With some fall color that remains and a cool crisp feeling in the air – I realize that the snow flurries are just around the corner.  In the midst of the snow falling and the frigid air many of us seem to hunker down and get ready for the next few months of shoveling and winter fun.  Even though it is SCAMP’s off season, it is an “on season” for me as I am busy planning for the upcoming camp season.  This past summer we welcomed a new special education director in Bloomfield Hills, Pam Schoemer.  We are excited to have her.  Pam has over 10 years of personal SCAMP experience where she was a teacher and a supervisor at Clarkston SCAMP.  Not only has she enjoyed visits to our SCAMP, she is enthusiastic about helping our program grow over the next couple of years.  We are excited and welcome her to the SCAMP family.
     Along with many positive things that are happening at SCAMP, I must take a minute to publically acknowledge the passing of Elks of Michigan Major Projects Director, Lynn Cook.  Lynn was a very devoted man who enjoyed visiting our program each summer.  Wife and grandchildren in tow, he took the time to connect with the kids and bring joy to our camp each summer.  The Elks of Michigan are our biggest supporters as they provide many scholarships to children 17 and younger each year that would otherwise not have the ability to attend SCAMP.  Lynn will be missed and we are grateful for all of his years of dedication and service.
     So this November as you get ready to celebrate Thanksgiving, please think of SCAMP and all of the
wonderful staff and the support of Bloomfield Hills schools who help provide a wonderful facility for us each year. 
I am not only thankful to be a part of such a wonderful program, but am thankful to serve all of you each summer to the best of my ability.
Take care and see you soon!  - Chandra

As I wrap up the final reports and details from the summer, I am amazed at how fast SCAMP flew by once again.  It was great to have both Upper and Lower SCAMP back at West Hills and see the little campers enjoy the lake twice a week instead of just once.  Our new music teacher was great and our entire staff did an amazing job as they do each year.  I feel blessed to have such a wonderful position and as I reflect on the time that has passed, I will think of ways to improve for next summer.  If you have any thoughts, suggestions, or ideas, please contact me.  I would love to hear from you.  Enjoy your school year and take care.

I can't believe there is only two weeks to go.  It seems that it ends as fast as it starts.  So many exciting things coming up.  I have to say - it has been a thrill to have all the campers back in one location and watch everyone enjoy swimming in beautiful Walnut Lake!

I have a new appreciation for my staff.  Monday I found myself taking all my son's belongings into SCAMP and making sure he was organized for the week.  Immediately my staff put me at ease as they listened patiently and made my little guy feel welcome.  Each day on the way home he would talk about "the beach" or playing outside - it is obvious that he loves it and it makes me feel good. 

But, last night my husband and I were pleasantly surprised as we were getting ready for bed.  We heard strumming on my husband's guitar and AJ singing in the room next to us.  As if he was for the first time trying to sing a song and play the guitar.  I said Anthony did you learn that at SCAMP and he smiled and said yes.  Thank you Mr.Larry the music teacher and everyone else who has made his first week a blast and thankful I took a chance on all of you with my most important camper - my son. 

So it is the day before SCAMP begins and I am getting ready for camp, but in a different way than before.  This year my son Anthony will be in Miss Kate's class in the Lower camp and I find myself with a little anxiety as I prepare by labeling his clothes and making sure he has enough snacks for the week.  My plan is to do this on Sundays and fill water bottles the night before so in the morning I only need to do the lunch and try not to forget my computer and the million other things I will need for the day.  Oh might I add, get two kids ready to go out the door.  So today I join you for the first time after putting in 14 years at SCAMP as a parent with some nerves about the first day. 

I am telling myself as every year the first day flies by, then the first week, and then it seems to be over.  I am just going to try and breathe, enjoy, do what I need to do and let my fabulous staff take care of the rest. 

Hello everyone, soon this website will be available to past employees and parents.  I will be looking for pictures to add to the site and will be happy to hear your comments and suggestions as I try to not only improve communication, but help you find the resources you need.

So here it is - one of my New Year's Resolutions in action - "create a new SCAMP website that better meets the needs of the SCAMP community."  I would like to thank Michael - the district "Webmaster" for his blessing and his help through this process.  I am excited to watch this grow and hope you will be able to return to the SCAMP website on a regular basis to find out valuable information about our program.  It is January and super cold.  The thought of warm weather and June seems so far away.  I look forward to both and seeing many of you soon.