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| Summer 2009
Camp Schedule |
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Mini Camp:
May 22nd-24th,
Rising 1st and 2nd Graders;
$325.00 (Includes cost
for camper and parent/guardian)
Kid Camp 1:
May 27th-June 2nd,
Rising 3rd-5th Graders;
$395.00
Youth Camp:
June 5th-June 11th,
Rising 10th-12th Graders;
$395.00
Performing Arts Camp:
June 14th-June 20th,
Rising 4th-9th Graders;
$420.00
Intermediate Camp:
June 23rd-June 29th,
Rising 8th and 9th Graders;
$395.00
Junior Camp:
July 2nd-July 8th,
Rising 6th and 7th Graders;
$395.00
Kid Camp 2:
July 12th-July 18th,
Rising 3rd-5th Graders;
$395.00
Work Camp:
July 25th-July 30th,
Rising 10th Graders-Just Graduated;
$285.00
Emmaus House:
August 2nd-August 6th,
Emmaus House Summer Program
Guest Camp:
September 4th-September 7th,
Children, Adults, and Families of all Ages
OUTDOOR CAMPS
Outdoor Intermediate:
May 27th-June 2nd,
Rising 8th and 9th Graders;
$395.00
Outdoor Junior:
June 5th-June 11th,
Rising 6th and 7th Graders;
$395.00
Outdoor Youth:
July 12th-July 18th,
Rising 10th Graders-Just Graduated;
$395.00 |
| Matching Gifts Double the Money |
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| Does your or your spouse's employer have a matching gifts program? If so, then you can make twice the impact here at Mikell! We are compiling a list of our donors' employers that match their staffs' contributions. If you are employed by such a philanthropic organization, please let us know by sending your company's name to Kat Ballard, Assistant to the Director, at katballard.mikell@gmail.com. And give to Mikell's fund of your choice: the Annual Campaign, Scholarship Fund, Pool Fund, and Emmaus/Mikell Project are all worthy causes that can use your help. |
| Mikell Gets
a New Address
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| Stephens County has switched to 911 addresses, which means that Mikell has a new address. As of March 1, we cannot receive mail at the old address, so please note the change. Our new address is 237 Camp Mikell Court, Toccoa, GA 30577. Keep the correspondence coming; we love to hear from you! |
Our Wish List
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*Canon digital camera
*CD boom box *4-square balls
* Copy paper (white & multi-colored)
*Photo paper * Rechargeable AAA batteries and chargers
* Sharpies & dry erase markers
* Thermal laminating sheets
*Other office supplies
*New (or gently used) laptop computer
*Solar panels
* Adopt a Room/Cabin (mattresses, comforters, furniture, and mattress covers: contact Gary Bennett at 706.886.7515 for specifics)
*Heavy-duty tandem equipment trailer
* New tractor (L4400 Kubota)
We at Mikell greatly appreciate any contribution to help continue our ministry, which really is your ministry too. |
Leap for Literacy |
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Stephens County recently held its 3rd annual Leap for Literacy, and Mikell staffers jumped in for the second year in a row! Rhonda Wheeler, Amanda Segers, and Teela Aldrich leapt into near-freezing waters to raise money for the Read at Home Program and the Stephens Education Literacy Foundation. The Brides of Frankenstein, shown above in the Mikell kitchen, raised $582 for the fundraiser and came home with several awards, including Best Group Costume, Most Entertaining Leap, and 5th Highest Fundraiser. They're already planning their 2010 leap, and if you would like to support them as they Leap for Literacy, you can contact Amanda at mikell@alltel.net. | |
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Dear Mikell Friend ,
Welcome to Mikell Matters, Mikell's newsletter! We hope you find it informative and interesting. Please let us know what you think!
If you have friends, family or acquaintances who might like to keep up with Mikell news, please forward this newsletter along to them.
All the Mikell best,
The Mikell staff |
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2009 Camp Registration Underway
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| Registration for summer camp is up and running! You can sign up for the session(s) of your choice by going to www.campmikell.com and clicking the link for "Summer Camp". (Note that new campers should click "2009 Camp Registration" on the Summer Camp Links, and returning campers should click "Prev. Registered Access".
This year Mikell is beefing up the referral incentive program, called "Expanding the Family". When a veteran camper recruits a new camper, both campers receive a $25 rebate. Or, with 8 referrals, veteran campers get a FREE WEEK OF CAMP (a $395.00 value)! In addition to the $395.00 camp tuition, the camper gets recognized at camp and receives an autographed shirt from the summer staff (in addition to the regular camp T-shirt). So talk to your friends, younger siblings, and other acquaintances about coming to Camp Mikell!
As always, Mikell makes sure that no child misses summer camp on account of financial need. Through our scholarship fund, we partner with home churches and other agencies to help kids come to camp who would not otherwise be able to do so. Our scholarship program is funded completely by donors, and it is a way to make a real difference in a child's life. If you would like to contribute any amount, please mail a check to Mikell Camp & Conference Center, 237 Camp Mikell Court, Toccoa, GA 30577. Or you can pay by credit card by contacting Amanda Segers, Office Manager, at mikell@alltel.net or 706.886.7515.
