Name: John Ritsema

Hello,
My name is John Ritsema and I was a camper some time in the mid to late 60's.I lived in grand rapids Mi.at the time and attended Faith baptist church.
My memories of camp baracel have been long lasting. I remember the movies in the church at night with bats flying over head,the mess hall meals,jumping off the dock into the lake and having to stay afloat for two or three minutes to get your swiming pass,the bunk beds with lights out at night,and the trading post arts-n-crafts projects.
My group was called the red anchors and my counselers whom I know longer remember his name was hurt in a fire in the trading post one night.His name may have been Jerry.
The day hike around the lake and the story's about the block house on the other side of the lake have allways been a picture in my mind. Only GOD could have created something this wonderful for his children to remember for the rest of their lives like I have.
I was a home sick little boy at first but everyone made me feel better by mid week.
I still tell my daughter (age 20) and my son (age 18) about that week at camp and can still sing the camp song to them.
GOD bless the people who made all of that a forever lasting piece of my life.
THANK YOU GOD
JOHN RITSEMA
P.S. If you have any info about the trading post fire or my counslor feel free to e-mail me at:
emannhoj@aol.com
MAY GOD BLESS YOU