Monday, May 27, 2013

Heritage Camp Info!!


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. 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

Saturday, May 25, 2013

FFIC Heritage Camp Picnic!!

8th Annual Heritage Camp Family Picnic

When?   Wednesday, June 19, 2013 5:00-8:30

Where?  Grand Rapids Township Park, 1836 East Beltline

Why?       To have a chance during Heritage Camp to relax &  
                 socialize  Bring the whole family!

Please bring table service (plates, cups, silverware), beverages for your family, and a dish to pass.  Hot dogs, both standard and veggie, and buns will be provided by FFIC. 

Grand Rapids Township Park has restrooms, a shelter, playground equipment, volleyball, tennis courts, and grassy areas for play.  Bring your sports equipment J

To help us make an estimate of how many hot dogs and buns we need to buy, please fill out the form below and drop it in the Picnic Basket on the first day of Heritage Camp.

If you can help with grilling, set-up, or clean up, please let us know.  If you have any questions, contact Susan Petrus at suspetrus@aol.com



Name:____________________________________ Phone: ___________

Number attending: _____    We would like Veggie dogs:  Yes  No

I can help with: ______grilling    ______set-up    _____clean up


Email:  __________________________________________________

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Heritage Camp Hotels


This year we have a choice of 2 different Country Inn & Suites
locations; however the rates and phone numbers for making
reservations are different! Rooms at both locations now have a microwave and
mini-fridge in all rooms. Both have the same great amenities, including a hot continental
breakfast buffet, pool, whirlpool, fitness room, laundry, game room, and fresh cookies
throughout the day.


Country Inn & Suites
3251 Deposit Dr. N.E.
(at the intersection of E. Beltline and I-96)
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
(616) 942-7000
4 miles from Camp
• $ 99.99 (plus tax) for a standard king or double-queen
• $119.99 (plus tax) for one-bedroom king or queen suite
Rooms may be reserved under the group name “HERITAGE CAMP”
Rates guaranteed thru May 23, 2013 ~ then based on availability.






Country Inn & Suites
5399 – 28th Street, S.E.
Grand Rapids, MI 49512
(616) 977-0909
9 miles from Camp
• $ 82.00 (plus tax) for double-queen guest rooms
• $102.00 (plus tax) for king suite (No queen suites available at
this location)
• Complimentary light dinner Monday-Thursday, 5-7 p.m.
Recently remodeled lobby and rooms.
Rooms may be reserved under the group name “HERITAGE CAMP”

Heritage Camp Information :)



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 be held at 1:30 on Tuesday, June 18.
  3. PON will be changed; there is some information below, but more will information will be available on Tuesday, June 18.

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 (to be announced)
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 368 campers and about 160 Adult volunteers this year.

T-Shirts/Name Buttons: Each camper and volunteer will receive the official 2013 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 9:00-1:00 on Friday. 

Heritage Camp Picnic: See the enclosed flyer, please.

What to bring: Campers may want a light jacket or sweatshirt; the school is air-conditioned.   Because your child will be involved with 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.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. 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

Saturday, April 13, 2013

Heritage Camp 2013; Dates and Changes

Heritage Camp 2013

Heritage Camp will be held June 18-21, 2013

Opening Ceremonies will be June 18 at 1:30.  This is a change from previous years, when Opening Ceremonies were held in the morning.

Heritage Camp Picnic will be Wednesday, June 19, 2013.  

Parade of  Nations and Closing Ceremonies will be held Friday, June 21.  The Parade of Nations will begin at 1:30.

The International Market Place will be open for a short time after Parade of Nations.


Heritage Camp 2013 Information


Heritage Camp 2013

     Planning for Heritage Camp 2013 is well under way, and we are all looking forward to another wonderful year.
     Registration closed April 1, and our amazing Registration Coordinator, John Bekker, has already sent lists of registered campers to the Camp Directors and Camp Coordinators.  Now the individual Camp planning really begins.  The Camp Coordinators will begin meeting with their classroom leaders to plan activities, order supplies, and get ready for action. Soon, our Kitchen Coordinator will start ordering food, including the beef used to prepare everyone’s favorite dish; Bulgogi!
     The design for the Heritage Camp 2013 t-shirt will be selected in late April, but…the winner won’t know who they are until everyone sees the shirt!! 
     Mark your calendar for the Heritage Camp 2013 Picnic; Wednesday, June 19, 2013.  Please be sure to join us for fun, food, and the chance to make new friends.

We still need volunteers for Heritage Camp 2013, though, so please consider helping make Heritage Camp 2013 even more successful by serving as: 

Opening/Closing Ceremonies Coordinator:  This person will organize country flags, make sure there is a flag bearer for each flag, and announce each country as its flag enters/exits Heritage Camp 2013. (We might even be able to find someone to do the mic work if you are shy J)

Multicultural Games Coordinator: This is the position for someone who wants to play games all day.  There is a giant binder of suggested games, but if you have ideas, they are welcome, too!  Over the course of Heritage Camp, each Camp, or group of Camps (China, Korea, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Global, Preschool) will spend time in the gym playing games native to the country.

Camp Directors in Training for Heritage Camp 2014: This is my last year, and Pam will be done after Heritage Camp 2014.  We have served as Camp Directors for the past five years, which is not what is supposed to happen.  The original plan was that each Camp Director served two years, but due to a lack of volunteers, and our immense love of Heritage Camp, Pam and I have continued to serve in this position.  When I say “immense love” I am SERIOUS.  I have been a Heritage Camp Volunteer for 13 years, and seven of those years have been as Camp Director; you can see that the job will not kill you J  Consider joining Pam and I to finish the Heritage Camp 2013 year, and work with Pam for the Heritage Camp 2014 year.  Like the Peace Corp (but closer to home), it’s the toughest job you’ll ever love!!  Truthfully, if you have a great co-worker, it’s not even a tough job!

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

T-Shirt Designs Needed :)


Needed:  Your design for the Heritage Camp 2013 t-shirt.
Create a design that makes you think of Heritage Camp, 
draw it on a piece of 8 x 11 paper, and send it to me.
Remember, your design can only be printed in one
color, but you are welcome to send in colorful designs.
Please be sure to include "Heritage Camp 2013" in 
your design.

I need to receive your design by April 25, 2103.


Send your design to:

Cathy Wood
1889 Orchard Lane NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49505