Enchanted Forest Encore

​If the news of the day has been getting you down, here's one bulletin that's guaranteed to inspire:

Fairy's eye view of Camp Newaygo

​FAIRYLAND, Newaygo County (March 1, 2017)—In spite of last year's housing boom in the Enchanted Forest (also known as Camp Newaygo), officials report a serious shortage of sprite-sized housing.

---

Among last year's fairy house creations: "Eric's Abode" by Eric LeMire

​"Thanks to the artistry of local supporters, the fairy homes that sprang up in our forest last year were so attractive, they were all immediately occupied by pixies, gnomes, sylphs and all manner of tiny creatures," says Elvira Elf, housing coordinator. "We’re expecting an influx of fairy folk soon, as they return from their winter homes down South. We're asking everyone to pitch in again to create a forest full of houses to welcome them back." 

---

After receiving the news, fairy-house builder Wildwood Ray was spotted heading for his workshop with an armload of mysterious materials. "This is one call to action it's impossible to ignore," he said.

"Sue's Cabin" by Sue Barthold

​​Bet you can't ignore it either! So start gathering twigs, moss, stones and anything else that strikes your fancy, and get busy creating. Houses are due April 15 (you can drop them off at Camp Newaygo or call 231-652-1184 to schedule a pick up). Guidelines are listed below.

---

"Rustic Retreat" by Ray Pokerwinski

​The fairy houses, gnome homes, pixie palaces and elfin abodes will be hidden in the forest surrounding the camp, and during the Enchanted Forest Event, April 29 and 30, visitors can wander the woods with a trail map, searching for the houses and trying to spot their secretive inhabitants. 

---

​Cookies and punch will be supplied for house-hunting fortification, and for an additional fee, young visitors will have a chance to create their own handiwork at a craft table. 

​All the fairy houses will be auctioned on eBay afterward, so you can pick out a favorite to take home. (Don't forget to make a wish for a fairy to come along with it!)

The Foster Arts and Crafts Lodge, before renovation

Renovation of the craft lodge, begun in fall, 2016, included adding insulation and replacing windows and doors. Interior renovations are underway.

​​As you're searching for inspiration, keep this in mind: proceeds will support improvements to the camp's Foster Arts and Crafts Lodge, where generations of campers have explored painting, pottery, dark room photography, nature crafts, jewelry making, tie dye design, wood burning and other activities. Built in 1949, the crafts lodge was no longer adequate for the camp's growing number of campers and community programs, and the upgrades—underway during the past year—are making it more functional while enhancing its original charm. 

Camp Newaygo offers campers and community a variety of experiences

​​Camp Newaygo is an independent, not-for-profit camp located on 104 acres along a chain of lakes in the Manistee National Forest region of mid-western Michigan. In addition to offering a girls' residential summer camp and a coed day camp, the camp provides year-round community events: dinners, girlfriend getaways, winter sleigh rides and more.

---

"Green Glass Cottage" by Eileen Kent

​​Last year, organizers hoped the first Enchanted Forest event would bring in twenty-five to thirty little dwellings. They received forty-two houses, and a total of 627 visitors toured the forest over the two days. 

---

Here are this year's guidelines for building your fairy house: 

• Use a sturdy base for the home or garden
• Make sure the structure is easily moveable
• Houses should be weather-resistant—they will be outside
• Make the house kid-friendly. Young visitors like to touch, so make sure decorations are secure.
• Don't hesitate to put something inside to see.
• Houses are due by April 15.

​The Enchanted Forest tour is April 29 and 30, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost is $7 per person or $25 per family of four. The make-and-take craft table will be available from 10 a.m. to noon on the 29th, for an additional charge. No advance registration necessary; please pay at the door.

For additional inspiration, see these posts on last year's Enchanted Forest event:
Fairies and pixies and gnomes, oh, my!
The News from Lake FaeBeWell
Exploring the Enchanted Forest
​