Lasting Memories at Coldwater Camp

Last year was Art Reach of Mid-Michigan’s first Coldwater Camp art in nature experience. The event was a three-day, two-night camp with the aim of engaging artists of all ages and making intergenerational-family memories.

Guests were given the option of staying overnight or attending as day guests. They signed up for three days of activities that were geared toward all ages to encourage whole families to get out into nature and make art together. Some of the activities offered at the event were tie dye, bingo, yoga on the beach, assorted make & take crafts, nature scavenger hunt, painting, sandcastle creation, trivia, and s’mores by the camp fire every night.

Art Reach Mid-Michigan’s initial target was to host at least 15 families across the three-day excursion. That target was exceeded. In the end, 20 families represented, with a total of 45 participants, including one family who joined spontaneously as a result of seeing the activities. Participants journeyed from Isabella, Clare, Gratiot, Kent, and Otsego counties to engage in art and nature.

One young participant had not previously participated in any Art Reach program. She saw the flyer at Pisanello's and her dad signed the two of them up to attend as day-campers. They had so much fun that they are planning to camp out this year. Another duo, a Grandmother and her granddaughter, stayed in a cabin together and delighted in the intergenerational experience.

Thanks to the Theunissen Family Fund of the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation, the Art Reach instructors, and Coldwater Camp grounds, two dozen families were able to enjoy art and nature while making lasting memories and, for many, the start of an enduring family tradition.