Thank You For A Wonderful 2010

Next month will mark the sixth year of independent operation for Camp Anokijig and we can never thank our wonderful supporters and volunteers enough for their faith and confidence in helping secure Anokijig's future.

The last five years have been very interesting at Anokijig. We've made many new friends and welcomed thousands of campers from literally, all over the world. While the economic times we are living in have been a challenge, Anokijig has found a way to weather the storm (as well as the occasional storms that Mother Nature sends down Anokijig Lane). In fact, 2008 was a record year for us in terms of summer attendance. While 2009 and 2010 did not match the attendance in '08, those years were also very strong for us and our outlook for 2011 is very positive.

It appears as if even though many folks have tightened their belts, they still have made an Anokijig experience a priority for their children and families and we are grateful for their dedication. Anokijig continues to be very successful in all aspects operationally and we are steadily making progress on eliminating the $5.5 million in loans secured to save Anokijig from developers. We were very pleased to make our final payment to the Racine YMCA this month and we are always looking for creative financing options that will help us to continue to reduce our debt, which currently stands at about $4 million.

We know many of you made pledges to support Anokijig in the initial days of our independent operation and we can never fully express our gratitude for your support. Without that initial support, we simply would not have been able to save Anokijig from development. If you have fulfilled your pledge commitment, we thank you for your support. If you are considering year-end donations to charities, we hope you keep us in mind. You can make a new commitment or renew an old one by clicking on this link. We wish everyone peace and prosperity in 2011 and hope to see you at Anokijig!

2010 Anokijig Trivia Video & Arrowhead Newsletter

As the beauty of Anokijg Winter arrives we always like to look back at the past year and remember all of the things about Anokijig that we're thankful for.

To help you to do the same take a few moments to check out the 2010 Anokijg Arrowhead - our annual newsletter highlighting the past year and kicking off the next!

In addition we all know that each year Anokijig produces millions of memories, click HERE to check out this year's trivia video and see what you know about Anokijig; and of course enjoy some great Anokijig images. Enjoy the views and make your own plans to visit Anokijig soon!

Irish Dance Coming to Anokijig!

We've all watched the amazing technique of Irish dancers flying through jigs and reels and now Anokijig is bringing Irish Dancing to Camp for the summer of 2011! Speed, precision, and style are all hallmarks of this exciting, traditional style of folk dance. Here is your chance to give it a try!

Irish dance campers will spend their mornings with an experienced Irish dancer, learning basic techniques and skills. The finale will be a demonstration dance at the Friday night campfire. When not dancing, campers can still enjoy all of the great activities of Anokijig's resident camp.

Irish dance camp is open to campers of all ages, but space is limited, so we encourage everyone to sign up early. Irish dance camp will be held during Week Two at Anokijig, which begins on June 19th and ends on June 25th. We hope to see you there!

Announcing the Anokijig Digital Photo Contest!

Thanks to the continued support of the Racine Founders Rotary Club, our digital photo program was in full-swing, allowing budding photographers to create literally thousands of amazing images. To honor these efforts, we are announcing our first all-camp photo contest. If you have a great Anokijig photo, send it to darinh@excel.net before February 15, 2011. The person with the best overall photo will win one free week of residence camp during Sessions 1, 2, 3 or 4 of 2011. Good luck!

Yoga Camp is Coming to Anokijig!

Yoga Camp is coming to Anokijig in the summer of 2011! Yoga is a great way to create balance in the body through strength and flexibility, by integrating breath, movement and body awareness. This is all accompanied by great music and lots of heart and humor. Participants will challenge themselves and build confidence and self-esteem through a fun, energetic experience.

Yoga will be taught by an experienced, registered Yoga Teacher. Yoga Camp will provide an opportunity for kids to explore the common thread of breath, body & spirit, in a happy, healthy environment. When not practicing Yoga, campers can still enjoy all of the great recreational activities of Resident Camp. Yoga Camp will take place during Week 5 at Anokijig, which is July 10th to the 16th and it is open to all ages.

