News Archives
The Waters of Sunshine 2010 are completed...
or are they???
THE WHEEL OF THE WATER GOES ROUND AND ROUND AND THE WHEEL OF THE WATER GOES ROUND...
At Sunshine 2010 WE LOVE WATER! We love to drink water, play in it, bless with it, sing about it and learn from it. WE LOVE WATER!
We discovered that WATER is a JOY, a delight, with refreshing sips of water from the ever-present water jugs, to beach day, pool time, showers, and "all camp water fight". We know that Camp Sunshine, like water, is the joy and delight of all who participate in its development and experiences. Our Sunshine family and especially our campers are our joy and delight as we again shared laughter and stories, new experiences and quiet sunsets.
We were reminded that WATER is PRECIOUS; that we are made of mostly water, we need water, and we need to protect the precious water around us. In our lessons we were reminded that we can offer one another living water, precious love and care and acceptance from within. Like water, Camp Sunshine and the Sunshine family are precious as we care for one another, offering one another a cup of refreshment for in thirsty places of life.
The Waters of Sunshine taught us that WATER IS A BLESSING. Around the world people need and use water as a sign of life, as a symbol of faith, as a reminder of who they are. Baptismal waters, healing waters, birthing waters, are all reminders of BLESSING. We are both blessed and like water, are a blessing to others. Use of the fountain of St.Francis, touching the 
waters to our special friends’ hands or heads we reminded one another that each one is blessed, that we all are loved just the way we are, no exceptions. How special it was to “bless Doc” Van Hoeven with a water blessing reminder as he has "blessed" so many throughout the years.
Noah's story of water sent us back home with the reminder that WATER IS A PROMISE. The rainbow is a reminder, both to God and to us, of a covenant of care for all the earth and all its life. As we depart from another year at Camp we have the PROMISE of God's love and care and we promise to love and care for one another until we return next year.
Like the wheel of the water taking shape in many ways, with many faces, and many hands, we trust in the living waters' source that trickling, springing, raining, bubbling, showers of love that Sunshine instills in us and around us will continue to go 'round and 'round. After 28 seasons of Camp Sunshine we all know that this year will go and come
round again with "more Sunshine heaven in 2011".
8th Annual Camp Sunshine Charity Golf Event
In loving memory of Lana Antvelink, we held the 8th Annual Charity Golf Event to benefit Camp Sunshine on June 5, 2010. Lana had Down's syndrome and attended this special camp every August for 19 years prior to her "Homegoing" on March 14, 2002. This charity event has been developed to financially support Camp Sunshine and it's programs benefiting these special young people.
Thank you to everybody who participated or donated items for this event. A special thanks to the Antvelink family who organizes this event each year.
Camp Sunshine Lost a Wonderful Counselor
Jeffrey Christensen
On Monday, December 14, 2009, Camp Sunshine lost a wonderful counselor, Jeffrey Christensen. Our sympathy goes out to Jeff's parents and his brother Chad, who also is a Camp Sunshine counselor. These words were written by his family.
"Jeff Christensen, age 21, loved helping others and held a special place in his heart for people with special needs. As a Camp Sunshine counselor, Jeff had a way with the campers that was remarkable for such a young man. Working with the campers drew Jeff in and they truly inspired him. He loved camp every year where the smiles
were contagious and where he could share his quiet faith simply be being the loving individual that he was.
Although he volunteered there to give his time and talents, Jeff received so much more in return and was a better person for it."
We are grateful that Jeff's family chose Camp Sunshine as the memorial. To this date, there is over $830.00.
Please visit Jeff’s website here to leave a favorite memory or photo of Jeff or to sign his online guest book.
Counselor Reflection of Camp Sunshine
Alyssa Jensen
The first time I set foot outside of my car and onto Camp Sunshine’s soil, an anxious and restless feeling took over inside of me. I was nervous and completely unsure of what to expect. Not only was this my first time working at a camp, but it was my first time being surrounded by this type of diverse population. Within 30 minutes of my camper’s arrival, I was truly won over by her spirit. This is my 6th year and I plan on returning in 2010.
