The Insider Inteviews Darin Holden About Anokijig's Specialty Programs

Darin Holden has spent most of his life at Camp Anokijig, either as a camper or staff member. He is currently Camp Anokijig's Program Director and the Anokijig Insider sat down with him, to get the skinny on Anokijig's Specialty Programs.

Specialty Programs combine all the activities of Anokijig's traditional resident camp, with a focus on one particular activity for part of the day. These Programs include Ranch, Circle A Riders, Competitive Swim, Adventure Challenge, Fishing Expeditions and Scrapbooking.

AI: Darin, how are Specialty Programs different than regular resident camp?

Darin: Specialty Programs are chances for campers to focus on a particular skill such as fishing, horses, competitive swimming, or scrapbooking, while still having access to all of the other great Anokijig programs during their directed free times. For each Specialty, the camper will spend a portion of each program day focusing solely on the skill, usually about two to three hours. When the directed free time begins (three to five hours each day), the camper has the choice to return to that Specialty area or experience any of the 18 different activities at their leisure.

AI: How are Specialty Programs different than day trips or adventure trips?

Darin: Specialty Programs are a skill-focused version of the Resident camp program. (In resident camp each camper chooses two skill areas to participate in for one hour each day, and then fills the balance of the day with directed free time choices). For the Specialty, there is a multi-hour focus on a particular skill each programming day. Day Trips are also an off-shoot of Resident camp in which campers (7th grade or older) can experience a Specialty or High Adventure program for one day or half day time periods. Day Trips offer a “taste” of activities that in the future may be experienced on and Adventure Trip. Adventure Trips involve a limited stay on-site at Anokijig followed by travel to different areas of Wisconsin, Upper Michigan, or Canada for overnight tent camping and three to four days of adventures in activities such as whitewater rafting, river canoeing, rock climbing, ropes courses, and sea kayaking.

AI: Do campers need to bring any special equipment or supplies from home for these programs?

Darin: All special equipment is provided for any of our skill programs. However, if a camper has a favorite fishing pole, lure, or horse helmet that they would like to bring, they are more than welcome to do so.

AI: Are some Specialty Programs better suited for older campers?

Darin: As you would find in our program descriptions, we do put some age requirements in place for some programs. Some of these requirements have to do with the physical demand of a skill and others allow for older and younger campers to have a more appropriate learning and enjoyment experience, using age-appropriate teaching techniques.

AI: What is your favorite Specialty Program and why?

Darin: I really don’t have a favorite. They are all great for those who want to specialize in a skill. They epitomize a large part of what Anokijig is about- that each individual camper has the opportunity to make the camp experience what they want it to be, not the experience that someone else thinks it should be.

AI: How do you decide which Specialty Programs to offer from one year to the next?

Darin: We determine our offerings based on interest from former years, camper and parent surveys, camper council recommendations, and of course, we are always on the lookout everywhere for new and exciting opportunities that campers would enjoy and benefit from.

AI: Are there any new programs for this year?

Darin: We received a generous donation this year of a large deck boat. That gave us the key piece of equipment we needed to start a new Lake Winnebago fishing day trip. The boat is large enough to allow several campers to fish at once and is also large enough to safely travel the waters of Wisconsin’s largest inland lake. Campers who want to experience another unique fishing opportunity will have the chance to enjoy a full day out on the lake, looking for that record walleye. In Resident Camp, we are also starting a Ukulele Band skill. With a dozen or so ukuleles and a great instructor, campers will be able to have a unique musical experience and bring a little of the South Seas to Anokijig.

AI: Do these programs typically sell out?

Darin: Most do fill up, as do our spots in camp in general. However, the specialty camps can often fill up more quickly, due to the smaller groups size that we try to maintain. This ensures the highest quality experience. If someone is interested in a specialty camp experience this year, they would definitely want to sign up soon.

AI: Thanks for your time Darin. We look forward to seeing you at Anokijig this summer!

If you would like more information on Anokijig's Specialty Programs, please click on this link- http://anokijig.com/SKILLS.HTM

Anokijig Ahoy!

By now, many of you are familiar with the crown jewel of the Anokijig fleet, the Allegheny. This beautiful launch was made possible through the generosity of Ernie and Bernie Styberg and we can't thank them enough!

We do our best to keep the Allegheny looking in tip-top shape and as we were cleaning and polishing the hull, we noticed some areas that probably need attention.

