1. Testimonial bulletin insert. Download this file and print it as an insert for your church bulletin. Your church can print it one-sided without the pledge form if you prefer.

2. Postcards & bookmarks: These glossy postcards and thank-you bookmarks are available for you! Email gillian@camptalahi.org if you need them sent to you.

3. Text for bulletin announcements: If you just want to add an announcement about camp to your bulletin, here’s some suggested text:

Rejoice in a new beginning! Camp Talahi is reopening in 2012. Visit www.camptalahi.org for more information on signing up for camp and other ways to help out. Thank you for all your support and we hope to see you this summer!

We have also had a generous offer to match up to 10,000 from a donor at First Congregational Church, UCC of Romeo! We know many churches have started fundraising for this goal and their donations haven’t even been counted yet! Thank you and keep up the great work!

Of course, we do still have a way to go, but our goal is in sight! We have received some generous in-kind donations, including accounting services, legal services and graphic design, which chopped over $20,000 off our budget!

We also figured out some ways to reduce our opening cost by about $25,000 from our original plan (of $100,000) and still run an excellent program. Now, we need about $40,000 more before camp opens on April 1.

We have come so far since we thought that camp would be sold and never reopened! This is an incredible opportunity to change the lives of a new generation of young people. So, how do we get there?

1. Take the Romeo $1 Challenge!

This could raise as much as $20,000 for camp, getting us halfway to our goal!

2. Become a Member!

Did you just get a tax refund this year? Please consider giving $100 and becoming part of Camp Talahi’s future.

3. Talk to your church about giving

Grace UCC in Grosse Pointe donated $10,000 in start-up funds, without which we would never be where we are today! Could your church help invest in UCC kids at Camp Talahi? Please contact info@talahifamily.com.

Gillian goes over the waterfront schedule with lifeguards Kris and Bobby

Each of Camp Talahi summer programs are organized and lead by a volunteer Dean. Deans are charged with planning the campers’ daily activities, crafts, and schedule. Do you think you have what it takes?

This summer we are asking individuals interested in leading a camping program at Talahi to submit a proposal by March 1, 2012. Email info@talahifamily.com and ask for your Dean Proposal Kit. This kit will include information about this summer’s theme, potential schedules, scriptures and budget.

Through this process we hope to give potential deans feedback and suggestions to make 2012 the best summer EVER! If you are interested in becoming a dean, but are a little unsure where to start, we can (and will) help! Just email info@talahifamily.com.

Deans will be selected on a first come first served basis.

Click here to download the Camp Talahi Dean’s Kit

The last (chilly!) meeting of the "COGS"

NOTE: This meeting has been postponed until Sunday, January 29! Sorry for the inconvenience and we hope you can join us!

Want to help camp? Have a couple hours, or more, to lend? Please join us for this afternoon meeting! There will be opportunities to fit every skill set!

Live far away? We’ll also be having some folks Skype in to the conversation! email info@talahifamily.com for details.

We’re looking for volunteers to help in LOTS of ways, for example…

Work Weekends in April/May
– being on work weekend planning team
– selecting and planning work projects
– making sure people get fed
– seeking donations of materials for work projects

Outreach
– Visiting churches to talk about the Romeo Challenge
– Making presentations about camp
– Reaching out to potential rental groups

Fundraisers
– Helping plan the 5k/triathlon events!
– Planing other events (golf outing, fall family fun fest)
– Working with local churches on running their own fundraisers

Logistics
– Revising the staff manual
– Getting permission forms and med forms in order (for the organizer in you!)
– Setting up website and online forms/payments

Marketing
– Creating materials (graphic design)
– Helping with the newsletter and website (writing)
– Getting Talahi’s name out there on camp websites, etc (writing/web)

Start Time: 1:00pm
Date: 2012-01-21
End Time: 4:00pm

Location: St. James Church, Saline MI

Hello,
The children of Salem UCC in Albion, MI collect money from our congregation each Sunday. They put it in their account called Salem’s Helping Hands. They vote on how to use this money. They have helped local families who have house fires, given stranded visitors money for car repairs, etc.

