Twenty-three families spent
Cl week together during the holidays
in Michigan's unfrozen 'north'
- -•
Roughing It.
he snow was nearly non-
existent, hut the fun level re-
mained at high levels through
the Fresh Air Society's week-
long New Year's Family
Camp. Family groups shared lodging,
food and fun during the five-day pro-
gram at Camp Maas' Butzel Confer-
ence Center, marking the Chanukah
holiday and enjoying numerous activi-
ties despite the lack of snow.
Activities included visits to the
Smokier Pioneer Skills Village, arts
and crafts, games, parent corners,
Family Camp paper bag dramatics,
decorating for a New Year's party,
stock market night, box hockey, a Rose
Bowl warm-up, an oneg Shabbat put
on by the guests and Sabbath services,
skiing at nearby Mt. Holly, and a ta-
lent show.
The Family Camp programs are
scheduled throughout the year, in-
cluding weekend and week-long ses-
sions. Families have their own motel-
style accommodations in three guest
houses at the Butzel Conference Cen-
ter, joining together in the main din-
ing room for meals, announcements
and activities. Staff members provide
day time, evening and bed-time super-
vision for the youngsters so that par-
ents can join in the adult programs or
just relax away from the hustle and
bustle.
New this year is Tu b'Shevat Fam-
ily Camp Weekend, scheduled for Feb.
13-15. A Purim weekend is set for
March 13-15, a family Spring Break
Out Day is scheduled for April 26, and
the program has a canoe day in May,
two summer Family Camp sessions,
and a Fall Colors Family Weekend in
October.
Fresh Air Society program direc-
tor Warren Cohen said that many
families return to the program year
after year, and the staff tries to change
the activities, craft projects, playroom
programs and movies to accommodate
"veteran" Family Campers. In addi-
tion, the Fresh Air Society gives pref-
erence to first-time families so that
additional people can enjoy the popu-
lar program.
Activities are geared to each age
group, as well as programs that bring
all the ages together. Highlight of the
New Year's week was "The All-Star
Saturday Night New Year's Family
Camp Talent And Variety Show Ex-
travaganza," which included campers
of all ages. The camp also had an all-
family square dance, and major speak-
ers for the adults. ❑
A pick-up game of touch football.
Meal time in the lodge.
Danny Yashinsky, staffer Joel Smith, Julie Jonas, Amy Yashinsky, Alan Zaks and
Melissa Klein visit the general store in the pioneer skills center.