boxes to Heritage Camp one day during the week.  Kid’s Food Basket asks that all donations be 100% fruit juice; a product such as “Juicy Juice” meets that requirement. It is their goal to provide a healthy sack lunch for each child they serve.

Each day during Heritage Camp the juice boxes will be picked up and brought to the Teen Camp area.  Teen Campers will build the “Great Wall” of juice boxes.  In the past, we have sent over 300 packages of juice boxes to Kid’s Food Basket, and they were grateful for our generosity.

Thanks for helping promote and support this worthy cause!  Don’t forget to come by Teen Camp and watch The Great Wall of Juice Boxes grow. 

Teen Campers 2012

Teen Camp Leader Patrick Miller

Heritage Camp Co-Directors

Picnic Coordinator STILL Needed

Heritage Camper,

We are still in need of a Picnic Coordinator; if we don't get a Coordinator, we will have to cancel the picnic.  This is how Heritage Camp works; we are all volunteers, and if an area/activity doesn't have a Coordinator, it has to be canceled.  Don't let that happen to our Picnic.  Take a look at the requirements and see if you can't take on this Volunteer position for Heritage Camp 2012.

Picnic Coordinator

Heritage Camp 2012 needs a Picnic Coordinator.  The park has been reserved for Wednesday, June 20, 2012, so that part of the job can be marked off the list. 

These are the responsibilities of a Picnic Coordinator:

1.     Reserve the Grand Rapids Township Park.  This can be done after March 1 and requires a $100 cleaning deposit and an $85 park fee.  Both fees will be reimbursed by the FFIC Treasurer.

2.     Purchase hot dogs, veggie dogs, buns, condiments, plates, etc,.  There are records of past picnic purchases, so there is a base from which to work.  A tax-exempt number will be provided, and I can send you with a blank check if you'd like. Purchasing is usually done at a Gordon Food Service store.

3.     Find volunteers willing to start the grills and/or grill the hot dogs. 

4.     Find volunteers to assist in setting up; putting out plates, napkins, condiments, etc.

5.     Find volunteer to assist in cleaning up at the end of the event.  We are pretty good about cleaning up after ourselves, but the Picnic Coordinator needs to make a last “sweep” through the area to make sure everything is in a trash barrel.

In the past, there have been Picnic Co-Coordinators, which makes the task more enjoyable.  This is an easy way to get involved with Heritage Camp with a “one day” commitment. J

If this sounds like a volunteer opportunity that you, and perhaps a friend, would enjoy, please contact Cathy Wood. My contact information is on the FFIC website, under Heritage Camp.

Thanks!

Parent Letter

Below is a copy of the Parent Letter that will be mailed out later this week.  I thought you might like to see it now :-)

2012 Heritage Camp

Camp Dates:  Tuesday, June 19-Friday, June 22, 2012   9:00a.m-2:00p.m.

Location:  Knapp Forest Elementary School, 4243 Knapp Valley, Grand Rapids

Welcome Station: First-time campers, or anyone with questions, should stop here first thing Tuesday.  The Welcome Station will be located at the front entry of the school.

Allergy Bracelet/Medical Bracelet Station: This year we are asking that campers who need allergy/medical bracelets pick them up at the Allergy /Medical Bracelet Station, located in front of the school.  We will ask that parents initial the list each day, indicating that they picked up the bracelet and put it on their child.  On the first day, we don’t know any of the Campers, so we are asking that parents take the responsibility of making sure their child is wearing the bracelet.  Thanks for your supportJ

If your child is on medication, please fill out a “Medication Form” on the first day of Heritage Camp, and give it to the classroom teacher.  Forms will be available in Command Central.

End of Day Dismissal Plan: As in past years, we are asking that parents check in with their camper(s) teacher(s) on Tuesday to note who will be picking up the camper at the end of each day.  Each class will have a “Sign Out” sheet.

Lunch Menu: The “Official” Camp Menu:

Tuesday: Eastern European Cuisine (Stroganoff)

Wednesday: Global Camp Cuisine

Thursday: South American Cuisine (Delicious stew, rice)

Friday: Korean Cuisine (Bulgogi)

It is perfectly acceptable to send a “brown bag” lunch with your child if they prefer. 

Please Note:  The kitchen prepares its budget to serve ONLY registered campers and volunteers.  Unfortunately, we cannot invite visitors for lunch.  We have 375 campers and about 130 Adult volunteers this year.

