CF camp in MI...need help!

A

anonymous

New member
hey everyone...i was wondering if the old camp site is till there? if i remeber right it was in battle creek right? does anyone know where i can find it again? i wanna take a trip down memory lane and would love too go back and take a look around. i reaqlly hope it has not been torn down. was it on a lake too?

thanx!
 
A

anonymous

New member
heeeeeeeeey!

i went to camp (onkoi benek, right??)

yes it was in battle creek michigan.

whats your name/age?

i was only there the last two years..i'm 18 now.

anyways email me!!!!! i love talking to old campers, and seeing them too! my email is marcumar23@yahoo.com. im actually leaving for africa tomorrow so it'll probably take me a few days to a week to respond but really! i love other cystics. there is a website for it..it's not gone, but it's not called onkoi benek...and it's owned by BC public schools. I'll send you the link asap if you send me an email.
I hope you are well!!!!!!

maggie
camper '95 and '96
 
A

anonymous

New member
I am surprised to hear about a camp since I thought there was concern over passing germs back and forth. I would like info also. Deb<img src="i/expressions/heart.gif" border="0">
 
A

anonymous

New member
It's great to hear from other people that went to camp there. I'm not sure which years I was there, but probably the last 2 or 3 years before it closed. I remember the Cepacia and non-Cepacia kids attended on separate weeks to prevent spreading it, but I think it was ultimately closed because it still wasn't safe?

I remember there being a counselor that was student from U of M named... Scott? And he had a friend named Rob that made up a lot of stories, like that he coached Brian Grese and knew Michael Jordan. Anyone remember the talent show? There was a kid who taped spoons to his pants and did spoon percussion for the song "Spoonman". The tie-dye t-shirts? Mine turned out really crappy and I was so upset I threw it into the lake on the last day. I remember someone taking us out to hunt "snipes" or something in the woods... and it took some time for me to realize it was a joke.

I remember it used to get sooo hot there during the summer, and one kid even had a heat stroke because he was on the upper floor of the dorm building. They had really cool dinners, I think they had themes, right? Like Hawaiian night or something. And they dispensed our medicine like they do in a prison! I think they had us take salt pills too, cause the heat was dehydrating everyone.

When you got there on the first day you had to wait in this room so they could take your weight and height... and you went into this room that was divided by curtains. I don't remember what they did in there but I think it was unpleasant... like they drew blood or gave you a shot. I think one day they had a snake and had kids sit in a circle so it could crawl on them, but my memory is a little foggy about that.

That camp was great. I must have been like 6 or 7 when I went? I don't seem to have a lot of clear memories from being a kid, but I remember a whole lot about that camp. Great to hear from other "Okie Benoki" campers!

--------------
Kyle, 21 - CF and CFRD
 
6

65rosessamurai

Guest
Hey, (Fellow) campers!
Man, you guys must be young!! I was at that camp from 74 (That's 1974) to '83!!
still got some old photos! If I recall, they had a 25 year reunion in 1997, but I was still in Japan at that time. My mom supposedly sent some photo's I still had in the States with the camp.
I was working on the rifle range from my years as a senior camper to the last year I was able to go to camp as a counselor.
Unfortunately because I was a struggling college student, I could never make it back, though I really wanted to so often.
I think I have some info as to where near Battle Creek it was, because it was in the outskirts of Battle Creek (Home of Kelloggs!). And, yes, it was off of a lake, of which some of us thought there were sharks, when "Jaws" came out, then we thought "Jason" would pop out, when Fri. the 13th was popular!
I'm sure the camp is still there, because it was used originally by the Battle Creek Public School system.
But, for those of you who heard of MPDCI, they were the organizers of "Camp Onkoi Benek" (can't forget the "Beaver Call"), and nearly half of those in the organization, I knew from my years at camp!
WHOA! talk about a trip down memory lane! I was involved in a few skits, and even did a karate demo-probably the first demo ever done for karate!
What more info would you like? I might be able to scrounge a little more up!
 
L

letsrockcfem

New member
Whoa Kyle...you remember the stuff I remember. Especially about the whole first day thing. My parents would wait with me and then after that they would leave and we were on our own..well not really cause 100's of other CF'ers were there! I was talking about the salt pills the other day hahaha.
What years did you go?? I was there like maybe 89, 90 and 91..ish. I remember 2 kids did the "Baby Got Back Dance"...whoa.

I wanna see camp now too. Good memories.
Rock CF,
emily
24pwcf
 
6

65rosessamurai

Guest
The first and last day at camp doesn't seem to have changed from when I attended.
The theme idea started about in the 1980's, in which there was one year when everyone dressed for the 50's, another year everyone dressed in the "caveman" days (I even have a picture of "God"!), and there was even one year that was dedicated to the tv series M*A*S*H!! That was my favorite year, cause everything was oriental, and that's when I first learned how to use chopsticks!! But I learned from a "leftie", and couldn't figure it out, unless I used my left hand, too, so I ended up learning how to eat with chop sticks using my left hand!
Passing out the meds, did seem a little "militarized", but besides being efficient, think of the time they spent to fill those "zip-locks"!
I never really took too many salt pills, probably cause I packed the salt during meals, and constantly ate pretzels (all you can eat!!)
I went on their "high wire course" one time, where it was so similar to mountain climbing...pretty exciting!
 