As the campers proceed into camp on opening day, their smiles bring in the sunshine and their contagious love spreads to everyone. The atmosphere Camp Sunshine creates is unexplainable in the sense that you will never be so drawn and inspired by a single person in your entire life as you are by your camper. When I think of what camp has done for me I think of the beautiful gift the campers have given me that I will hold forever in my mind and heart. Building a connection and a friendship with a person who cherishes every second of the life that God has given her/him has inspired me to appreciate every moment I have been given.
Franz P Shubert once said, “Some people come into our lives, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never the same.” Camp Sunshine has done just that. Everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the amazing moments that I have had at Camp Sunshine.
Parent's Reflection of Camp Sunshine
Ray and Jo Gager
August 3rd came with lots of rain, but that did not dampen Matt's spirit as today he was off to his beloved Camp Sunshine. As close as we can remember, this was year 26 for Matt and Sunshine. If Matt could tell you with words, we believe he would say it is the highlight of his life. As parents we can thank you for the gift of dignity you give to Matt's life and a reason to celebrate his being. "Yes, Jesus loves Him, Camp Sunshine tells us so".
A Personal Glance at Sunshine
Mimi Bush
Summer 2009 will be the ninth summer the Bush family has the opportunity to share in Camp Sunshine. As a family we have had the privilege to grow up and grow deeper with the Sunshine community through music, dance, play, wonder, tears of both joy and sadness, laughter, learning, and love. We, with our children who are now in college, plan our summer schedule around Camp Sunshine. Camp is holy space and time; holy in the sense that it is set apart from the rest of life, it is "sacred", infused with a spirit unlike what we often experience in the otherwise daily routines. Our daughters have a "count down" on FaceBook for Camp. Their childhood excitement for the Christmas holidays is now superceded by their anticipation for Sunshine. What is this about?
An old wisdom story:
There were three stonemasons at work side by side. Each was asked,
"What are you doing?"
The first, sweat on his brow, responded gruffly,
"What does it look like? I'm laying block."
The second, working methodically, answered, "I making a living."
The third mason, with clear eyes, said, "I am building a cathedral!"
The gift of Camp Sunshine is the privilege of participating in something much larger than our selves. Some might explain it as a sort of time warp, or a parallel universe, a paradise wherein for a short time we are transported to a place suggesting that all of life might be different than the demands, pressures, expectations, and exclusions we normally experience. Camp is more hope-filled, more grace-filled, where success and perfection are no longer the goal, where different is good, where who we are and what we have to offer is measured more by our openness to give, receive, and embrace mystery rather than our knowledge and skill. It is a freedom just to be. Sunshine is that unique place where the sacred resides in each camper, each counselor, and each volunteer. It makes me stop and stand amazed. Ahhh! So this is what the realm of God is like. "Oh Yes!" This is a taste of what reality should be.
I suspect that for many who experience Sunshine, the rest of life is "laying block" or "making a living", and is illusion. Camp is "real". It is a reminder of what can be. It teaches me to begin to live the Sunshine reality everyday, not just the first week of August. Together we are part of something much bigger, and Camp is the practice session. Together we are building a cathedral; beautiful, magnificent, and holy...and I get to part of it. Thanks.
Golf Outing Reflections
Todd Van Grouw
Sunshine prevailed at the 7th annual Camp Sunshine charity golf outing on Saturday, May 30, despite a brief encounter with a little "heavy dew" falling from the sky. (Did you know that it never actually "rains" at Camp Sunshine events?!) But blue sky soon returned for a record 112 golfers as they enjoyed a great day on the course. Nearly 170 feasted on steak and chicken after golf. No one won the Harley Sportster, the Pontiac lease, or the Yamaha Rhino 4x4 utility vehicle, all hole-in-one giveaways. At hole 15 alone, 47 balls went for a swim, with only 19 landing on the green. But everyone in attendance was rewarded with a great day and a little bit of Sunshine.