T-Shirts/Name Buttons: Each camper and volunteer will receive the official 2012Heritage Camp T-shirt and a Name Button.  Please be sure to wear your button at all times; this is how you “earn” your lunch J  Only volunteers with the “official” name button will receive lunch on scheduled work days.  Thanks!

Daily Activities:  Your child will participate in music, games, attend assemblies each day, and be with peers learning about the history and culture of the country of their birth.

International Marketplace: Multicultural items will be available for purchase from 8:30-2:30 Tuesday through Thursday, and 9:00-11:30 on Friday. 

What to bring: Campers may want a light jacket or sweatshirt; the school is air-conditioned.   Because your child will be involved with International Games, classroom activities, and playground fun, tennis shoes/running shoes may be a better choice.  It would be best to leave flip-flops and Heelies at home.

Campers are also encouraged to bring playground/sports equipment (labeled with your first and last name) if they wish.  Campers may also bring money for the International Marketplace, but your child’s teacher cannot be responsible for the money.  If your child brings a brown-bag lunch, please make sure to label that with first and last name, too.

Please do not allow your child to bring electronic devices such as an ipod, Gameboy, or cell phone to Heritage Camp.  FFIC, Forest Hills Public Schools and/or Knapp Forest Elementary School cannot be held responsible for missing or damaged electronic devices.  If your child must bring a cell phone, it must be turned off and left in a backpack/book bag during the day. (Cell phone service at this school is horrible.) Mr.  Miller will explain his "Electronics Policy" with Teen Campers.  Thanks!

Parade of Nations:  Parade of Nations will be here in 2012 J  The PON coordinators are hard at work as you read this, crafting a PON that will be memorable, and scheduled!    More information will be available during Camp week. Your child may wear a “Cultural Outfit” or their Camp T-shirt. 

Facebook:  FFIC Heritage Camp has a Facebook page; check it out.  We also have an awesome web-site that includes a blog.  We will make every attempt to keep the blog up-dated, but we are technologically impaired J

More questions?  Feel free to contact us at:

Cathy Wood 616.260.7195   616.365.0916  amycathydave@comcast.net

Pam Eggers 616.460.6080  pam@thinkboxcreative.com

Opening Ceremonies June 19, 2012

Greetings,

Opening Ceremonies for Heritage Camp 2012  will be held on Tuesday, June 19, 2012.  We will begin Opening Ceremonies at 9:30 am.  Opening Ceremonies, like Parade of Nations, is an amazing event ,so please try to attend if at all possible.  Bring your camera and a tissue!

Thanks,
Cathy

Heritage Camp Hotel Information

2012 HERITAGE CAMP HOTEL
ACCOMODATIONS

June 18, 2012 through June 22, 2012
Country Inn & Suites

3251 Deposit Dr. (E. Beltline @ I-96)
Grand Rapids, MI 49546

Conveniently located just 5 minutes and less than 4 miles away from our
camp location!
A block of 40 rooms has again been reserved for Heritage Camp out-of-town
guests Monday, June 18th  through Friday, June 22nd.

Our reduced group rate this year is $89.99 (plus tax) for a standard king or two-queen size
bedroom; $99.99 (plus tax) for a one-bedroom suite king suite and $119.99
(plus tax) for the one-bedroom queen suites.

As in the past, all rooms include a complimentary hot breakfast buffet,
access to the indoor pool and whirlpool, game room, business and fitness
center, free wireless internet throughout the entire hotel, and of course, fresh
cookies at the desk throughout the day!

Rooms may be reserved under the group name, “HERITAGE CAMP” by
calling the hotel direct at 616-942-7000 or through the national reservations
line at 1-800-456-4000.  
Any questions may be directed to Teri Cilluffo at 586-739-4372.  See you at
camp!

Adult Volunteer Information

14 April   2012

Dear Adult Volunteer,

Please go to the FFIC web-site at the link below, print and submit a “Request for Central Registry Clearance” form, which I am going to ask you to complete and return to your county DHS office for processing.  Please ask that results be sent to the address below.  If results are sent to you, please send that information to me at the address below.  I have tried to request volunteer clearances on a three-year cycle, so this will be in effect until Heritage Camp 2015.

If, like me, you have had to complete this type of paperwork to volunteer at your child’s school, at your church, or with some other non-profit organization, or been fingerprinted because you are a public school teacher, you have another option.  Feel free to request a letter from the head of the organization, on organization letterhead, stating that you have, indeed, been “cleared” to work with children.  I will keep this letter on file for three years.  I recently had to complete a request for clearance because I teach Religious Education at my church, so when the Dioceses receives its results, I could request a letter from the Director of Religious Formation. I know not every organization is willing to release the information, but one can always ask.