We'll be the first to admit, we're no experts on boats, so we don't know how serious this situation is, but we suspect it's pretty common. The cracks all appear to be surface paint of some kind flaking off and they all appear below the waterline.

If you have any background or expertise in boats and would be willing to volunteer your time and talent to help keep the Allegheny in perfect working order, we'd love to hear from you.

The Allegheny is currently in the Anokijig Drydock, which is a temperature-controlled building very close to Anokijig, in which storage space was generously donated. Please give us a call at Camp and let us know if you can help us keep the Allegheny in tip-top shape. Our phone number is 920-893-0782. Thanks for all your support!

Reelin' in the Big Ones

When kids come to Anokijig, many experience the outdoors in ways they never have before. One of our most popular programs is our fishing expeditions, where campers are given the opportunity to fish for a variety of species, under a variety of conditions.

Campers will go after trout, salmon, northern, bass and panfish and get the opportunity to fish at different locations, including a trout pond and Lake Michigan. One might think this is an opportunity that only interests boys, but many of our expedition participants are girls. The Fishing Expedition program typically fills up each year, so if you haven't registered yet, please be sure to do so soon, to make sure we still have space available for your child.

With the wide variety of fishing that takes place, Anokijig needs to stock up on a variety of equipment, to ensure our campers are ready to reel in the big one. Last week, we received a gigantic care package of fishing equipment from Mick Phillips of Belgrade, Montana. Mr. Phillips has never been to Anokijig, but he appreciates the importance of providing unique experiences to children and families, in an outdoor environment and he has generously supported our efforts for many years.

When you walk around Anokijig, you may notice an abundance of energy-efficient, compact fluorescent lightbulbs in our fixtures. Mr. Phillips has been kind enough to donate these as well. The kindness and ingenuity of our donors never ceases to amaze us and we are grateful for all of their support.

We appreciate all kinds of support, whether it's time, treasure or talent. If you have any that you'd be willing to share with Anokijig, please give us a call at 920-893-0782.

Anokijig's Summer of 2009

Greetings from Anokijig
With the arrival of the first 70 degree day at beautiful Camp Anokijig our thoughts obviously turn to SUMMER CAMP. It sounds incredible to believe; but in only 90 days Session 1 of Summer Camp 2009 will begin. Time for another summer of Outrageous fun, New friends, Old friends, and Incredible experiences.
The staff is busy making plans and preparations for this to be the best summer ever. All of our great returning programs are getting ready and our New Lake Winnebago Day Fishing trips and Ukulele Band are going to be exciting additions.
Right now our email and mail box is being flooded with registrations of new and returning campers. Since we never want to see a camper miss out on a chance to return to Anokijig we thought we’d drop you a line just to be sure that if you haven’t already signed up for your 2009 session; now is the time. Unfortunately if you wait too long you may find your chosen week, trip, or program full; so please don’t delay!
We also know that in today’s economy decisions may be a little tougher to make. Remember that at Anokijig we do have some programs that might help.
· All campers can participate in candy sales (50% of every bar sold goes directly to the campers’ account).
· Our new internet fundraising sales (magazines, gifts, candies, with 40% of every item sold going directly to the campers’ account).
· For campers 14 years old or older the Stamper program is priced significantly lower in exchange for the campers’ service in the dining/dish room area for one meal per day.
· Full and partial camperships based on financial need are available.
For information on any of these programs please feel to contact our office at 1-800-741-6931 (920-893-0782) or anokijig@excel.net.
For information on all of our programs and happenings see http://www.anokijig.com/.
If you still need to reserve your date; choose your method:
· Easy online registration at https://www.anokijig.com/2009%20web%20registration%20form.htm
· Download a printable form for US Mail or fax at http://www.anokijig.com/2009registration%20form%20updated.pdf
· Or call our office direct at 1-800-741-6931 (920-893-0782) and we’ll gladly have a real live person ready to help you.
If you are one of the many that have already secured your session; WELCOME BACK! We can’t wait to see you! Also remember if you recruit a new friend to come to camp you get a discount, recruit 5 new friends and your week is FREE. Or maybe that lets you come to another week of camp for more Outrageous Fun!
Anokijig 2009 is going to be great. Let us be your summer stimulus package. Sign-up now!
See you this summer!
Take Care,

Darin Holden
Program Director
Camp Anokijig
http://www.anokijig.com/
"Anokijig Changes Lives"

Freedom & Responsibility

I met with the parent of some campers yesterday and their insight into Anokijig was profound. We often hear stories of how campers and their parents consider Anokijig to be a "magical" experience, but it's often difficult to put a finger on what makes it "magical."