Several veteran campers greeted golfers and handed out name tags as they arrived. Another group of campers joined us for dinner. Sunshine volunteers handed out drinks on the course, sold raffle tickets and handed out giveaways. Jeff Antvelink and his dedicated family hosted another phenomenal event in memory of their beloved sister and daughter, Lana, an original and longtime Camp Sunshine camper.
As part of the dinner festivities, our camp chaplain extraordinaire, Rev. "Doc" Van Hoeven, interviewed camper Tim Jones about his experience at camp and his unique perspectives on life and faith. Tim then sang his trademark song, "Let There Be Peace on Earth." Let there be peace, indeed! The crowd sang to Doc to help celebrate his 75th birthday—as he looks forward to his twenty-seventh year at camp. Out on the course, some golf balls flew where they were supposed to, other balls not so much. But the goal of raising money for the greatest camp around and sharing a little bit of Sunshine was right on course. Thanks to the Antvelinks and all who contributed to Camp Sunshine at this great event. We look forward to seeing you again in 2010!
View the Camp Sunshine Golf Outing 2009 pictures here
Be a Counselor - Make a Difference
Doug Ammeraal
Who Can Make a Difference?
Many individuals believe that working with individuals with special needs "requires the patience of a saint." While it does require a lot of patience, what it requires more of is human compassion - something many of us have, but don't seem ready to acknowledge. Every summer, for the past 27 years, young men and women from local high schools and colleges have shown this human compassion! Last year alone, over 200 counselors and CITs (counselors in training) gave their time, energy, and hearts to Camp Sunshine & to the campers. Now it's your turn.
What are the Details of Camp Sunshine?
Camp Sunshine conducts two consecutive 3 night/4 day camps on the shores of Lake Michigan at Camp Blodgett. Each counselor is paired with a camper giving a unique, special one-to-one relationship. There is singing, dancing, arts and crafts, swimming, special events, and much more. The out-pouring of love, compassion and joy will fill your heart and make each moment special.
When is it?
Session I = August 3-6
Session II = August 7-10
How old do I have to be?
The minimum age is 16 years old. Many applications have already been mailed in. Be sure to get yours in as soon as possible. The deadline is May 15.
What Options are there for Volunteering at Camp Sunshine?
There are 3 options to show your compassion to the special population at Camp Sunshine.
*Option 1: Fulltime Counselor: paired up with camper, for either Session I or Session II.
*Option 2: CIT (counselor in training): you will be paired with a counselor and camper for 24 hours.
*Option 3: Floater: previous counselors ONLY can provide relief for fulltime counselors
There is a mandatory orientation meeting that will be held on August 2, from 7-10 pm at Camp Blodgett.
How do I sign up?
Go to the application section, download, and print off the application. If you are a first time counselor, you must have 3 references and a belief statement sent in with your application. If you would like more information about volunteering at Camp Sunshine, please feel free to email Doug Ammeraal at dougammeraal@gmail.com
Day in the Life of a Counselor
Mark's journal entry:
Day 2
Tom woke up at 6:45 a.m., and woke me up to ask if it was time to get up. Everybody else in the cabin was still asleep, so I asked him if he could sleep a little while longer. He nodded and went back to sleep. Fifteen minutes later, he woke me up again and asked about breakfast. Obviously, Tom has more energy than I do in the morning. He insisted on showering before breakfast. When we got to the bath house, a lot of guys were already in the shower-a full hour before breakfast. My friend Matt was helping his camper with an electric razor. Luckily, Tom doesn't need to shave. Tom is pretty independent, and stayed in the shower while I got ready. I needed to remind him to use soap and shampoo, and to rinse really well. Other than that, he did everything by himself. He took a LONG shower!!! I swear he would have been in there for an hour if I let him. He forgot his towel in the cabin, so I ran back for it while Matt watched him. It's cool how counselors cover for each other.
