There is an elephant in the room, isn’t there?
Michigan’s economy isn’t good. It has been declining for a few years now, and we have all been aware of it. In the 42 years that Blue Lake has been serving young people, we have encountered difficult economies from time to time. We have made the necessary adjustments. Blue Lake has survived, and we will survive this as well. But, here is what we have found. In times such as these, many families are forced to make difficult economic decisions, and consequently many more children need financial assistance to attend our summer arts camp. That’s what happens in a bad economy.
Over the years, Blue Lake has given out thousands of scholarships. It is part of our mission to serve these talented young people… to make summer camp available to as many youngsters as possible. We are grateful that many of you are able to help every year.
At this time… in this economy… it is more important than ever for us to step forward. Your gift to Blue Lake’s Scholarship Program will be used entirely for these students, not for administrative expenses or for any other purpose but to help students come to Blue Lake.
These young people are worthy of your support. Many of them are exceptional musicians and artists and dancers with great promise. They are among the most talented young people in America, and their camp experience will stay with them forever.
Please take a moment to make your pledge today. You can pledge right now on line.
If you are considering a major gift, perhaps to endow a scholarship or to support our building projects, we would be pleased to talk with you personally. Please call 1-800-221-3796 and ask for Dave Myers.
Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp is recognized by the IRS as a tax-exempt organization, and gifts are, therefore, tax deductible. Also, please remember that a contribution to our Blue Lake Public Radio station brings you the additional advantage of a tax benefit from the State of Michigan.
Thank you for your generous support of Blue Lake.
Sincerely,
Fritz Stansell, President
Sometimes kids will skin their knees or elbows or get the stomach flu while at camp. It happens. Sometimes more serious things occur. In each case, Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp takes these circumstances seriously and deals with them in a caring and professional manner. It is a part of our summer camp program, which you don’t hear about very often, but it is one of the most important things we do.
Each summer, our Health Lodge staff cares for the health and first aid needs of over 5,000 campers and more than 450 staff. 20% of our campers have daily, mandatory medications that are required to be distributed from the Health Lodge. 30% of our campers and staff report to the Health Lodge for a variety of illnesses or first aid treatments, some on multiple occasions.
Our Health Lodge was constructed nearly 40 years ago for use as administrative office space and was later converted into the camp’s medical facility. We need a new building.
In order to address both the limitations of the current facility and the expanding health needs of the camp’s community, Blue Lake is planning a new, 4,000 square foot, fully ADA-compliant Health Lodge building (pictured), more than double the size of the present facility. This building will feature:
5 treatment/examination rooms (including one for the Camp Nurse use)
7 overnight rooms for a single patient
6 overnight rooms for a maximum of two patients
2 handicapped accessible bathrooms with toilets and tub/shower units
2 regular bathrooms
4 walk-up medication dispensing windows (over 100 square ft of work area)
An administrative office
A staff break room with overnight accommodations
Over 300 square feet of laundry and storage space on the main level
A full basement for additional supply and documentation storage
Central air-conditioning and heating
Our original plan was to begin construction this past fall, but for economic and logistical reasons, we decided to delay it. We need to have money in the bank before we break ground, and this is where you can help. The cost estimate for this building is $500,000 plus furnishings and required equipment, which would add another $50,000. We are able to keep the costs down, because our Buildings and Grounds staff is able to do much of the work themselves and contract the remainder directly, without the need for an outside, general contractor.
If you would like to help with this important project, please make a pledge today. If you feel called to make a significant contribution or would like to discuss putting a name on the building, please contact David Myers at 1-800-221-3796.
Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp is recognized by the IRS as a tax-exempt organization, and gifts are, therefore, tax deductible.
Thank you for your generous support of Blue Lake.
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