Registration is now open for Summer Camp 2011!

Registration for Camp Anokijig's 2011 Summer Camp sessions is now open. We say it every year, but it seems as if we can never say it often enough- Once registration opens, it is never too early to sign up! Many of our sessions sell out and dozens of kids end up on a waiting list, missing out on the time of their lives.

A week at Anokijig just happens to make a fantastic Christmas present too! You can sign up at this link and please be sure to let your friends and family know that registration is now open. We look forward to seeing you at Anokijig in 2011!

Come See a Funny Way To Raise Money Tonight!

Hello from Anokijig.

Hopefully, your Thanksgiving went well. We just wanted to let you know that if you haven’t gotten your tickets for Camp Anokijig’s Annual John McGivern Comedy Benefit there are still great seats available. Tickets for the show and raffle will both be available tonight at the show. Doors set to open at 6:30pm show starts at 7:30pm. It’s a great way to end up this holiday weekend. If you already have tickets we look forward to seeing you there. If you don’t have tickets yet, please consider joining us. Details below:

Tickets are now on sale for:

"A Funny Way to Raise Money" - An Evening with John McGivern.

Proceeds will Benefit Camp Anokijig’s Scholarship Program to help send less fortunate kids to a week of summer camp in 2011. .

Fresh from receiving two Emmy Nominations, John is putting together a great show once again. Come and join us for the stories, humor, and escapades of John McGivern (this year you may even hear a song or two). John has won critical acclaim all over the country for his work in comedy, theater, and cinema. His Midwest humor has made him a hometown celebrity here in Wisconsin. He may even have an Emmy in hand by the time of the show.

This is John’s only show in this area for the season. Don’t miss your only chance to laugh until you cry at John’s hilarious stories.

Date: November 27, 2010

Time: 7:30pm

Where: Plymouth High School Auditorium

Premium Seats - $22

Lower Auditorium - $18

Upper Balcony - $12

PLUS: Thanks to a generous donation we are offering a raffle to win:

A Sheboygan Getaway Package!

One lucky raffle ticket will allow the holder to enjoy a night in a one-bedroom suite at the new Sheboygan GrandStay Suites Hotel

including Gourmet Express Breakfast, and a $100 gift card to experience the irresistible cuisine of the Margaux Bistro and Wine Bar!

A $250.00 Value!

Raffle Tickets for the Getaway Package:

1 Ticket for $2.00

3 Tickets for $5.00

For sale at the door.

Click Here for show poster.
Click Here for seating chart.

Join us for a great event to help send kids to camp in 2011.

Take Care,

Darin Holden

Program Director

Camp Anokijig

www.anokijig.com

"Anokijig Changes Lives"

Tube-A-Thon 2011!!!

Hey Camp Fans!

We would like to formally invite you to Tube-a-thon 2011! Our yearly weekend of winter fun and fundraising for a great cause. Snow tubing, snow football, a night at the water park, and much more while helping kids come to Camp. Read on for more details and look for the links to help get the tools you need to participate and raise the money you need to join us!

Why Should You Raise Money for Tube-a-thon?

Tube-a-thon is a great event! It’s great to see your Camp friends after not seeing them since last fall or even last summer. Tube-a-thon is a weekend filled with tubing, laughing, Blue Harbor Water Park, hanging out, snow football, and prizes. But who is it really intended for? Who benefits?

· Tube-a-thon raises money to help send less privileged kids to a week of camp.

· Our goal is to get as many kids as possible to Camp.

· Lack of the financial means to pay for Camp should not stop a kid from having all the great experiences you have had at Camp.

· All money raised goes directly to the Campership Fund

· The Campership Fund is used to help families send their children to Camp even if they can’t afford the whole fee or any of it.

· Last year, Camp Anokijig gave out 219 camperships. That’s 219 kids who otherwise would not have had to the opportunity to have that Camp experience.

· Don’t forget that even if you can’t physically make it to the event you can still raise pledges and support the effort.

· YOU are helping make a difference!