I don't normally eat breakfast, but breakfast was pretty good. Tom wanted to sit by Cindy, as always. But Cindy was zooming around, so we sat by guys in our cabin instead. After breakfast, Doc told the Exodus story and tied it in to the exile of Native Americans. I love how his stories appeal to counselors and campers at the same time, on different levels. It's hard to know how much Tom understands. He seems to listen well. When I asked him about Doc's story, he repeated the facts. But I don't know how well he understood the concept of exile. Doc's talk made me realize that special people are in their own kind of exile. A week at Camp Sunshine is a week of freedom, because campers can be and do whatever they want, where nobody criticizes or stares at them.
We did arts and crafts, and then I had my break. Jenny, a floater, watched Tom during my break. I was going to take a nap on the beach, but played some hoops instead. Tom was looking for me when I went to the dining hall for lunch. After lunch, we had cabin time. Tom slept, and so did I. We both needed it. After nap time, we watched an African dance troupe down at the big top. They were great. The dancers invited Tom and a bunch of other campers to come up front. He didn't want to go at first, but I went up with him and he seemed to have fun. After dancing, Tom said his feet were sore, so we sat down with our snack. Tom is only 33, but he acts like he's 60 in terms of physical activity. I tried to get him to shoot some baskets, but he didn't want to. He seemed content to watch.
Tomorrow is the talent show. Tom wants to sing "Take Me Home, Country Road" by John Denver, his favorite song. He brought his CD. I hope he doesn't make me sing with him!!! I hate John Denver. Ah well. For Tom, I'll even sing John Denver if I have to. But maybe he'll sing with his camp buddies.
We hung out at the beach for the rest of the afternoon. Tom was a fish and really came alive in the water. He's normally a little bit calm, but he turned into a giggling maniac in the water. I had to get after him not to splash other people. He swims really well. He did a great job at buddy checks, but he didn't want to come out of the water when swim time was over. He was the last one out.
After dinner, we had a world carnival. Tom went to the face painters and asked them to paint a gecko on his face. Who knows where he got that idea. He thought it was hilarious and showed EVERYBODY the gecko on his cheek. He wouldn't let me wash it off at bedtime. He ate a ton of popcorn, and played some games. I think the gecko was his favorite thing today. After singing and Doc's talk, Tom was pooped. Tom didn't want to go to the bath house, and it took some coaxing, but he did it. Back in the cabin, Tom asked me to help him into his pj's. I know he can do it by himself, but he was tired, so I helped him. He fell asleep instantly. Tom is awesome. He's like a brother.
A volunteer church youth group showed up to watch the cabins, while all the counselors went up for our nightly staff meeting--and PIZZA! It's only our second day, but it seems like I've been at this for a week. I was pretty nervous about being a one-on-one counselor at first, but everybody helps out and makes it easy and fun. The program is awesome. Plenty to do, but plenty of options too. Plus, Cindy tries to give us breaks. How cool is that?! A bunch of us made a huge bonfire on the beach again tonight. There are some really cool people here, some of the coolest people I've met-counselors AND campers.
REFLECTIONS FROM COUNSELORS ON HOW CAMP SUNSHINE AFFECTS THEIR LIVES
The campers are the most powerful image of God to me. Their smiles, laughs and tears are what I imagine God wanting the world to be like."
"Camp Sunshine helps me become more understanding and less judgmental."
"Seeing how much these campers love life is inspiring. Observing their unconditional love is awesome and I want to be able to love everyone like that. Having a camper that I don't know come up and hug me is an awesome experience. It just makes me want to love and help others more. I learned a lot from campers this week!"
"Perspective. Perspective. Perspective. God uses this camp to celebrate difference, encourage acceptance and to grow both the camper and the counselor in love. God allows me to lose myself in service and then find the person God wants me to be. My camper taught me to see; God is everywhere! And in times of hardship, stress, doubt or sadness. God will always bring back the sun!"
"Camp Sunshine always brings my eyes back to God and God's amazing creation. This population changed my life 8 years ago and God should be glorified for creating such loving and caring people. This camp continuously brings me to my knees. Thank you for 4 days of "Heaven""
"I came to camp hoping to make a difference in my camper's life. But I quickly realized that God brought me here to learn from her. I saw God in each and every one of the campers. They are incredible people. Seeing the qualities in them has really challenged me to grow in my walk with God."
