Great Camp and professional support. I love the 3 to one ratio. My daughter has been going to this camp for several years now, and asks when she can go back she has so much fun. I feel very comfortable and am confident in the care she receives there. i have recommended this camp to many others.
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My Daughter Amy tarted going to St. Francis Camp on the Lake two years ago. It was such a fantastic camp experience for her, that from the time she returns home, until the next years camp session, she talks in excitement and anticipation of returning.
They offer a non pressured fun week filled with activities, socializing, and skill building.
For me as a parent, I am comfortable with this particular camp because they are a respite care provider, which means we I can use respite dollars to send Amy there,. If one is out of respite dollars, in my opinion the price for the week is very affordable.
They have councilors that are trained in dealing with a variety of disabilities, and I also like the three to one ratio of campers to councilor.
The grounds are beautiful, clean, and bring a certain amount of peace and serenity into the campers week.
I cant say enough about St. Francis Camp! I am grateful Amy has had the privilege of enjoying the camp experience there, and we look forward to returning every year.
Janet Sides
Amy's Mother
When I was a kid, I would always look forward to the summer when my parents would rent a cottage for a week at the lake. It was a week of swimming, fishing, hiking and making memories that last even till today. Donating to St Francis Camp and being on the board, thinking about those kids enjoying themselves the same way brings on a "warm and fuzzy" feeling had to explain. Especially knowing that it was made possible, in a small way, my my time donations.
While taking exit interviews from Counselors this year I was very pleasantly surprised to hear that they were happy with their pay as long as they received that big grin from those under their care. Even as a member of the Board I was unaware of the total dedication of the counselors and the group of totally dedicated volunteers that assist at Camp! As a result of the above, I will become more involved with the daily operation of our Camp to get then what they need to better fulfill our mission!
St. Francis Camp offer children and adults, who are mentally impaired, the opportunity to be with friends for a week of fun in an outdoor setting. This is a wonderful break for their parents and caregivers, yet also a wonderful break in the campers' every day routine. Their entire week is geared toward FUN for everyone, regardless of their level of impairment!
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I have been involved with St. Francis Camp since 1994 both as a paid staff and as a volunteer. I have watched campers over the years blossom and grow in the nurturing environment provided at camp, under the watchful eyes of trained staff who care a great deal about the campers we serve. Being a small camp can be both a blessing and a curse. A curse because there never seems to be enough money to go around~! However, we are blessed by our small size because it allows for a much more personal experience for our campers. Our activities are camper-led and inspired. Ideas for camp programs and activities come from our campers themselves and their families. I have been blessed to be a part of this wonderful organization~!
I was a Camp Counselor for 7 summers and it was the best job I have ever had. I learned so much from the other staff and the campers during my years there. It was also one of the hardest, challenging, and rewarding jobs i have ever had. I still keep in contact with the camp and some of the staff. It has been almost 20 yrs ago since my first summer there and I have made some life long friends and memories from working at St. Francis Camp. I Love you guys and what you represent. Thank You for allowing me to have the greatest work experience of my life, I will never forget my time, friends, campers, or family from St. Francis Camp.
This is a wonderful organization run by a great group of men supported by their spouses who believe in making a BIG differences in the lives of these special children!! They donate their time, talent and money and only expect smiles on these children's faces as their reward!!! Kudos to them for their selfless devotion to bettering their children's lives!!
My daughter went to St Francis and has gone for the past 5-6 years
She loves it so much
I would highly recommend this camp
They are kind, caring and cater to the specific needs of the person
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My daughter goes to St Francis and has for many many years
The staff is so warm and welcoming. We drive up and they all greet her and are so excited she is there. She looks forward to going and has a great time. A beautiful enviroment and a great experience for all.
St. Francis Camp is a special place for people with cognitive disabilities. It provides an opportunity to experience the thrill of camping in a beautiful environment. When I was young I got to experience the fun of going to camp and this is something that most people with cognitive disabilities do not have an opportunity to experience. At St. Francis Camp people of all ages are able to enjoy campfires, boat rides, and all the other fun that goes along with camping.
I have been involved with St. Francis from its inception in 1984. That year, we had to replace the roof on one of the buildings, a roof we replaced again last year. For the past 12 years I have been very active in updating and providing leadership for capital improvement projects which have included replacing the siding on Alhambra Lodge, building a new deck, rebuilding the screened porch and this year, building a new pole barn for the camps use. I tell you this because I love St. Francis Camp. With up to 350 campers yearly St. Francis provides a safe fun environment for those who society has pushed aside the cognitively impaired. To see the smiles on our campers faces, to have a camper give you the biggest bear hug you can imagine is the greatest reward I will ever receive in life. I know that St. Francis Camp makes a difference in these camper’s lives, and I am proud to be a part of that difference.
I am new to this but just fell in love with the camp so much that I got 20 new campers from Ionia County to come to camp this summer. I know these "kids" are excited cause they worked hard at fundraising to help pay for camp. I can't wait to see there reaction!
I recommended the camp to a friend who has a Cognitively Impaired son. He said ,"I had the best time. I caught 2 fish; everyone was so friendly and helpful. We had a bonfire and sang songs." The best part about the Camp are the Staff and Counselors.Each Camper has input on the activities he or she participates in.There is a special program for Autistic Campers.
I have been associated with St. Francis Camp since it was conceived. The place is run by an Organizatiopn whose main charity is God's Special People , ths developmently disabled. The changes made over the years to the camp has been to better serve our special friends. There is a totally dedicated group of advisors, workers, volunteers, staff spirtual leaders and civic minded peole that continue to make St. Francis Camp a loving and friendly haven for God's Special people.
I have been involved with St. Francis Camp since 1991 and have seen many campers throughout the years having so much fun. The staff and counselors that dedicate their time each summer make sure that all campers receive as much care as humanly possible along with adding in all the fun that summer is supposed to be. There are plenty of activities that are geared towards the cognitively impaired campers that attend to include boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, arts and crafts and the joy of singing songs at the campfire. Each camper leaves very happy and wanting to return the following year. Unfortunately the economy as it is right now sometimes requires help from agencies, when they can help. I do know personally that St. Francis Camp will not turn any camper away just because they can't pay.