How Do I Raise The Money?

Not long ago, it was common to go door-to-door in your neighborhood and ask for donations. Times have changed and people are often more wary of people asking for money. You have to use some tools to your advantage.

· Ask people you know, like friends, teachers, neighbors, relatives, your parents friends, etc... Since you know them, they are much more likely to be receptive to your request.

· Arm yourself with information. To be a good salesperson, which is what you really are at this point, you must know your product.

o Be able to answer these questions

o What is Tube-a-thon?

o Why are you raising money for it? (see above)

o Who gets the money? (see above)

o How much are you trying to raise?

· Set a goal for yourself. Often everyone goes for the minimum. Instead of raising just enough to come for the weekend, why not try to raise enough for one kid to come to Camp? $540

· Challenge Yourself!

Tools to Help You Reach Your Goal

Follow the links to these additional documents to get you on your way.

· Tube-a-thon Flyer and Registration Form (Online form)

o Our basic information sheet about the event

· 2011 Pledge Sheet

o To tally up the money you raise

· Sample Letter #1

o This is a general fundraising letter to get you started. Just cut, paste, and personalize it, and be on your way.

· Easy Steps to Raise $300 in a Week

o Here’s a plan to keep you focused

· Who Do You Know Worksheet

o Help organize who you are going to ask to help

Last Thoughts

Be diligent. The only way you will attain your goal is by working at it.

· Be bold. If you believe in what you are doing it comes through in what you say.

· Be creative. Bake sales, putting a collection jar at your parents work, challenging another participant to a fundraising challenge, etc. Your imagination is the only thing limiting you.

· Challenge yourself. Make a goal and go for it. Ask for help. The Camp staff are here as resources. We will be glad to help you in your efforts or to bounce ideas off of. We want to see you succeed! Feel free to message, e-mail or call us. We hope to see you in January!!

Attention Bloggers! We Want You!

We'd like to get some fresh voices for the Anokijig Insider and you can help. No one knows Anokijig better than those who have been there and we'd like you to share your Anokijig stories and memories with us.

We're looking for a wide range of stories, including such topics as-

• What program area did you work in?
  
• What was your favorite skill?
  
• Who was your favorite counselor or staff member?
  
• How has Anokijig changed your life?
• Where is your favorite place at Anokijig?
• What was your best summer memory?
• What was your best family camping or other weekend memory?

Submit your stories (and pictures) to anokijigtube@gmail.com and we'll get them posted on the Anokijig Insider. Be sure to include your name, so we can give you credit!

Congratulations to the Racine YMCA!

Camp Anokijig congratulates the Racine YMCA on the announcement of the new facility that will be constructed in Mount Pleasant. Anokijig supporters will remember five years ago, when Camp Anokijig was sold to the Friends of Camp Anokijig, for $5.5 million dollars, with the intent at that time for the proceeds to retire the YMCA's $2 million of debt on their downtown facility, while providing funding for a new facility in Racine.

We understand the economy has been difficult these past few years and things don't always go as planned, but we're happy to see the Racine YMCA making progress on achieving their goals. We're also happy to report that we're on schedule to reduce the outstanding debt from our purchase of Anokijig to $4 million by January 1, 2011.

We hope the new YMCA facility brings renewed energy to that organization and their programs. The Racine YMCA has a rich history of helping the Racine community and providing much-needed programs and services. We hope one of the programs that sees a comeback in Racine is the Y-Guide program, which is known to many of our alumni as "Indian Guides." These groups have historically been our largest weekend groups at Anokijig and we'd love to welcome back participants from the Racine community.

Are You Ready for Some Laughter in the Woods?

Are you ready for some Laughter in the Woods? No, not that "Woods!" Camp Anokijig's annual Laughter in the Woods dinner/fundraiser takes place this weekend at beautiful Western Lodge. This event is always entertaining event is a great way to help send deserving kids to Anokijig and we hope you can join us. Good seats are still available, so give the Camp office a call and make your reservations today- 920-893-0782