This popular full-day camp served a total of 149 children in 2022 – a 65.5% increase from the previous year. Over the course of the summer, Club members completing kindergarten through eighth grades enjoyed a diverse schedule of activities designed to align with BGCLPC’s focus on Academic Success, Character & Citizenship and Healthy Lifestyles.

Program highlights included:

• Field trips to the library, bowling alley, movie theater, Potawatomi Zoo and Luhr Park

• Visits to the Marsh Elementary School playground

• Building/erupting volcanoes during STEM time

• A Club-wide door decorating contest

• Weekly theater classes offered in partnership with Dunes Arts Foundation

• Regular Career Exploration sessions as part of the Indiana Kids program

• A very special visit from Lenny the sloth through the “Zoo to You” program

• Tie-dyeing Club shirts – an annual tradition!

• Free breakfast, lunch and snacks daily

Camp culminated with a two-day End-of-Summer Celebration featuring water games, a unicorn sprinkler, a giant parachute and a visit from the Kona Ice truck.

“Our Clubs support a community with diverse families, including many children that need a place to spend their summer,” says Lee Ann Killingbeck, BGCLPC Board Vice President. “I’m proud to say, not only based on my participation but the consistent feedback we receive from parents, caregivers and members, that our Clubs are doing this! Providing this asset for free and in the most difficult times, including during the pandemic, has been invaluable to local families. We hope that with the support of our community we will continue to grow and expand services to meet the needs of all La Porte County kids.”

Financial support for BGCLPC’s 2022 summer camp program was generously provided by Michigan City Community Enrichment Corporation, Indiana State Department – 21^st Century Community Learning Centers, Indiana Department of Education - R.E.A.C.H., Unity Foundation of La Porte County, GAF (Tie-Dye Sponsor), LaPorte Seamless Gutter (End-of-Summer Celebration Sponsor), Kylee Norman and Lee Ann Killingbeck (Unicorn Sponsors). Additional funds were raised through the organization’s 2022 Annual Campaign.

“Our summer camp gets bigger and better every year – we’re already talking about 2023!” says Michelle Shirk, BGCLPC Chief Executive Officer. “We are deeply appreciative of the community support that helps us remove barriers and ensure an unforgettable summer camp experience is within reach of every child in our community.”