In July, advertisements promote Christmas, but at Camp Kidwell in December the advertisements promote summer fun and camping on Eagle Lake. The 20th Festival of Trees will bright the nights from December 1 – 4, 2022. The Holiday Spirit will be in the air as visitors of all ages stroll from cabin to cabin to admire fully decorated trees, wreaths and other holiday décor. Bidders will begin participating in the online auction to garner items for their own homes and businesses.
Over the next week, camp will be transformed into a Winter Wonderland. Volunteers will drop into camp to decorate trees and wreaths using decorations supplied by camp or by bringing their own ideas and items. The chatter and laughter of friends making creative decisions and trying to bring visions to life will fill the camp. Anyone interested in decorating can contact Camp Kidwell at (269) 521-3559.
This is one of the few festivals of trees offered in Southwest Michigan. Visitors will again be delighted by Santa Village that is comprised of items donated to camp by the Shops at West Shore in 2021.
All proceeds will assist in providing programs and scholarships so young people can participate in camping experiences and other special activities.
During the 4 days, activities are designed so visitors of all ages can enjoy the festivities for free with some special workshops woven in.
Thursday, December 1st, the fun begins, From noon to 4, Santa takes a seat in the beautiful Santa’s Village. The day is geared for seniors, families, and church groups with lunch and dinner available.
Sessions will be offered for Make and Take Porch Pots and for Gingerbread Houses. Tickets for these workshops are available at https://one.bidpal.net/ckfot22.
Friday, December 2nd, the Festival is open from noon to 9pm. Santa returns from 5-8pm. Lunch will be available, visitors can browse the cabins. A feature is a lovely dinner at 6:30pm with live music provided by Jeff and Sheila Clearwater.
Saturday, December 3rd, the Festival turns into kids and family day. From 10am-3pm, Mrs. Claus will assist with cookie decorating, and the craft table will be open. The Kidwell Country Christmas Store will be selling a variety of items perfect for presents and stocking stuffers.
The grounds will be transformed for the 6pm Dinner at the Lodge that features an amazing prime rib dinner prepared by the Grill House and Chef Josh. As the meal winds down, the live auction goes into full swing, Tickets are limited and can be purchased at https://one.bidpal.net/ckfot22.
The evening will be topped off with the drawing of the winning ticket for the 20th Anniversary Raffle of a 2022 Can-Am Outlander 570. Tickets are $20 each or 3 for $50.
Sunday, December 4th, from 11am-4pm, people will be enjoying the final luncheon and wandering the cabins. The final online bids are accepted until 4pm. Be sure to check back on bids as last-minute bidding becomes fast and furious on specialty items.
The Festival of Trees is one of Camp Kidwell’s major fund raisers. Because of the many volunteers who lend their hands and creativity in designing and constructing beautiful holiday trees, wreaths and decorations, winter visitors can feast their eyes and enjoy delicious meals. But in the end, it is the children who win when their dreams of attending camp become a reality.
“We could not offer this amazing opportunity without volunteers. We truly appreciate the time and talent people donate,” Camp Kidwell Director KJ Kelly stressed.
Thanks goes to the Friends of Camp Kidwell and others who love to decorate for Christmas and gather at the beautiful camp setting in southern Allegan County to share their talents. An enormous thank you goes to Badger Evergreen for the donation of trees and greens. Another round of kudos is given to the Grill House and Josh Avery for the Saturday evening meal.
It is not too late to join in the preparations or in becoming an Angel or Event Sponsor. For additional information go to www.campkidwell.org or call (269) 521-3559.
Everyone involved loves to watch the visitors enjoy this special holiday tradition.
Camp Kidwell is located at 39000 1st Avenue, Bloomingdale, MI. Additional information about the Festival of Trees can be found at https://one.bidpal.net/ckfot22/welcome or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CampKidwell.