[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 51 (Friday, April 19, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E582-E583]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   CAMP TALL TURF MAKING A DIFFERENCE

                                 ______


                         HON. VERNON J. EHLERS

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 18, 1996

  Mr. EHLERS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I take this 
time to tell you about an extremely important and effective program for 
inner-city children and families in my district. Every summer since 
1968, hundreds of

[[Page E583]]

children, ages 8-16, have been given the opportunity to get away from 
it all by attending Camp Tall Turf. The camp is appropriately named for 
its location among very large trees in Walkerville, MI. At Camp Tall 
Turf campers learn that God is present and that there can be no taller 
turf than that. The camp was established in response to racial strife 
that was prevalent during the sixties in cities across the Nation. 
Since that first summer over 15,000 young people have benefited from 
the positive Christian activities and messages presented by the caring, 
committed, and dedicated staff of Camp Tall Turf.
  When the founders of this camp first came together, little did they 
know that their ideas and visions would reach this level almost 30 
years later. The camp, located on Lake Campbell, provides an 
environment conducive to growing both mentally and spiritually. Through 
daily chapel, cabin devotions, drama, and singing, each camper gains a 
new outlook on his or her life and is able to store away these lessons 
for the future. These valuable lessons have helped prepare hundreds of 
children, who might not have received the opportunity otherwise, for 
roles of service and leadership in their young adult and adult lives.
  It is important to point out that Camp Tall Turf is not just a one 
day, week, or month gathering. Staff members work year round to 
continue relationships that have been established at the summer camp. 
These relationships are so very important for the young people who need 
Christian role models and friends. In addition to encouraging 
meaningful and positive social relationships, the interaction between 
the staff and the child helps promote cooperation, companionship, and 
respect. Camp Tall Turf also helps to provide opportunities and 
experiences that strengthen self confidence and build character in 
youths who are involved with the camp.
  Mr. Speaker, far too often we read or hear negative stories involving 
children. Camp Tall Turf and its staff should be praised for their 
continuous effort to change the negatives that we read and hear about, 
and make them positive. Their work to enhance the quality of life and 
relationships of others should not go unnoticed and should serve as an 
example for others to follow. It is a great pleasure and honor for me 
to commend the founders, board and staff of Camp Tall Turf for their 
outstanding work.

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