Send the Kids to Camp!!

(Pictures from AmigoCentre.org)

It's about that time to find out what camp is best for your child and where they can have the best experience possible! Send them to Camp Amigo. Whether your child is a novice camper or is looking for their next big adventure, be sure to sign them up today. With six types of camps to choose from your child can know what to expect and ultimately ensure they have the most fun.

Is your child an explorer? Send them to Encounter and Explorer Camps, the traditional 6 day/5 night camp offers campers the chance to explore the great outdoors and challenge themselves in a number of ways. Campers will enjoy an illustrous campfire while at morning and evening worship. The environment not only opens the door for new adventures but a place to grow and learn about God and themselves.

Discovery Camp lasts four days and Experience Camp lasts two. These shorter camps provide great opportunity to try out camp for the beginner campers who may not have spent much time away from home previously. This is a great way to get them in the swing of things and begin the summer camp tradition. Both camps offer the same experiences as the Encounter and Explorer camps but are more geared toward the specific age groups.

First camp is also for new campers. The two day/one night adventure is extended to adults and pairs. This camp is good for parent and child, grandchild, niece or nephew. Explore creation and spend great time with your child. If you're not too outdoorsy but want to offer this experience to your child you still can without spending the week, just spend the night!

Adventure Camp is a combination of sdventure, sports and arts camps in order to create a great week of camp for middle schoolers. Campers have the oppoortunity to choose activities they are excited about. This camp also gives campers great times to hang out and make new friends.

Register TODAY! To find out about the other camps and camp dates Camp Amigo has to offer, visit their site at http://www.amigocentre.org/ or call 269-651-2811. If you register by May 1 you'll take $20 off of your program costs!

Eat Food, Make Friends!

SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN’S RIVER COUNTRY HAS GREAT FUN AND GREAT FOOD, GET YOUR 2011 VISITOR’S GUIDE AND GET FULL!

There's so much great food in River Country we couldn't just blog about it once! If you're a foodie, you'll love the delectable delights in Southwest, MI. They say eating while you fellowship is the best way to make new friends. Here are some more restaurants and food stops for you to start.

Try the cuisine in St. Joseph County! You’ll find family dining, eclectic biker bar menus, all-day breakfast and more. River Country is known for more than its rivers. Pick up your copy of the River Country 2011 Visitor’s Guide at any Michigan Welcome Center and find all the food and fun your heart desires. River Country restaurants are about more than just food, but fun and great experiences. Share in the experiences at these restaurants and local shops for great family friendly week or weekend-long vacations and getaways.

· Country Loft Ice Cream is an ice cream shop aboard a real Sternwheeler. The shop actually sails Corey Lake and docks across from Happy Landing Restaurant. Get your ice cream, before it gets away!

· Oasis is a Family Restaurant with home-cooked daily specials If you’re not an early riser, no worries, when you spend your vacation in St. Joseph County, Oasis lets you eat breakfast all day on Friday and Saturday. 656 N. U.S. Highway 131, Three Rivers, MI 49093 · At Corey Lake Orchard you can pick your own fruits and veggies as well as buy their already picked products. Their U-pick option is great for field trips, family outings, bringing a date or just getting some fresh produce for you. 12147 Corey Lake Road, Three Rivers, MI 49093

· The Thunder Hog Saloon is a great place to hang out with the guys. The Self-proclaimed “best biker bar around” specializes in an eclectic menu. Enjoy Dollar Burger Day on Wednesdays and let your hair down. Who says you have to settle for “ok” food just because you’re at a bar, enjoy the Saloon’s “delectable tidbits.” Monday Closed, Tuesday 3:00 PM - 10:00 PM, Wednesday 1:00 PM - 10:00 PM, Thursday 3:00 PM - 10:00 PM, Friday 1:00 PM - 02:00 AM, Saturday 1:00 PM - 02:00 AM, Sunday 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM, located at 31011 M 60, Leonidas, MI 49066

· Fisher Lake Inn is the perfect place for casual dining with an upscale menu. Tease your taste buds with steaks, seafood, prime rib and the Inn’s delicious cocktails. Enjoy the warmth of the fireplace in the winter and the outdoor dining area in the summer months that gives you a great view of Fisher Lake. Open Tuesday through Thursday from 11 am to 10 pm and on Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 11 pm. Sunday's hours are noon to 9 pm. 19984 East M-60 Three Rivers, MI 49093

Is your mouth watering yet? If so, head up over to River Country and get ordering!

For a more complete list of restaurants, pick up your copy of the River Country Tourism Guide at any Michigan Welcome Center, on the I-80/90 toll road or at most AAA of Michigan offices. You can also view restaurant listings on www.RiverCountry.com.

The River Country Tourism Council promotes travel to the greater Michigan St. Joseph County area, which is located halfway between Detroit and Chicago in Southwest Michigan and nestled between I-94 to the north and I-80/90 to the south.

