MICHIGAMME, Mich. (WZMQ) – Each year, kids with incarcerated parents or family members spend a week at Camp New Day in Michigamme. But what campers do throughout the week is about more than just having fun.
If you were to walk through Camp New Day U.P. you may go right past the camp’s new bench without giving it a second thought. The bench might not be flashy, but it does exactly what it was designed to do. It provides support.
‘We really put a lot of work into this and I really like it,” commented 13 year old camper Logan Bullard. Bullard acted as the foreman for the bench building project, and has been attending Camp New Day for the last 3 years.
The bench was built entirely by campers, (thanks to the Carpenters and Millwrights Union training center for donating materials.) But benches aren’t the only thing being built this week.
“We all are one huge family when we come together for this one week,” remarked Kyle Gerych, a 2nd year counselor at the camp.
Camp organizers say oftentimes children who have incarcerated family members can feel isolated. Coming to camp allows them to leave whatever stress they have going on at home behind, and just enjoy being a kid.
“The unique thing about this camp is this is perhaps the one and only time they get together with their peers and realize, wow there’s other people experiencing the same things,” said Gene Champagne, the camp’s director.
Campers do activities like arts and crafts, card games, and just enjoy each other’s company. Senior campers who are in their last year of camp, will enjoy a field trip to the Keweenaw where they will get to enjoy a ropes course. The weeklong stay is completely free, thanks to the generosity of the camp new days sponsors.
“I hear often that they can’t believe people that they have never met care about them,” added Champagne.
The camp provides a lifetime of experiences for campers, but organizers make sure that every camper walks away knowing two things. Champagne stresses to all of the children who attend New Day that they are not alone, and there are people who care about them.
Just like the bench, the camp does exactly what it’s designed to, it provides support.
The camp is always accepting donations, to make a contribution to Camp New Day you can visit here.
