Registration is now open for children interested in experiencing the nature Dowagiac has to offer as well as learning team building skills.

The E. Root Fitch Memorial Day Camp provides a multitude of activities for local children this year, its 75th season. This community camp gives children the opportunity to participate in individual and team building activities including sports such as swimming, canoeing, fishing, crafts, soccer, kickball, softball, volleyball, capture the flag, octopus, rim war, Olympic week and much more.

“The camp was started, according to my knowledge, to give kids from the city a chance to get out in nature and enjoy the beauty of our area as well as Cable Lake,” said Chris Cox, camp director.

This tradition has been carried on even after the Fitch family retired and sold the property. Now Dowagiac students can take advantage of all the amenities the camp offers in the summer months for $1 per day.

Registration forms can be accessed either from the camp’s Facebook page or on the Dowagiac Union Schools website.

Depending on grade level children will attend the camp according to this schedule:

• Children entering third, fourth and fifth grades: Mondays and Wednesdays (June 20, 22, 27, 29 and July 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27)

• Children entering sixth, seventh and eighth grades: Tuesdays and Thursdays (June 21, 23, 28, 30 and July 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 26, 28)

The preliminary day schedule is broken down as follows:

• 9:15 a.m. — assigned groups/announcements

• 9:30-11:30 a.m. — games/activities/swim lessons

• 11:45 a.m. — lunch

• 1-2:45 p.m. — waterfront activities

• 3 p.m. — snack

Children can be dropped off at:

• 8:25 a.m. at St. John’s

• 8:30 a.m. at Dowagiac Middle School

• 8:35 a.m. at Justus Gage School

• 8:40 a.m. at Patrick Hamilton School

• 8:45 a.m. at Kincheloe School

• 8:50 a.m. at Eagle’s Wood

Or, parents can drop their child off at the camp, located on Cable Lake, between 8:45 and 9 a.m.

Pickup will be either at the camp or the same locations as drop off between 3:15 and 3:30 p.m.

In case of heavy rain or storms, camp closings will be announced on the E. Root Fitch Memorial Day Camp Facebook page.

Parents are invited to attend the camp and dine on  Wednesday, July 13 and Thursday, July 14. Spots can be reserved on the registration form or by calling the camp at (269) 424-5457.

Ten counselors who are Dowagiac students or graduates help staff the camp. There are also four lifeguards who are also Dowagiac students.

The camp usually expects around 100 children on Mondays and Wednesdays and a little less than that on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

“The campers learn to play outside,” Cox said, adding they will be playing games and learning skills like paddle boating, canoeing and fishing.

“Most importantly they learn to play with students from all schools in Dowagiac and they are taught sportsmanship, fair play and accountability,” Cox said.