Camp Blanchet

Here's a 1965 picture of campers boating near the dock at the old Camp Blanchet, where we're holding our summer party.

According to this article in The Catholic Northwest Progress, "CYO is... associated with summer camps and the original four to open prior to 1960 were Camp Blanchet, Camp Don Bosco, Camp Cabrini, and Camp Nanamakee. Camp Blanchet, the first to open, was built on land donated by Leo Gallagher of Tacoma..."

Planning a Summer Party

Remember Summer Camp? The long afternoons of playing with your friends and family, big yummy dinners, long evenings around the campfire, pancake breakfasts, the sad goodbyes when everyone goes home?

Many causes for celebration prompted us to plan a fun day and night at the old "Camp Blanchet" on Raft Island - 40th birthdays (including Derek's), new family members (including Silas & Gabriel), and the approach of Summer. This'll be fun for those of us reliving distant memories, and for those experiencing camp for the first time (it's family friendly).

• Waste away a leisurely afternoon playing croquet, bocce, volleyball or tennis. Hang out at the dock - take a swim (bring your boat if you have one!). Organize a game of touch football or capture the flag. Or just relax and enjoy an unscheduled afternoon with your friends and family.
• Feast on a BBQ dinner at 5PM- the real deal (we're not talking burgers & dogs) cooked up by chef Dennis Frett.
• Spend the evening hours around the campfire. Bring your guitar or favorite instrument!
• Tell ghost stories in your cabin or tent.
• Wake up to fresh coffee and a pancake breakfast at 9AM.

It's a huge facility, with a dozen cabins and plenty of room to pitch your tent - and a big central lodge with fireplace if we have rain.

Spend the day and night with us, or just drop in for dinner or a visit.

The details:

• We'll provide dinner and breakfast, beer, sodas, and coffee. Feel free to bring snacks.
• Camp rules: No hard liquor, no fighting and no whining
• There are plenty of beds, showers and room for tents for everyone. If you plan on staying, please contact Suzanne to get dibs. She'll do her best to get you the best space for you and/or your family.

Cost: The only cost is $17 per adult staying the night. Children under 12 years of age are FREE!

Please feel free to contact Suzanne with all of your questions. She has all of the details and wants to make sure that we can accommodate everyone. She can be reached at 206-297-0298 or her cell number is 206-261-2170.

See the full invitation at http://www.evite.com/app/publicUrl/suzannebirnie@yahoo.com/summercamp

Host: Suzanne McAdam Birnie
Location: All Saints Retreat Center 205 Camp Rd NW, Gig Harbor, WA View Map
When: Saturday, June 10, 1:00pm - Sunday, June 11, 12:00pm
Phone: Suzanne's cell 206-297-0298

Happy Easter!