China Camp to Perform!

China Camp to Perform!!

Tomorrow, Thursday, June 20, China Camp will be performing in the gym at 1:30. If you have a child, or children, in China Camp, please plan on attending if possible. Kathy always does an amazing job with Music in China Camp!

Thanks,
Cathy

Parade of Nations

Heritage Camp 2013

Parade of Nations will be outside this year; I "know" the weather will be cooperative.

Individual camps will not be performing during Parade of Nations this year. However, be sure to ask your child's Camp Coordinator if they plan on doing a "performance" prior to Parade of Nations. 

China Camp, Eastern European Camp, Latin American Camp, and Global Camp have planned events. Korea Camp invites parents to come and visit a Music Class, a Ta Kwon Do class, or drop in to a classroom to check out the cool activities.

Hope to see you all on Friday at 1:30 for the Parade of Nations!

Parade of Nations! Parade of Nations!

*****Parade of Nations*****

21 June 2013

Parade of Nations will be a little different this year; we will be parading around the outside of the building and meeting on the soccer field.  There have been too many people in the gym the past two years; safety and comfort have been issues with such a large group.

Parade of Nations will begin at 1:30, and Campers will exit through doors on the west side of the building.  Parents are welcome to position themselves anywhere along the parade route, which will travel in front of the school, around the east end of the building, past the playground, and end on the soccer field. There is sidewalk along the parade route, so the walking should be easy. There will be plenty of space for parents to get those great photos of their kids. Parents may want to arrive a little early and “stake a space” on the soccer field with a lawn chair.  The field will be marked, so please leave the spaces for campers available for the campers. 

Your child is welcome to dress in “cultural” clothing or wear their Heritage Camp T-shirt, but keep in mind we will be sitting on the grass.  The “Performance Portion” of Parade of Nations will be limited to singing the Camp Song and retiring of the country flags. 

After the flags have been retired, we will dismiss the Campers to their classrooms. PLEASE wait until all campers are off the soccer field before heading to your child’s classroom.  We are trying to move 377 campers as safely as possible, so we need to get them, under the direction of their teachers, to the classrooms first.  Thank you J

I know this is a different approach, but last year there were way too many people in the gym, it was chaotic to move groups of kids out of the gym, and it was stressful for the campers.  Parade of Nations is a long-standing and well-loved tradition of Heritage Camp, and we don’t want it to disappear.  However, we need to find a way to have this event be safe, and fun, for the campers and the parents.  We re-evaluate the process every year, and although it is very much like herding cats, we try to keep is safe and fun.

Thanks for your cooperation,

Cathy and Pam

Heritage Camp Events

 On Tuesday, June 18 at 7:00 pm the documentary "Somewhere Between" will be shown at Country Inns and Suites.  Please join us; the directors suggests viewers need to be at least 13 years old.

Wednesday, June 19 is the 8th Annual Heritage Camp Picnic!  The picnic will be at Grand Rapids Township Park.  Hot dogs, both regular and vegetarian,buns, and condiments will be provided.  Please bring a dish to pass and table setting, and drinks for your family. I always get my "dish to pass" from the deli at D&W!!  The picnic will start around 5:00, and hot dogs will probably be ready around 6:00.  There are "inside restrooms" and playground equipment (Swings, slides, etc).  There are also tennis courts, volleyball nets, and a baseball diamond.  Don't miss the fun!

Room Assignments for Heritage Camp 2013

Heritage Camp 2013

Greetings!  We are ready to roll!

These Camps will be in the "Blue Neighborhood"
Preschool Camp room B-1
Eastern European Camp, rooms B-2, B-3, B-4
Latin American Camp, rooms B-5, B-6, B-7
Global Camp room B-9
Music room B-8

Green Neighborhood - Korea Camp
Music room G-1
Korea K room G-2
Korea 1 & 2 room G-3
Korea 3 room G-4
Korea 4 room  G-5
Korea 5 room G-6
Korea 6 room G-7
Ta Kwan Do - G-8 (also used to stash Teen Camp stuff)
Teen Camp room G-8 & G-9

China Camp will be in the White Neighborhood
China 4 rooms W-1 & W-2
China 6 room W-4
China 5 room W-5
China 3 room W-6
China 2 room W-7
China K-1 room W-9

Look for signs in the hall, or ask someone to point you in the right direction!  See you tomorrow.

Somewhere Between

The documentary "Somewhere Between" will be shown at 7:00 Tuesday evening.  I forgot to put that piece of information in the first post!  Sorry!

Thanks,
Cathy

Movie: Somewhere Between

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

At Country Inn and Suites

Join us to watch

“Somewhere Between”

A documentary following four teen age girls adopted from China

If you are interested in attending, please RSVP to Cathy Wood at amycathydave@comcast.net

by noon, Tuesday, June 18.