Bair Lake Bible Camp SUMMER CAMP

Visit us at http://www.blbc.com/ for more information on all that we offer and to register for camps! WHO we are... Bair Lake Bible Camp is a spectacular camp and retreat center with a staff who want to serve you and your family. We strive to live our lives in the reflection of Christ and will point your child to initiating a face 2 face relationship with others and with Christ. WHAT we offer... Week-long age-based camps mkae up the summer, with a half week option for 3rd - 6th graders. Our goal is to provide new experiences for your child, both mentally, spiritually and physically, (by exposure to a wide range of people from various backgrounds) in a safe, supervised and caring environment. Time and again our parents tell us their child has grown more in one week of camp than in the entire year. As a Family Camp, our goal is to provide an all inclusive vacation for your family. Great food, age appropriate activities, a terrific blend of activity or relaxation, family camp is the ultimate affordable, memorable vacation for the busy family. e busy family. As a Day Camp, Bair Lake offers your K - 4th grade student the opportunity to experience camp. A structured 9 am - 4 pm program, Day Camp insures your child will have lots of fun, learning, and activities to make thier first camping experience a postive and memorable one. WHAT ELSE... Register by March 1st and attend for 2009 prices! ($315 most camps)Register by May 1st and pay 2010 prices! ($325 most camps)Register online at www.blbc.comScholarships available contact office at 888-889-7712 for application. ACTIVITIES INCLUDE: BMX bike, Pool, Tubing, Water Mat, High Ropes, Music, The Stand, Crafts, Fun Games, Volley Bal, Ga Ga Ball, Low Ropes, Climbing Wall, Canoeing, Hobo Breakfast, Quiet Time, Play Scape, Outdoor Ed, Archery, BB Gun, Carpet Ball, Zip Line, Wrist Rocket Paintball, Campfire, Climbing Wall Indoors, Mini Golf, Basketball and much more!

Here for the Taking!!

The 2011 River Country Tourism Guide hit shelves just last week, along with the guide comes their calendar of events and festivals, this year’s deals and great getaway locations that don’t break the bank. With this year’s guide you can plan ahead for your spring, summer, fall or winter vacation. Pick up your copy at any Michigan Welcome Center Location or at the I-80/90 toll road.

This year’s guide has made some crowd-pleasing changes that include:
· A new color-coded, easy-to-read map
· A six-page events and festivals calendar
· Added eye-catching extras like Amish Country information
· Local Business ads highlighting discounts and specials
· And so much more

The guide out-does itself in an effort to give each tourist or local a list of accommodations, history, things to do, a list of the luscious golf courses St. Joe is known for, area services and so much more right at their fingertips. A doorway to the great experiences St. Joseph County has to offer, your guide is waiting for you at any Michigan Welcome Center, at the I-80/90 toll road and many AAA of Michigan offices.

From the campgrounds to the luxurious Bed and Breakfasts, Parks and outdoor recreation, there’s enough to keep any age involved. You’ll witness some of the biggest, most unique, eye-catching festivals, shows and contests you’ve never seen!

The River Country Tourism Council promotes travel to the greater Michigan St. Joseph County area, which is located halfway between Detroit and Chicago in Southwest Michigan and nestled between I-94 to the north and I-80/90 to the south.

Let's Eat!!

Not only are the events, shops and lodging great in St. Joseph County, so are the eats! There are family restaurants, hang-out spots and everything in-between. Whatever you may fancy, you can probably find it in Three Rivers, Constantine, Sturgis, White Pigeon, Centreville, or any of the other small cities that make up the county.

With affordable cuisine and a family atmosphere the Country Table in White Pigeon on West Chicago Rd. is sure to please, with daily specials and an expansive menu and affordable prices for Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner you can eat all day!

The Oasis Restaurant is another family favorite where Breakfast is served all day on Friday and Saturday! If you're a late riser you don't have to miss the best part of the day, you can have the most important meal of the day, anytime. Open seven days a week until 9p.m. Sunday thru Thursday and until 10p.m. Friday and Saturday, your last stop of the day can be the tastiest.

If you are taking a week or weekend to just get away from it all but still want to be connected, visit Rachel's. Her gourmet coffee, ice cream, paninis, soup and salad keep your tummy happy and the FREE Wi-Fi keeps your mind buzzing and connected.

The Thunder Hog Saloon in Leonidas, MI is the best biker bar that touts the best beer and burgers around and has a fun menu that you won't find on a standard bar menu.

There are so many other restaurants, coffee shops and bars available to you. If you want to find more options, pick up your copy of the River Country Tourism Guide at your closest Michigan Welcome Center or on the I-80/90 toll road on your way to River Country.

Rain Drops Keep Falling on My Head...