They were very excited to hear that Camp Talahi was opening again and wanted to send money to make sure they could come this summer! They have voted to send you $200 to use as you need for the camp. Merry Christmas. Love, Salem’s Helping Hands.

And here’s what I have to say to them:

Dear children of Salem’s Helping Hands,

Thank you so much for your contribution and your wonderful letter! You have no idea how great it felt to read your note today. Things have been so busy trying to get insurance, crunch numbers, and get things ready for the summer that it can get pretty overwhelming!

Seeing your note in the mail reminded me why I care so much about camp – it’s because it meant so much to me when I was a kid, and I am so glad to be reminded that that kids like you feel the same way. I’ll keep working hard, and I hope I will see you all this summer at Talahi!

Many thanks,
Gillian

P.S. don’t worry, you’ll be getting a real letter from me in the mail soon, too. I promise!

Step 1: Go to church and make an announcement.

It could go something like this:

“Hi, my name is ____ and I have an announcement about Camp Talahi. Camp Talahi has been an important place to (me/my kids) and we are raising money to help camp re-open this summer and provide a fun, faith-filled experience for kids in the UCC in Michigan. We are asking church members to contribute one dollar. Yes, just one dollar! Each dollar we raise will be matched, thanks to a private donation from a member of the First Congregational Church, UCC of Romeo. There is a basket (in the narthex/at coffee hour/etc.) where you can make a donation”

Step 2: Put out a donation basket

This is the easy part! all it takes is some kind of basket/hat/shoebox and a sign.

Step 3: Repeat every Sunday for for 3-4 weeks

Step 4: Send donations to First Congregational Church, UCC of Romeo and have your donation doubled!

First Congregational Church, UCC Romeo
102 Church St.
Romeo, Mi. 48065
Mark it “CAMP TALAHI ”
They will match it (up to $10,000) and send it all to Camp Talahi Retreat and Nature Center!

We are looking for other churches who think they have the best Chili. Customers will pay for a ticket to taste the different chilis, cast their vote for the one they like the best, and get a bowl full of that kind for lunch. The winner will get a trophy to display at their church for one year.

THE BEST PART IS… ALL MONEY RAISED GOES TO CAMP TALAHI!!!!!!

Afterwards we will play bunco for fun. (According to Wikipedia, “Bunco is a social dice game involving 100% luck and no skill… with simple rules”) It promises to be a fun afternoon!

Location
St. James United Church of Christ
11005 W. Michigan Avenue
Saline, MI 48176

contact info@camptalahi.org for more details!

Date: Sunday, February 12, 2012
Start Time: 1:00 pm
End Time: 4:00 pm

Click here to download a printable flyer for the event!

Mini camp tug-of-war!

Created for our youngest campers who are ready for a 3-night sleepover, this shortened version of our camp program offers a great introduction to summer camp. Campers will be able to swim, hike, craft, play, sing and explore under the supervision of a trained staff.

This session is for campers who have completed kindergarten to 2nd grade.

Start Date: Thursday, July 5
Start Time: 4:00 pm
End Date: Sunday, July 8
End Time: 11:00 am (please note the early pick up time!)

Camp registration will open on February 1. Register by April 15 and get $10 added to your account in the camp store!

Junior campers on the Adventure Course

A long-standing Talahi tradition, this camp is a full five day session of all the activities you’d expect from summer camp. Campers will work together to finish our Adventure Course, plan the evening Vespers service, canoe on our secluded lake, and make crafts and (it almost goes without saying) memories to last a lifetime!

For campers who have completed grades 3-5
Start Date: Sunday, July 8 2012
Start Time: 4:00 pm
End Date: Friday, July 13 2012
End Time: 3:00 pm

Games get creative at Adventure Camp

One of our most popular camps, Adventure Camp is an action-packed week filled with every bit of the traditional summer camp experience. Highlights of Adventure Camp include horseback riding and a river canoe trip! Campers will also swim, roast marshmallows, and expand on their relationship with God through active and engaging worship services.

Adventure Camp is designed for campers who have completed grades 6-8.

Start Date: Friday, July 29 2012
Start Time: 4:00 pm
End Date: Sunday, August 3 2010
End Time: 3:00 pm

Campers saddle up on a trip to Hell Creek Ranch