"I have learned that everyone is beautiful. And although sometimes special people are looked down upon, we have a whole lot more to learn from them than they can learn from us."
"I really learned to Love with no strings attached."
"I just love the environment of Camp Sunshine. There aren't very many places in the world where people of all shapes, sizes, colors, intelligences, abilities are so accepted, loved, and cherished. It's so great to be able to see the face of Jesus in so many campers and counselors. It's just so great to be in such a loving place."
"Camp Sunshine has really shown me how connected to God people can be. It is easy for me to think that very spiritual people are acting a little, but campers here are really spiritual in a way that means a lot."
Golf Outing Brings Happiness, Joy, and a New Year of Camp to Our Door Step
Luke Antvelink
For 7 years, the Antvelink family and many other volunteers have been hosting the Camp Sunshine Charity Golf Outing. This event routinely brings over a hundred people from all walks of life to unite for a common and amazing goal. This goal was brought forth by my uncle, Jeff Antvelink and made possible by all those who have participated in the Golf Outing throughout the years.
Seven years ago, my Aunt Lana passed away and my Uncle Jeff decided to turn grief into hope: hope that more Campers could live out the happiness that his Sister and my Aunt had experienced for 19 years. Lana loved Camp Sunshine and all those involved. Camp was one place I heard about almost every single time I saw her. So for the past 6 six years and this the seventh year, my Uncle Jeff has been raising money not only for Camp, but to raise awareness for people with special needs. All proceeds go to Camp Sunshine so that camp will remain affordable for all.
This year will be both my seventh year as a counselor and as a proud supporter of the Camp Sunshine Charity Golf Outing. Here we celebrate life and those who give us life. Lana touched so many people and gave so much happiness in her short time with us, therefore it only seems fitting to try to continue her work. Golfing in this event has made me closer to my family and with those people whose lives Lana touched in such positive ways. For 6 years, I have requested my friends to play for this noble cause on my foursome. They have been so moved by the sheer magnitude of love, compassion, and dedication to this cause that they will be coming again this year.
The Golf Outing will be held at Wallinwood Springs Golf Club in Jenison on May 30th. This event is open to all who would like to participate. The four- person scramble will be followed by dinner. A shotgun start will kick off the event promptly at 1pm with many raffle prizes. For more information, call Jeff Antvelink at (616) 318-3936. So come on out and celebrate the life of Lana Antvelink and the happiness that Camp Sunshine brings to countless people with special needs.
Year End Fundraising 2008
It's that time of year again; the time when charitable organizations ask for contributions.
Camp Sunshine operates through generous donations from people like you. I invite you to make a financial contribution that will help us keep this ministry vital. There are two ways you can help:
A tax-deductible gift to the Camp Sunshine general operating fund. This allows us to keep tuition reasonable so more people with disabilities can experience camp.
A tax-deductible gift to the Camp Sunshine endowment fund. This allows us to work toward our $300,000 goal. Reaching it will provide a solid foundation for the future.
Your gift helps ensure our two camping sessions for people with developmental disabilities will continue. A tax-deductible contribution to our general operating or endowment fund helps us bring the sunshine of God's love to a person with disabilities. To donate by check, please send it to the address at the bottom of this page. To donate by credit card or PayPal account, please click on "Donors." Thank you in advance for your generous support.
Sincerely,
Cindy Terlouw
Basketball Tournament 2008
For the third year in a row, Camp Sunshine, along with four local high schools (Hamilton, Holland, Holland Christian, and West Ottawa) are preparing for the 3rd Annual Sunshine Tournament. What began as an opportunity for girls basketball teams to compete has now blossomed into an event that helps impact Camp Sunshine and our high schools; it has become an event to help further the mission of Camp Sunshine.