I know that we all have been scrutinized by the FBI, and would not be getting ready to attend Heritage Camp if we hadn’t “passed”.  I am asking that we all do this, not because you are not trusted, but to put the safety of our children first.  I’ve requested clearance so many times, I’m sure my file must be two inches thick!!

Thank you for your time and cooperation in this matter.  Please try to have your clearance information to me by June 10, 2012.  You are receiving notification of your volunteer assignment now, and although I trust that all volunteers will, indeed, have no trouble, it’s always nice to have the paperwork on file.

Thanks,

Cathy

Families for International Children

P.O. Box 2053

Grand Rapids, MI 49501

http://www.fficgr.org/camp.html

If you live in Kent County, mail your form to

Kent County Department of Human Services

121 Franklin SE

Grand Rapids, MI 49507

Attention Adult Volunteers

This year, I am asking that all Adult Volunteers complete and mail in "Adult Volunteer Clearance" paperwork. The last time I asked for Adult Volunteer to do this was two or three years ago, so it is probably time to do this again.  There are many new volunteers each year, so this is a good way to make sure everyone is in my big book of names!

 There are directions on the FFIC web-site, but I am adding the links below.  This paperwork needs to be mailed in to your county Department of Human Services office.  Please have the results mailed  to FFIC at the address below.  As an organization, FFIC asks that all volunteers who will be coming in contact with children receive clearance just as your child's school, church, or other youth group asks for its volunteers to be "cleared".  If you are a teacher, you can have a letter from your school sent to me as proof of clearance.

Thanks,
Cathy

http://www.fficgr.org/camp.html 

http://www.michigan.gov/dhs/0,1607,7-124-5452_7119_48330-180331--,00.html#Section_2


FFIC
PO Box 2053
Grand Rapids, MI  49501

2012 Heritage Camp Registration

Registration has closed for Heritage Camp 2012!  Thanks to everyone who used the new, on-line registration process this year.  I think it helped streamline registration, and it saved time, man-power,  and money by eliminating the printing and mailing of registration packets.  It is gratifying to see how successful this new step has been, we are tentatively at about the same number of campers as we have had the past two years, so I guess the word was out!

See everyone June 19!

Cathy

Heritage Camp 2012-Picnic Coordinator Needed

Do you love picnics? Are you a natural organizer? Do you know someone who would love to grill hot dogs?  Then, boy, do I have a volunteer opportunity for you!!

Picnic Coordinator

Heritage Camp 2012 needs a Picnic Coordinator.  The park has been reserved for Wednesday, June 20, 2012, so that part of the job can be marked off the list. 

These are the responsibilities of a Picnic Coordinator:

1.     Reserve the Grand Rapids Township Park.  This can be done after March 1 and requires a $100 cleaning deposit and an $85 park fee.  Both fees will be reimbursed by the FFIC Treasurer.

2.     Purchase hot dogs, veggie dogs, buns, condiments, plates, etc,.  There are records of past picnic purchases, so there is a base from which to work.  A tax-exempt number will be provided.

3.     Find volunteers willing to start the grills and/or grill the hot dogs. 

4.     Find volunteers to assist in setting up; putting out plates, napkins, condiments, etc.

5.     Find volunteer to assist in cleaning up at the end of the event.  We are pretty good about cleaning up after ourselves, but the Picnic Coordinator needs to make a last “sweep” through the area to make sure everything is in a trash barrel.

In the past, there have been Picnic Co-Coordinators, which makes the task more enjoyable.  This is an easy way to get involved with Heritage Camp with a “one day” commitment. J

If this sounds like a volunteer opportunity that you, and perhaps a friend, would enjoy, please contact Cathy Wood. My contact information is on the FFIC website, under Heritage Camp.

Thanks!

Kitchen Coordinator Job Description

We still need a Kitchen Co-coordinator for Heritage Camp 2012.  I've developed a brief "Job Description" which might help someone out there who is on the fence jump down and take the job!  :-)

Kitchen Coordinator

Responsibilities:

1.      Order, in advance, food needed for lunches during Heritage Camp.  This would include bulgogi meat purchased from Lee’s Market, and food ordered from Gordon Food Service.  These orders are generally placed in May after Heritage Camp registration has closed and “settled”.

2.      After Adult Volunteers have been placed, usually in early May, create a schedule and e-mail the schedule to the Kitchen Volunteers.  Most Kitchen Volunteers have served in this position for several years, and most volunteer to work all day, every day, Tuesday through Friday.

