IMPACT: Inspiring others Makes Positive Active Change Together

IMPACT: Inspiring others Makes Positive Active Change Together

For the Summer of 2018 we launched a new teen program for campers 14-16 years old. In addition to our Teen Adventure (Voyager) program which is also for 14-16 year olds, the IMPACT program is designed for teens wanting to make a positive impact at Camp and in our community. Each morning IMPACT campers traveled to counties surrounding Camp Potawotami to give back and make a difference in the community. They learned about the organizations’ mission and programs well as completed a project at each one. In addition to volunteering, IMPACT campers participated in traditional summer camp activities such as cabin activities, water free time, one night of cooking their dinner out and evening programs like campfire, all-camp games, and our Wampum ceremony. The purpose of this program is to develop skills in our teens, giving the opportunities to learn about what local organizations do, and open their eyes about how their few hours of hard work and giving back and positively influence the people living in the surrounding counties. We are hoping this program grows in the future and more young leaders will strengthen the bonds between YMCA Camp Potawotami and the surrounding organizations in our community.

On Monday, IMPACT campers traveled to the Cole YMCA to work with 150 young day campers and lead camp programming for them. Our teens were able to collaborate with the YMCA staff at their facility to lead activities including lake study, arts and crafts, camp songs, an obstacle course, and some popular camp games. Our teens were able to collaborate with the YMCA staff at their facility. 

Tuesday, they traveled to Black Pine Animal Sanctuary where they were able to learn about the the animals they serve as well as clean up the trails to make them safer for visiting guests.

Wednesday, IMPACT campers went to the Gene Stratton-Porter Society in Rome City, Indiana. There they were able to tend to the acre garden that is on site, as well a tour the historic house and learn about Gene and how she used the grounds while she was a writer.

Thursday, they gave back to Camp Potawotami by coating our colorful adirondack chairs with a fresh coat of paint. The teens were able to give back to a place they have loved attending for so many years and see their younger peers enjoy the result of their hard work.

Friday, the teens traveled to the Kendallville Humane Society to interact with the cats and dogs that were in their care. IMPACT campers helped tidy living quarters, take dogs for walks, and play with the cats who are all up for adoption. Thank you, IMPACT campers, for all of the hard work that you did for Camp and for our community during the Summer of 2018!

Waterfront Safety at Camp Potawotami

At the waterfront we offer canoeing, stand up paddle boarding, kayaking, corcles, pedal boating, swimming, aqua jump, and a pontoon ride. All the activities available at the waterfront are supervised by our lifeguards. Our lifeguards are certified through the American Red Cross. They are trained on performing saves and are always scanning the water to make sure the children remain safe. Not only are they certified through the American Red Cross, but our lifeguards are required to attend a monthly in-service where they practice their skills and prepare them for any situation that might occur at the waterfront. Before the children begin any of the activities at the water front they must complete a swim test. Each child is tested and given a red, yellow, or green band depending on how they do during the swim test. Each band has areas of the water where they are allowed to go. Some bands are restricted from some areas of the water do to their swimming ability. Anyone that chooses boating is required to wear a life jacket. All life jackets are checked by one of our staff members before any child can take a boat out on the lake. A lifeguard is always stationed with the boaters to make sure that all children remain safe on their excursion. Children are also required to wear a life jacket when using the aqua jump. Two lifeguards are stationed at the aqua jump to make sure that all the campers remain safe. The waterfront is our most popular places at camp and we do everything we can to keep it safe for everyone.