See part one here
Check out this infographic made by the Christian Camp and Conference Association learn more here and here.
Archive for the ‘General Camp Life’ Category
14 Mar
Why go to camp? (part 2)
28 Feb
Vacation
Miraclecamplife is taking a long needed vacation. We will return to posing on March 11th. While you wait, check out Miracle Camp’s Facebook page
12 Feb
Have you registered for summer camp?
Have you registered for summer camp yet? If you have not get on to the miracle camp webpage and sign up! You will not want to miss this authentic summer with an Olympic theme night!
1 Jan
Happy New Year!
My favorite part of new years at Miracle Camp is getting to see all of the past summer staff again. Several come back every year at our Encounter college retreat. We bring in the new year MC style! The best part of this retreat is right before drops, everyone gathers for worship. What better way to end one year and start another than with God?
This year, we learned about Jacob. One message that really spoke to me was about envy. Jacob took matters into his own hands to get what he wanted. In the end, he had less than he hoped for. Read about it: Genesis 25-27.
Think about what God has blessed you with in 2011, even the little things. Continue to follow him in 2012
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
frank colarusso-assistant program director
17 Dec
Service Camps
If you have ever been to Miracle Camp- you have seen our beautiful facilities, fun activities, and delicious food. Working here has literally been a dream come true for me.
We are reading Radical by David Platt in my small group- this book challenges its readers to think about Matthew 28:19 (Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,). I was challenged by this- how does my role at Miracle Camp and Retreat Center fit into this calling?
Then I remembered Shake-Up Kalamazoo- a new retreat here at MCRC. Shake-Up Kalamazoo is a summer youth group service program that teaches students the value of service and volunteering. Students who attend Shake-Up Kalamazoo have the opportunity to serve and share their faith in the Kalamazoo area. Youth groups spend the day serving then return to camp in the evening for fun, worship, teaching and debriefing. In my mind, it’s the perfect combination of service and fun! Participants even have opportunities to use several of our camp activities including the waterfront, high ropes and gym.
Last year I was wowed by the feedback I received by Shake-Up participants. Some said that this program inspired them to pursue something in ministry. One even said that Shake-Up was better than summer camp! I did not expect this positive of feedback from our opening year
Shake-Up, Miracle Camp, and Matthew 28:19 all come together beautifully in my mind. This has allowed us to reach out to people in the area who otherwise may not hear the gospel- it also gives students the opportunity to learn what it is like to serve others and spread the gospel. Click here for more information about Shake-Up Kalamazoo.
Frank Colarusso-Assistant Program Director
14 Dec
First Snow
The first snow of the season has finally arrived- and that gets me ready for ice camps! What is the first thing everyone thinks of when they hear “ice camp?”
(shouts from crowed)
ICE
SNOW
WINTER
…eh em…ok thanks everyone…
I think I heard someone shout toboggan run… Didn’t I?
(crowed murmurs)
Whelp- here are two pictures of the toboggan run back in the good-ol-days of MCRC and two of the current hill.
As you will see below, both our toboggan hill and coats have improved. I mean seriously- what is that girl in the primary colored coat thinking? She must have her head outside of the picture to hide her identity…
…or her frog hat.
Frank Colarusso-Assistant Program Director
11 Dec
What’s in your Scrapbook?
(Source awkward family photos)
In the midst of the biting cold – we had a wonderful family to warm our spirits this weekend at Miracle Camp. The Cook family drove, flew and possibly canoed their way here on Friday. Just to gather for an early Christmas celebration. And let me tell you, they REALLY know how to entertain themselves.
While your typical family reunion may consist of slouching in front of the television and trying to avoid your annoying baby cousins, the Cooks have turned this philosophy on its head. They kicked off the weekend by carting an eight-foot nylon reindeer into our upper lodge. The fun was only beginning. After everyone had arrived they played the most brutal game of musical chairs possible. The final round was between a six and seventy-six year old. The six year old won. And they were only getting warmed up. As I write this, the music and dancing from their annual family talent show is shaking my desk- and I couldn’t be happier about it.
All in all- the Cook family has shown the beauty of the Christmas season. This year- be sure to make an extra effort to create lasting memories with your loved ones. Even if giant reindeer, musical chairs, and talent shows are not your family’s cup of Christmas tea, start your own winter traditions and fill your family scrapbooks in the process.
Frank Colarusso-Assistant Program Director
and
Brad Hauser- Guest Services
7 Dec
Wednesday Rewind- Outdoor Chapel
One huge blessing Miracle Camp participants get to enjoy is our beautiful outdoor setting. Campers have been using the outdoors as a place of worship since day 1. Below is a historic picture of one of these early worship services.
We think this is taking place in the Judson Bowl- where we currently have our Crazy Campfire in the summers. Below is a picture of an outdoor chapel service from the summer of 2011. We now have a wonderful outdoor worship center that has benches, a stage, and a cross.
Frank Colarusso-Assistant Program Director
28 Nov
New Kalamazoo Homeschool Group
Miracle Camp and Retreat Center is home to a new Kalamazoo area homeschool group! We are happy to announce this new endeavor.
For the past few years, Miracle Camp has hosted a homeschool art class. This program has expanded to include PE also. And starting in January, Science and Spanish will be added as well. You can read more about the homeschool classes and register by clicking the link below.
Frank Colarusso-Assistant Program Director