3.      On Monday, set up day, pick up and return to Camp site, all food that had been previously ordered.  This is the day the kitchen is “organized”, and there are usually a few volunteers to assist the Kitchen Coordinator.

4.      The menu is very consistent from year to year, and recipes have already been developed. In 2012, we will combine China Day and Korea Day to open a space for a lunch that includes our new “Global Camp”.  This menu will also be simple, kid-friendly, and easy to prepare.

5.      Assist in the kitchen preparing lunches, cookies, cleaning up after lunch, etc.

Desperately Seeking Kitchen Co-Coordinator

Heritage Camp 2012 is in need of a Kitchen Co-coordinator.  If you have ever dreamed of working in a kitchen with volunteers, preparing ethnic cuisine to serve to the cutest bunch of kids in the world, then this may be for you :-)

Our trusted cook, Dee, is returning this year, which will make the Kitchen Coordinators job much easier.  However, I need someone willing to take on the daily tasks of running a "school lunch kitchen" for five days.  There are always plenty of volunteers willing to chop fruits and veggies, wash tables, wash dishes, serve lunches, and generally do whatever is asked of them during the week.  What I need is someone willing to tell others what to do and when to do it, be responsible for ordering food and picking up that food, and help in the kitchen.

If you think you would be interested, please let me know as soon as possible.  I have a volunteer who is available during Camp week, but not every day.

Thanks,
Cathy

Heritage Camp 2012 Registration

Heritage Camp 2012

All registration materials for Heritage Camp 2012 are available on-line at www.fficgr.org
Please make sure you register for Heritage Camp before the deadline of April 1, 2012.  Two hundred of your closest friends have already registered for Heritage Camp; you don't want to miss the fun!!

You can register on-line using PayPal or a credit card, or you can print the registration forms, complete them, and mail them in with a check.  Any way you choose, make sure you do it before April 1!  We want to see you at Heritage Camp this year!

Heritage Camp 2012 Registration

Registration for Heritage Camp 2012 is moving into the 21st century!!

This year, all registration materials will be available on-line at the FFIC web site.  Camp registration can be completed on-line, or the registration forms can be printed, completed, and mailed to the Registration Coordinator.

Registration will open March 1, 2012, and will continue through April 1, 2012.  On-line registration is quick, safe, and one need not wait for the registration packet to arrive.

We look forward to having you and your family help Families for International Children celebrate our 25th year of Heritage Camp!  Don't forget to register :-)

Heritage Camp 2012 Registration

Registration materials for Heritage Camp 2012 will be mailed in early March.  The registration deadline will be April 1, 2012.  Mark your calendar now so you don't forget!!  Don't miss the fun :-)

Heritage Camp 2012

Heritage Camp 2012 will be held June 19-22 :-)  We will once again be holding Heritage Camp at Knapp Forest Elementary School.

Registration packets will be mailed out in early March, and when the web-site is accepting Camp registrations, I'll let everyone know through this blog!

I know we are knee-deep in snow right now, but Camp will be here sooner than we think!

Thanks,
Cathy

Heritage Camp 2012 New This Year

This year, we will be offering a Global Camp to address the needs of those campers whose birth country is not currently represented by Heritage Camp.  We are excited to offer this option for campers who attend Preschool Camp then find themselves with no place to go afterwards.

Global Camp will concentrate on Haiti, African countries, and any countries that may show up when campers register for Global Camp.  If you are a family with children born in countries not currently represented at Heritage Camp, or you know of families who might be interested, please pass the word.

A small group of volunteers are developing a multi-country curriculum, but we would love input from parents who have actually traveled to those countries, or who have a deeper knowledge and love of the country because it is their child's birth country.

Please contact an FFIC board member if you have a desire to help develop Global Camp, or if you know of anyone who would be interested.

Thanks,
Cathy

Open Positions

We are in need of the following volunteers for Heritage Camp 2012:

Kitchen Coordinator
T-shirt/Water bottle Coordinator
Picnic Coordinator
Global Camp Coordinator

First meeting of the "Camp Season"

The first meeting for Heritage Camp 2012 will be held Saturday, February 25, 2012.  The meeting will be begin at 9:30, and I'm hoping to be done by noon.

I have a request in for a meeting place, so I'll let you know about the place as soon as possible.

Thanks,
Cathy

Welcome to Heritage Camp Blog. I know how to use this one so I will keep it updated.