The reason for this may be that there is no single reason why children and families have such wonderful experiences at Anokijig. I do often recognize two unique aspects of the Anokijig experience, that appeal to children- the combination of freedom and responsibility.

Campers at Anokijig suddenly find themselves in a situation, where they are given far more freedom than they see in their daily lives. When campers arrive at Anokijig, they are given choices of which skill periods they would like to choose for the week, but beyond that, they are given even more choices of how to spend their free time at Anokijig. The schedules of kids at home are often filled, from the moment they get up to the time they go to sleep, with school, athletics, extra-cirricular activities and studying.

Although they don't often realize it, campers have even more choices at Anokijig, because their options don't include watching TV, texting, talking on the phone, e-mailing friends or playing video games. It's amazing what the unplugged world has to offer to these kids.

At the same time, these campers are given more responsibilty than most of them are accustomed to having. If they choose sailing for a skill, they are instructed how to set up their boat and then they are encouraged to head out and explore the lake. Where else can kids take boats out on a body of water, without having adults onboard, deciding when and where they should go?

Anokijig campers are also given a trading post account and many face their first life experience with budgeting their finances. If they choose, they can spend all of their trading post money on arts and crafts projects, but they might decide they want to save some for a horse ride or a snack. Ultimately, the decision is their's alone and they enjoy it!

Anokijig campers are also given other responsibilities, including keeping their bunk area neat and orderly and "hopping" their table for meals. Anokijig counselors occasionally remind campers of their duties, but most of the responsibility to remember falls on their shoulders and they readily accept the challenge.

It will come as no surprise to many Anokijig parents, that this behavior carries over to their lives away from Anokijig. How many campers are reminding their parents right now, to register for the upcoming summer? If your kids are in that group, you can take care of registration today, by following this link- https://www.anokijig.com/2009%20web%20registration%20form.htm

Casino Night to Benefit Anokijig

A few weeks back we told you about an upcoming fundraiser being held in Racine, to benefit Camp Anokijig. We asked our adult volunteers to pitch in and help if they could and we're so appreciative of the dozens who responded.

Now, we'd like to remind the rest of our adult supporters to attend Las Vegas Night this Saturday at Festival Hall in Downtown Racine.

A Texas Hold'em Tournament will begin at 5:30pm. Doors open at 5pm. A $50 donation includes reservation and entry into Texas Hold'Em prize drawing. Reservations required for the Texas Hold'em Tournament. Call (262) 632-6262 to reserve your spot at the table! Seating is limited.

Las Vegas Night will run from 7-10 pm. Las Vegas style gambling includes Blackjack, Craps, Roulette and Money Wheel. A $5 donation includes entry participation in the silent auction and Grand Prize Drawing, PLUS $100 funny money to gamble with. Purchase your Las Vegas Night tickets by calling Camp Anokijig at (920) 893-0782.

There will also be a Grand Prize Drawing with the following prizes-

1st Place – Trip for Two to Las Vegas PLUS $500 cash

2nd Place - $750 cash

3rd Place - $500 cash

We look forward to seeing you there and thank you for your continued support of Camp Anokijig!

A Peek Into the Anokijig Archives

The more things change, the more some things stay the same. This picture of Anokijig's waterfront from the 1950s doesn't look all that different than the waterfront today.

It's reassuring to know that Anokijig in many ways, still remains the same great camping experience, that it's been since 1926. If you have old pictures of Anokijig, that you'd be willing to share with us, please send them to:

Camp Anokijig

W5639 Anokijig Lane

Plymouth, WI 53073

What Are Program Hours Anyway?

So what are "program hours" and why do we often refer to how many of them we pack in during a given summer? The simple answer is somewhat of a mathmatical equation and it lets people know how much time kids are actually spending "doing stuff" at Anokijig.

Assuming a typical camper shows up on a Sunday afternoon and falls asleep exactly when the bugle blows taps each night and doesn't wake up until they hear reveille the following morning, program hours are the time campers spend engaged in activities at Anokijig. In a typical camper week ending on Saturday, we conservatively estimate this total to be about 80 hours. We know this number is conservative, because campers don't always fall asleep or wake up exactly according to schedule and these numbers don't include the hundreds of campers who stay for multiple weeks at a time, which results in even more hours of programming over the weekend.