I

IG

Guest
Kyle.. sounds like you were at the camp during the same time I was.

I also seem to remember some of the guys taking apart the girls beds and reassembling them on the roof of the dorm.
fun, fun, fun.
Oh, plus the fishing.
*Should be the record holder at the camp*
*sigh it was so nice to beat the boys.. and me being just a little girl.
 
A

anonymous

New member
I wish I knew which years I was there... I used to have a yellow t-shirt from one year, and I think the year before it was orange? Anyone else remember all the ceremonies on the last night? They had a bon fire in the lake (it was on a raft) and there were people hiding in the lake and then they lit torches... I think? It was really secretive and no one seemed to know who the people in the lake were. A lot of people were upset and crying that they would have to leave. There were a bunch of songs we sang too... I don't remember any of them.

I vaguely remember the "beaver call", Fred... what was it? A song or some kind of noise? I do remember the rifle range, that was pretty exciting to a 7 year old! Emily, that's hilarious... remember how the older guys would wear baggy pants and show their underwear like Marky Mark?

There was a large man who sang "Cheeseburgers in Paradise", but not sure if that was in the talent show. There was also some game, similar to croquet but I think you threw little balls as close as you could to this other ball... oh, Bocci Ball! They also had a dance on one of the last days, it was real embarassing that the counselors dragged me to it and made me dance with them. I remember Patty Peak, she used to work at the clinic in Lansing and she was one of the counselors. There was also a counselor named Richard (D ick) and I was to immature to ever say his name <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> The giant community showers were a little awkward, but I was too young I think for it to matter much, and we had rag fights every morning. Oh yeah, every morning this guy named Bruce would come in to wake us up and sing weird songs, give us our pulmozyme, and check our pulse. I really hated that part.

I'm pretty sure I have a group photo of the younger boys I was in the dorm with... I'll look around for it. I think I brought a camera with me... maybe I'll find all those photos too! I remember some of their names... DJ and Aaron I think. There was and older girl named Dana and I thought the "someone's in the kitchen with Dina" railroad song was about her (I guess her name was close enough)... I also thought her last name was probably Burger because of the show Step by Step.

Cody Lambert: Look, it's the Dana-burger with cheese!

--------------
Kyle, 21 - CF and CFRD
 
A

anonymous

New member
Just found something neat.... there's a VHS film called "Embers of the Fire" that was made at Onkoi Benek (I probably wasn't there that year? I don't remember anything like this). Too bad it costs $100! Here's more <a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.fanlight.com/catalog/films/098_eotf.php">info about the film</a>

I found it from a Texas library website that has this description: Documentary offers a straight forward clinical explanation of the disease, but its primary focus is on the stories of several courageous young people with CF during a week at Michigan's Camp Onkoi Benek. They talk openly about their fears of rejection and death; but they also demonstrate the ways they have come to terms with their chronic illness and learned to lead fulfilling lives

Wouldn't it be weird if you watched it and saw yourself there?

--------------
Kyle, 21 - CF and CFRD
 
B

Brenco

New member
hey all
just a qick question,
i live in ireland and we have strict guidelines for cf camps and meetings of all sort. these guidelines insure that any1 attending such event does not have any serious infection. and if nobody has it how can we pass it on. i have a copy of this policy and if any one would like to read it email me your address and i'll forward a copy to ya.
so heres the question
going by the guidelines i have would any1 be interested in gettin a new camp or meeting. or just a holiday?
my email address is bsinnott21@hotmail.com. feel free to contact me.
i find such camps and meetings very valuable as its is the best way to discuss any issues you may have and also it is a better form of support talking to pwcf the may of or is going through the same problems and offer great advice.
thats just wat i think so let me knnow wat ye all think
thanks
Bren
 