We look forward to seeing you this summer!
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Campfire Quotables |
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The following letter was written by an Annual Campaign donor.
"Through faith, fun, love and community, Mikell is a place where children can be, and become, themselves."
Approximately 13 years ago, my son left our home for a week at what was then known as "Adventure Camp." When I picked him up a week later, I saw that a young boy had been transformed into a Spirit-filled young man of growing self-confidence.
The ride back to Athens was for me one of my most treasured moments with my son. And I believe his times at Camp Mikell provided defining moments in his life.
Thank you, Camp Mikell, and thanks be to God. |
| New Digs Around Mikell |
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Mikell is building a new cottage, thanks to Mrs. Cynthia Wasson Osborne. A longtime member of the Episcopal Church of the Atonement in Sandy Springs, Mrs. Osborne bequeathed nearly $120,000 to Mikell in her will. Set on the former site of Woodshed Cottage, the Osborne Building will provide three bedrooms and private baths, a screened-in porch, and a 40'x20' meeting space for groups. This is a boon to Mikell, where the demand for retreat lodging and meeting space is at a premium. Furthermore, the building will be securely supported by a tremendous foundation of steel-reinforced poured concrete.
The addition of the Osborne Building is part of our goal to provide hospitality for more, larger retreat groups.
Remembering Mikell in your will is a cost-effective, easy way to support the transforming ministry that takes place here. |
Coming soon to Mikell
and Blue Ridge Outdoor Education Center
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Coming Soon to Mikell:
St. Edward's Youth Group March 27-29
Southeastern Gathering April 2-5
Daughters of the King April 24-26
St. Paul's Youth Group April 24-26
Counselor Training April 25
Coming Soon to Blue Ridge:
Athens Montessori March 25-27
Oxford College March 27-29
Franklin Forest & WWE March 30-April 1
Neighborhood Charter March 30-April 1
Athens Montessori April 6-8
Excel Christian Academy April 15-17
Tattnal High School April 22-24
Heard Elementary April 28-29
Seventh Day Adventist School April 29-May 1
Spaces are available for groups and private retreats! Come relax and get away from the busy-ness of life, or bring your next meeting, family reunion, or retreat to Mikell. A few weekends are still available for the spring season: May 8-10 and 15-17 are completely open, and limited spaces are available on other weekends. Contact Amanda Segers at 706.886.7515 or mikell@alltel.net for more information. |
Meet a Mikeller
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 This section is dedicated to introducing you to the Mikell staff "family", so that you're more familiar with us before you even set foot on the Mikell campus!
This month, meet Josh Rood, Director of the Blue Ridge Outdoor Education Center. He coordinates the experiential education programs for schools and other groups that visit us throughout the year.
What do you do at Mikell?
I run the residential experiential education program here at Mikell during the spring and fall. I hire and train BROEC staff in the outdoor class curriculum, schedule school groups for a visit, and maintain the nature center exhibits and collections (including 27 live animals, all available for adoption). I am also the challenge course manager for the high ropes, low elements, the climbing tower. In the summer, I am in charge of running Outdoor Camps for Mikell.
How long have you worked at Mikell?
I have been affiliated with Camp Mikell since 2001, when I was on Blue Ridge staff. I have been here at least once every year since either as a summer camp Dean or BROEC staff training, and in my heart, I never really left. However, I have been on full time Mikell staff since 2005, when I became Director of Blue Ridge Outdoor Education Center.
What are some things that you love about Mikell?
The people. The community of campers, the compassion of the Mikell staff who keep this place going. Stories that are made and love to be re-told
The potential. This place is not perfect, and many improvements are wonderful to dream about and one day achieve. We add to the positive potential of people, too. I love when the visitors and participants take their experience here and help it make them be better humans.
The place. I enjoy the seasons full of daily lessons that nature has to teach. My classroom is the footbridge crossing, the wetlands, the waterfall, the treetops, the fire ring, and anywhere else I can find that magic.
How do you see the Mikell of the future?
Recognized and supported for the vital role we play in the improvement of children for our communities, our diocese, and our world. A continued sacred, safe and wonderful place where all people find harmony with each other and within themselves.
What would you like Mikell guests and supporters to know about you?
My wife's name is Shannon, and we have a son, Gabriel, who will be 3 in September. We like to go on hikes together and play in the creek when the weather gets warm. I enjoy playing guitar, learning banjo, building stuff, and I am trying to learn some smithing skills (as in blacksmith).
Is there anything you'd like to tell Mikell guests and supporters?
I have started a campaign called "Save the Wetland Boardwalk" that will hopefully replace the over-loved wetland boardwalk. For $10, $15, or $20 you can purchase a board (different sizes) with your name or a loved one engraved on it. Board by board, we can rebuild this wonderful learning space. If you want to purchase a board, please contact me (706.886.7621 or blueridge@alltel.net)
The BROEC logo is specifically designed for our program. The sun shines over our mountains and stream here while the Blue Ridge 2-lined salamander (a species specific to this area) keeps watch.
Not just for summer and weekends... Mikell Magic continues all year. Thousands of students visit the Blue Ridge program during the fall and spring. | |
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