There are 60 seats available; if you attend with your child or children, please keep in mind that

***the director of this film suggests viewers be at least 13 years old.** 

Sensitive issues are discussed in this film, we urge you to use your best judgment.

Please be advised: “trained professionals” will not be present.

Great Wall of Juice Boxes

The Great Wall of Juice Boxes!

Please help us build our "Great Wall of Juice Boxes" for Kids Food Basket.  We have done this the past several years; it actually started when Kelly Olive was the Teen Camp Coordinator. We would like to continue this tradition; we have so much, and one package of 100% juice juice boxes can help those who have so little.

We will build our Great Wall of Juice Boxes with your help!

Thanks,
Cathy

Allergy/Medical Bracelets

Allergy/Medical Bracelets:

If you indicated on your registration form that your child has an allergy or medical condition, please be sure to pick up your child's bracelet on Tuesday morning. We will have a "Bracelet Station" in front of the school.

Thanks,
Cathy

Heritage Camp Assemblies!

Heritage Camp 2013 Assemblies

Tuesday: Mariachi Band

Wednesday: Kevin Kammeraad "The Tomato Collection" Guy 

Thursday: Carrrie Morris - Shadow Puppetry

Heritage Camp; Where do I go?

Heritage Camp 2013 June 18-21 

Knapp Forest Elementary School

The "Camps" will be in their same locations:

China Camp in the Young 5's, Kindergarten, 1st, & 2nd Grade Wing

Korea Camp in the 5th & 6th Grade Wing

Preschool Camp, Global Camp, Latin American Camp, and Eastern European Camp will be in the 3rd & 4th Grade Wing

Signs will be posted, but Tuesday morning is "intense" from about 8:30-9:30 :)  If you are a returning Camper, you know where to go!  Have fun!

International Market Place

The International Market Place will be open each day from 8:45-2:15 Tuesday through Friday.  The Market Place will be closed on Friday from 1:30-2:00 for the Parade of Nations, but will re-open for a short while after the Parade of Nations.

The Market Place crew has been working hard to bring items from many cultures to Heritage Camp.  Please be sure to take a few minutes to explore the sales tables during Heritage Camp.  You will probably find several items that appeal to you!

Facebook Page Up-dated, Heritage Camp Info

The FFIC Heritage Camp facebook page has been updated, and current information is now "front and center".

We are trying to go as paperless as possible this year, so please check the blog, the Facebook page, and pass the word.  Thanks-Cathy

2013 Heritage Camp

Camp Dates:  Tuesday, June 18-Friday, June 21, 2013   9:00a.m-2:00p.m.

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

New for Heritage Camp 2013:

1. Market Place will not be selling candy; please take note J
2. Opening Ceremonies will take place Tuesday afternoon; this allows campers to acclimate to Heritage Camp a bit.
3. PON will be changed; there is some information below, but more will information will be available on Tuesday, June 18.

Allergy Bracelet/Medical Bracelet Station: This year we are once again asking that campers who need allergy/medical bracelets pick them up at the Allergy /Medical Bracelet Station, located in front of the school.  We 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. 

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.    Thanks for your supportJ

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 (TBA, but expect rice, beans, and chicken J)

Thursday: South American Cuisine (Delicious stew, rice)

Friday: Asian Cuisine (Bulgogi, Long-life noodles, Mondu)

It is perfectly acceptable to send a “brown bag” lunch with your child if they prefer.  Parents with concerns about food are encouraged to contact our Kitchen Coordinator, Luanne (jhoekz@comcast.net) with their questions, or to arrange to go over food labels.

Please Note:  The kitchen prepares its budget to serve ONLY registered campers and volunteers.  Unfortunately, we cannot invite visitors for lunch.  We have 346 campers and about 140 Adult volunteers this year.

T-Shirts/Name Buttons: Each camper and volunteer will receive the official 2012 Heritage 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 9:00-12:30 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, ipods, ipads, 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 may have different requirements for Teen Campers J

Parade of Nations:  The PON has undergone some changes for 2013. Heritage Camp is so big, and we are grateful for all our campers and volunteers, that we simply cannot have everyone gather in the gym.  We violated Fire Code last year and it can’t happen again this year.  So, PON will begin at 1:30 on Friday, June 21, and with weather permitting, the parade will happen outside. We will then convene on the soccer field behind the school to sing the “Camp Song” and have Closing Ceremonies.    More information will be available during Camp week. Please encourage your child to wear a “Cultural Outfit” or their Camp T-shirt for Parade of Nations. J

Face book:  FFIC Heritage Camp has a Face book 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