6

65rosessamurai

Guest
Oh My God, Kyle!
Patty Peek (not spelled "Peak") was still a counselor when you went!!??
She, and her husband, Bill was there when I went!! Bill was a character, and I recall the last time I saw Patty was up at Michigan State University, in East Lansing! Patty Peek took on the job of Camp Director at least one time during the years I was there. Tough Job!
As for Bruce, can't recall the last name to the "Bruce" I recall, but was he pretty big, with glasses and an R.T. (Respiratory Therapist) who practically would beat on you when you got him for P.D.?? That was the Bruce I remember, but he was a character, too! Him, and Bill Peek did some hilarious stuff when I was there. If this "Bruce" is pretty old, could still be the same one.
As for the Bon Fire, and who the mystery "Flames" were, that was a mystery to the younger campers, but as you got older, you could tell who some of the counselors were who went to light the fire.
Don't know any "Cheeseburgers in Paradise", but most the bon fire songs were "Kumbaya", "Head, Shoulders, ...", "Bear in the Woods", and probably some old Peter, Paul and Mary songs you could sing for the younger campers, and the older campers could tolerate!!
Beaver Call-"I'm a Beaver, You're a Beaver, We are Beaver's all, and when we get together, we give the Beaver Call! *Slapping right hand on top of head* then giving some odd indian-like sound to imitate the beaver's tail hitting water-
I guess after nearly 10 years, It's easy to recall again after almost 25 years, eh?
Because of the rifle range, I had gotten into the hobby of air-rifles. However, the biggest calibur rifle I owned was .22 cal. Was there a female counselor by the name of Lu Beltman? If so, she was the leading counselor on the rifle range, and I had worked with her and another female counselor on the range.
I recall the most popular game was four square. There was the "King's square", and you had to foul out everyone else ahead of you, and avoid being fouled, in order to get to the square.
I got some pretty old photos that I had scanned on my computer!
Candice (ImmortalGoddezz), I didn't know you were from the Michigan Area?!
 
L

lynchmobshredder

New member
I remeber patty peek very well! when i was kid she would always come see us kids at the hospital. i went the the MSU CF peteaterics team untill i was like 20.
I heard patty moved up north like petoskey or something?
Man CF camp was great i have so many memories of going. i will have to dig up some photos i know i have alot.
 
L

lynchmobshredder

New member
Do any of you remeber the "space" theme year? where we had grey beaver shirts, and wore those goofy things on out heads like he were from space? and it seems like everything had glitter on it. LOL!
I remeber the spoons thing that was done at the talent show. and i remeber making tie-dye shirts.
 
L

letsrockcfem

New member
I remember Lou...Fred you just brought back TONS of memories with the Beaver Call..oh my gosh!! What year was the space thing Jim?? I think I remember that...I feel my counselors had glitter capes on. One year my cabin was New Kids on the Block..the girl version.

Candice..fishing was my favorite thing there. How big was that fish you cought? I remember someone I was with caught a huge one too and it was the talk of the camp. It couldn't have been you was it, what years did you go?? My talent show act was "if I were not a camper Craig and Janet I would be...and if you pass me by, you would hear me cry, hold your hook way up high I don't wanna lose an eye!". WOW..anyone remember Craig and Janet? Worked by the fishing stuff.
The raft thing always made all of the older campers cry...I never got it but now obviously I do. It was very cool to watch too.
This is very fun to hear all of your stories guys!! I want to see pics if you've got them.
Em
 
L

lynchmobshredder

New member
Im not sure what year the space theme was..im ganna guess 89 or 90?
remeber how nasty that food was! EWWWWW sick.
The flaming raft was cool and sad at the same time i remember those nights. i had fun playing in that game room downstairs and then it had like a back stairs that went out side.

do you guys remember the haunted hay rides?
 
F

fugikitten2087

New member
Scot lipinski, I love that boy, he's so fing awesome.<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>anonymous</b></i>

It's great to hear from other people that went to camp there. I'm not sure which years I was there, but probably the last 2 or 3 years before it closed. I remember the Cepacia and non-Cepacia kids attended on separate weeks to prevent spreading it, but I think it was ultimately closed because it still wasn't safe?



I remember there being a counselor that was student from U of M named... Scott? And he had a friend named Rob that made up a lot of stories, like that he coached Brian Grese and knew Michael Jordan. Anyone remember the talent show? There was a kid who taped spoons to his pants and did spoon percussion for the song "Spoonman". The tie-dye t-shirts? Mine turned out really crappy and I was so upset I threw it into the lake on the last day. I remember someone taking us out to hunt "snipes" or something in the woods... and it took some time for me to realize it was a joke.



I remember it used to get sooo hot there during the summer, and one kid even had a heat stroke because he was on the upper floor of the dorm building. They had really cool dinners, I think they had themes, right? Like Hawaiian night or something. And they dispensed our medicine like they do in a prison! I think they had us take salt pills too, cause the heat was dehydrating everyone.



When you got there on the first day you had to wait in this room so they could take your weight and height... and you went into this room that was divided by curtains. I don't remember what they did in there but I think it was unpleasant... like they drew blood or gave you a shot. I think one day they had a snake and had kids sit in a circle so it could crawl on them, but my memory is a little foggy about that.



That camp was great. I must have been like 6 or 7 when I went? I don't seem to have a lot of clear memories from being a kid, but I remember a whole lot about that camp. Great to hear from other "Okie Benoki" campers!



--------------

Kyle, 21 - CF and CFRD</end quote></div>
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top