With a breeze coming off of Cable Lake, parents, grandparents and guests gathered at Fitch Camp in Dowagiac Wednesday for an open house and lunch.

Children played games with counselors throughout the morning until parents and grandparents arrived to eat lunch and investigate Fitch Camp.

Many campers, all Dowagiac students, introduced their family members to friends and counselors.

Camp Director Chris Cox said the opportunity for the open house was important.

“I like to see parents getting a chance to see what’s going on,” Cox said. “In my 12 or 13 years doing this, it’s still surprising to me how many still don’t know about the camp.”

Parents freely walked around the camp, getting taste of how things had changed since they attended, or setting sights for the first time on where their children spend their summer days outside of school.

“It’s a great opportunity,” Christine Potter, a parent, said. “My daughter, Madison, has been coming for the past three or four years, and it’s always a lot of fun. She gets to meet new friends who maybe go to other elementary schools, which makes the transition to middle school easier.“

“It’s a very trusting environment and encourages people to come out and meet other parents who also send their kids here.”

Regina Goins, whose daughter, Khloe, attends camp, said the open house was her first time at the facility.

“I’ve never been here. My older kids never came here; we didn’t know what it’s like,” Goins said. “It’s nice to see where she comes, though. It’s nice they involve the families.”

Fitch Camp will run through the end of the month, with the last day on July 26. For more information, call Cox at (269) 424-5457. For donations, send inquiries or payments to John Magyar, Fitch Camp Treasurer, P.O. Box 502, Dowagiac, MI 49047.