These numbers also don't take into consideration the fact that many of our campers are spending their first extended period of time away from home in their life! It also doesn't take into account the experiences many of these campers have, while they are laying in their bunks after taps or before reveille. They hear sounds they've never heard in their beds at home- the wind blowing through the trees, owls in the distance, crickets and frogs calling out to each other or the gentle tapping or raindrops on their tents. For many Anokijig campers, these are truly once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

The true impact of program hours really hits home, when Jim Scherer announces our final summer numbers. In 2008, Anokijig hosted 2,534 campers. That equals more than 200,000 hours of programs and activities at Anokijig, just during our nine weeks of summer camp! That is a huge number to wrap your head around and as I try to explain how long 200,000 hours is, I often draw the comparison to my son's youth basketball team.

If my son plays on a team that practices once a week and has one game a week, over the course of a 12-week season, he will be actively involved in a basketball program for a total of about 36 hours. If he has ten kids on his team, the entire team will have about 360 hours of basketball at the end of the season. If the league has ten teams, that still only equals about 3,600 hours per year. Kids at Anokijig spend about that much time engaged in activities each day during the summer.

There are a few other things to remember about our 200,000 hours of programs and activities. This number only accounts for the time summer campers spend at Anokijig and does not include the countless groups and families, who use Anokijig throughout the other 41 weeks of the year. This also doesn't include the amount of time young adults spend in Anokijig's leadership programs throughout the year. While many camps charge a fee for these programs, Anokijig has always offered them free of charge.

We feel fortunate to provide so many unique opportunities to our campers each year and we thank all of you for your wonderful support of Anokijig!

139 Days Until the First Day of Camp....Or Is It?

Believe it or not, Camp Anokijig never really closes. Even though we take the tents down and the piers out of the lake, Anokijig never closes it's doors. If your group or school would like to come out and enjoy winter at Anokijig, call our Director, Jim Scherer at 920-893-0782 and book a date today! In addition to our tube hill, Anokijig has miles of cross country ski trails, snowshoe paths and a lake full of hungry fish, lurking just below the ice. Give us a call today!

All-In For Anokijig

Dear Anokijig Supporters,

We would like to let everyone know of a fun local event that is an opportunity for you to help support Anokijig and its programs.

The Racine Founders Rotary Club is holding a “Las Vegas Casino Night – Benefit” Saturday evening February 21st, 2009 at the Racine Festival Hall in downtown Racine. This is an annual event that raises money to benefit non-profit programs. This year, the Club has generously offered to include Camp Anokijig as one of the organizations that the proceeds will support.

The evening includes “funny money” casino games, a silent auction, a grand prize drawing, and a Texas Hold’em Tournament. An evening of food and fun; all for a great cause.

As with most great events however, they don’t run themselves. This event will require many volunteers to insure a successful evening. Therefore Anokijig is putting out the call asking as many of our adult supporters as possible to spend the evening with us. We’ll need people to run games, deal cards, help with food, and many other positions. Don’t worry if you don’t know how to run a casino game, part of the program is to teach you.

The event starts at 5pm and runs until 10pm. If you are available for all or part of that time, come join Jim, Darin, Heidi, Scott M., Don, Scott S., and a bunch more of the Anokijig crew, as we have a great fun time raising money for Anokijig.

Here is a chance for all of our great Southeastern Wisconsin supporters to help Anokijig without leaving your own “backyard." If you have always wanted to volunteer for camp but haven’t been able to make it up for an event, a weekend, or week, here is your chance to make a difference!

If you are an adult and would like to volunteer, please contact Anokijig at 1-800-741-6931, or email Darin at darinh@excel.net , and tell us that you’re “ALL IN.”

We hope to see you there. Keep thinking warm thoughts. Just 146 days until summer camp!


Take Care,

Darin Holden
Program Director
Camp Anokijig

Another Tube-A-Thon Success!

Many thanks go out to Anokijig's army of volunteers, who made our 2009 Tube-A-Thon another wonderful success. More than $9,000 was raised over the weekend for Anokijig's campership program, which helps send children to camp, who might not otherwise be able to do so.

We are so thankful for all the generous folks, who know the powerful impact an experience at Anokijig can have on a young child. If you weren't able to join us this year, but would like to help send a child to Anokijig this summer, you can do so by following this link-https://www.anokijig.com/pledge.htm

As a special treat, please enjoy this amazing video of one of Anokijig's legendary tube trains