Camping and tripping adventures have played an important role in Camp Nicolet program since camp's establishment in 1944. In the early years tripping adventures started small, with campouts taking place among the pines on the shores of Franklin Lake. Old camp films from the late 40s and early 50s show carloads of campers with canoe trailer in tow headed for an area river for an overnight or multiple day excursion. Nicolet's camping and tripping adventures have developed over the years, but the purposes and goals of this unique area of the camp program remain the same: to give campers exposure in a positive manner to outdoor living and campcraft skills - and more recently, to teach campers the principles behind minimal impact and leave-no-trace camping. The Porcupine Mountains Backpacking Trip emerged with the developing camping and tripping program sometime during the 1950s. In this edition of News from Franklin Lake, we'll bring you some great pictures from Porkies I in 2004, lead by Kelly Hoell, Allison Adams, and Jeremy Starz. All participants did a great job, and this unique opportunity allowed the campers to become exposed to nature and the shores of Lake Superior, all while overcoming challenges in a wilderness environment. Here are some pictures from the trip - enjoy!

What's Happening at Camp??

• October 1st, 2004 - Early Bird Registration for 2005 deadline
• February, 2005 - Annual Midwest Open House, Winnetka, IL - Date TBA
• April 1st, 2005 - 2005 Tuition deposits refundable before this date, less a $250.00 service charge - Not refundable after this date
• May 1st, 2005 - 2005 Tuitions due in full - Tuitions must be paid in full before a camper arrives at camp
• Saturday, June 25th, 2005 - First/Seven Week Session Begins!
• Saturday, July 16th, 2005 - First Session Ends - Seven Weeker Trip!
• Sunday, July 17th, 2005 - Second Session Begins!
• Saturday, August 13th, 2005 - Second/Seven Week Session Ends
  

The conclusion of the Porkies trips - sections I and II - mark the conclusion of week six activities at camp. After returning from the trip and in talking to campers and staff around camp, the sentiments seem to be the same: people can't believe how fast the summer has flown by! It's hard to believe First Session, Marathon Day, Survivor Day, Isle Royale, cookouts, talent shows, the Olympics, Sylvania, and now the Porkies trips have all taken place. In the next edition of News from Franklin Lake, we'll bring you pictures from many of the traditional final week of camp activities, including the Horseshow, the Tennis Tournament finals, and Final Banquet. It's been a summer full of activity, tradition, new experiences, and learning - both in activity areas and in terms of Camp Nicolet's motto: Learning to Live Together. One more summer edition of the newsletter is on the way in which we'll bring you highlights from the final week of camp. Thanks for dropping by, and, until next time, Think Sunshine!