THE MANITO-WISH TIMES

CAMPER FAMILY NEWSLETTER

APRIL EDITION

Greetings Camper Families!



We are hopeful that you are starting to see the start of spring outside your windows, as we have just begun to see it up here at Camp. At the end of the month, we will begin to welcome the start of our seasonal staff back on-site as we prepare for our spring Leadership Programs. Simultaneously, we are preparing for all our campers and staff we will see this summer, and that’s you! 

 

As you are gearing up for your summer at Manito-wish, we wanted to send out some things to get you inspired! 

Do you have questions about Camp after receiving the Family Guidebook? Register for our Summer Camp Webinar on April 23rd from 6-7 pm CST.


Come and meet our amazing Summer Camp staff! We’re here to answer all your questions and help you get excited for a great summer!



Can't make it? We will record it so you can watch it back later!

What to Pack

Click on the video below to watch our Summer Camp packing video!

Staying in touch with your Camper

Camp-O-Grams 📤

A great way to stay connected with your camper is through Camp-O-Grams. This is a one-way email option that allows you to send an encouraging message to your camper while they are at camp. Camp-O-Grams are printed daily and delivered to campers along with their regular mail. 

 

Letters and Care Package Tips 💌

Campers truly love receiving mail from the people who care about them. A thoughtful note or package can help them feel supported while still staying present in their camp experience. Here are a few tips for creating something meaningful: 

Write encouraging messages 

  • Try replacing “We miss you so much” with “We are thinking of you today and cannot wait to hear about your trail adventures.” 
  • Instead of describing activities you are doing at home, consider including a photo of your camper with your family or a silly picture of a beloved pet. 

Great items to include in a care package 

  • A card game they can play with their cabin mates 
  • A favorite book 
  • Stickers 
  • Word puzzles 
  • Small items they can share with their cabin, such as glow sticks or funny glasses 


For more information about staying in touch during camp, please visit Page 14 of your Family Guidebook. 


You are a Manito-wisher

In our Summer Camp Program, each age group is put into age-appropriate sections. See how we break them down and where they are located at Camp. You can also check out our interactive map on our website.  

Camp Lingo to Know!


Wetfoot – is an act where campers and staff will jump out of the boat and get their feet wet so that the boat doesn’t scrape against the bottom of the lake.  


Wells Fargo – Section game/evening activity very similar to capture the flag. The game is composed of two teams. Each team will have foam bricks to hide on their side of the playing field. Every player will be given a sock as a flag to run around with. If a player loses their sock, they must freeze in place until they get another sock from a teammate. The game ends when one team has all the bricks. 

 

Portage – When campers are on trail, they will have to transport their canoe from one lake to another by carrying it on their shoulders on land. Other campers/staff will help carry the canoe as needed and continue carrying it until they can place it in the water at the next location.  


Roof Ball – A camp favorite activity where everyone lines up by the roof ball shed. The objective is to hit the kickball/four-square ball onto the roof of the shed and allow the next player in line to try to hit the ball onto the roof. If the ball lands on the ground during your turn, you are out for that round. The game continues until one player remains.  



Third Bell – Camp uses a bell system to indicate when the meal is ready. When the third bell rings, that means the meal is ready, and it is time to head into the dining hall to eat.  

Camp Business

To Parents and Guardians: Thoughts from Karen’s desk  

You may or may not be familiar with Good Inside with Dr. Becky Podcast. I find her to be a wealth of helpful and insightful knowledge as a parent myself.


Click on the image below for some awesome tips on preparing yourself as a parent to help prepare your child for overnight camp at Manito-wish this summer!

Questions? Email us!