The Sunshine Tournament has had an affect in a number of ways over the past two years. While it has given girls' basketball teams the opportunity to play and compete in a tournament setting, the bigger impact, perhaps, is the one it has had directly on Camp Sunshine. At this event there have been counselors, past and present, from each school play in the Sunshine Tournament. There have even been campers that competed in a Special Olympics basketball game at halftime. Campers have spoken to the fans and shared their love for Camp Sunshine. Through the generosity of many people, this event has been able to raise over $10,000 for Camp Sunshine. And above all, this tournament has shared with people in the community what a wonderful, special place Camp Sunshine is. The Sunshine Tournament has certainly touched people in our high schools, our community, and at Camp Sunshine.
This year's tournament is scheduled to be at Holland High School on December 2 and 3, with games being played at 6:00 and 7:30. There will also be a special event on the evening of December 3 beginning at 6:30 at Holland High. Camp Sunshine will have its first ever DVD Premier. Campers, counselors, friends and families are invited for food, activities, and a sneak peak of this years Camp Sunshine DVD. In addition to the premier, Camp Sunshine will also be unveiling its new website! This event is bound to be a great time and a wonderful addition to the Sunshine Tournament. We hope to see everyone there.
If you have any questions, concerns, or would like to sponsor this event, please feel free to contact Doug Ammeraal call 616-296-1829 or click here to email Doug.
A Parents Perspective on Camp
This year our son, Matt, turned 40. As we celebrated his birth, we found ourselves reminiscing on the lives Matt has touched and the numerous lives that have touched our son. As we strolled down memory lane, we recognized and celebrated the important role that Camp Sunshine has played in his life's journey. It seems like just yesterday (18 years ago) when we first dropped Matt off at Camp Sunshine. It was the first time Matt had participated; and we must admit we had a lump in our throats and felt a bit unsure about leaving behind our only son. We did however have an "ace in the hole." Our neighbor and beloved friend, Doc Van Hoeven, was the camp Chaplin. When we arrived at camp, we were deeply impressed with the counselors. They looked like a group from "Up with People." They were as wonderful as they appeared. The days passed quickly, and we were excited to pick Matt up. We expected Matt to be as overjoyed to see us as we were to see him. To be honest, he was not as enthusiastic as we expected. It was clear that Matt had such a wonderful time with his new found friends that he would have preferred to stay at Camp Sunshine. We knew this would be only the beginning. The next year, Matt returned to Sunshine (which was located at Camp Geneva at the time). That night, there was a violent storm which eliminated the power for the remainder of camp. Despite this setback, it didn't diminish Matt's enthusiasm at all! He was delighted with the adventure. The staff however looked a bit weary, but still had smiles from ear to ear.
Camp Sunshine served as a very safe respite for us. We knew Matt was very happy and it gave us the peace of mind to spend quality time with his sisters. As the years passed; Camp Sunshine became much more than a respite for us, it became a wonderful gift for Matt. Those days at camp were the highlight of the year for him. Each session, Matt would come home with a tape of the songs he learned including introductions tpf his best friend/counselor. The tapes eventually wore from so much use. As the years have passed, the technology has changed (we now have CDs and videos) but the friendships remain. The sadness of the last day of camp is only bearable with the promise that, "we will see you in 2007".
The highlight of camp is the talent show. We were quiet intrigued to hear what Matt would do to entertain his peers. Three years ago, we had the privilege to attend the performance. When it came time for Matt to perform, he went to the middle of the stage and was introduced as the "Clapper." With that simple introduction, the music started and Matt clapped with as much enthusiasm as an MSU victory. It was just a beautiful celebration as the other campers joined in for a thunderous ovation. But the story doesn't end there. Matt was invited to his counselor's wedding (who was marrying another counselor he met at Sunshine). When it came time to introduce the newly married couple, Matthew was asked to perform a special role. He was asked to start to clap. What an honor was bestowed on our son and what a gift he has been.
Ray has had the opportunity to become a board member. This afforded him the chance to see first hand why this camp is recognized as the best. The leadership, drive, energy, and commitment of Director Cindy Terlouw is the Sunshine that makes this grow.
Our son has given us so many gifts, but the one we treasure the most is the kindness and goodness in people. That's the lesson of Camp Sunshine.
Jo and Ray Gager