...but that doesn't mean you have to stay at home! Enjoy the rainy season despite the weather, or in spite of the weather--even better. Travel to Three Rivers, Michigan. Make the trip that'll bring you halfway between Chicago and Detroit and stay there. With the new River Country Tourism Guide on the shelves there's so much for you to choose from. From shopping, end-of-season skiing, dining with the locals, relaxing in some of the state's most customer service oriented hotels, and so much more.

In case you missed it last weekend, Phantom of the Opera is back for an encore weekend performance at Three Rivers High School. Come enjoy the historic and beautiful tale Friday, Saturday and Sunday, March 25-27. For more information call 269-279-1120 or visit http://www.trschools.org/.

You can also enjoy the Quilt Show on Saturday, March 26 in Constantine, Michigan.

For every mini-vacation there's a location for you in St. Joseph County! On the top 200 list of flourishing economies, visit ST. JOE!

Musicals Abound

Spring in Michigan, you never know from day to day what the weather will be. This is a great time to make plans to see a play. Upcoming local productions include:

March 25-27 "The Phantom of the Opera" presented by the Three Rivers High School in Three Rivers. Visit www.trschools.org or call 269-279-1120 for ticket information.

April 29-30, May 1 and May 6-8 "Annie" presented by the Three Rivers Community Players. Full stage musical production of the story we all konw and love. Three Rivers Visit www.trcommunityplayers.org or call 269-273-1121 for ticket information.

Nature Awaits on the Water Ways!!

We love hearing from people who've take advantage of the great fun to be had in Southwest Michigan's River Country.
One of our Facebook friends shares the fun they have on the rivers of St. Joseph County when they paddle boat into Constantine.









"A group of us has paddled the Fawn from Greenfield Mills which is a water generated mill (that makes New Rinkel Flour and different pancake mixes, etc.) all the way into Constantine where it joins the St. Joseph River. We have to paddle in segments; can't do the whole thing in one day. I like the segment from Fawn River Township to (where Fawn River Road T's) to Big Hill Road.

Depending on the time of year, it generally takes us three hours (even more if you don't paddle steady). There is a spot at Kime Road Bridge that you can get out and stretch and another on down the river at abend to the left if the river is lower at a sand bar.

We see all kinds of deer, different turtles, ducks, hawks, Great Blue Herons, King Fishers, sometimes even an owl or two. The last time we were on that stretch we saw three different kinds of snakes, which are not my favorite critter!!! I own my own kayaks but Jeff Pant in Sturgis owns the Fawn River Kayak Rental right there. Also Karen and Ernie with the Liquid Therapy (another Canoe and Kayak Rental store) rent here in Three Rivers!

I could go on and on about the rivers here in St. Joe County, they are all special in different ways! The Rocky, Prairie, Portage, St. Joe, Fawn and the Pigeon Rivers are all great to paddle!"

If you'd like to kayak, canoe see and explore any of these rivers, visit http://www.rivercountry.com/ for more information. There's so much to see and we don't want you to miss out. River Country is half-way between Detroit and Chicago, take the trip, enjoy yourself!

Enjoy the weather-Have a fun weekend!

A glimpse of sun and fair weather in Michigan after a long and unpredictable winter is a dream. Don't spend this weekend in the house, instead head to Southwest Michigan's River Country.

Take a tour of the County; go shopping, hit the fairway and enjoy the local cuisine.

Visit McGrady Jewelers to look at their large variety and let them polish fine jewelry while you shop. McGrady's offers custom-made jewelry and has a goldsmith on-site if you'd like to appraise or sell your gold. Enjoy the locally-owned and locally loyal merchants.

Stay at the gorgeous, T&R "Inn" Between the Lakes if you're travelling with a small group or significant other. Or check in to America's Best Value Inn&Suites if you're bringing the whole family, including the dog....or cat, pets are allowed. Enjoy their fitness and swim areas among other precious amenities you may not find at most other B&B's or Hotel Suites.

You've got to enjoy the sunshine too! A true golfer will surely be on the green this weekend, why not hit a few in Centreville, Dowagic or Three Rivers-St. Joseph County has some of the best courses in the state from St. Joe Valley Golf Club, Pine View Golf Club and many more. Most courses feature 18 holes and everything you need to have a great golfing day, or two.

And of course, you've got to eat so stop for a bite at a family restaurant like Oasis in Three Rivers, the Country Table in White Pigeon or for a more mature crowd visit The Town Fryer, The Grille Tavern, or the Thunder Hog Saloon, just to name a few.

And be sure to support the arts and enjoy a showing of Don Quixote-Ballet in Cinema- performed by Moscow's Bilshoi Theatre on Sunday at 3p.m. before you start home.

These are just a few suggestions for an awesome weekend getaway when the weather is sweet and the sun is shining. If you'd like even more options pick up a River Country Tourism Guide at any Michigan Welcome Center, on the I-80/90 toll road or at a AAA Michigan shop. You can also grab a copy once you get to St. Joseph County.

For more information visit www.RiverCountry.com or pick up a copy of this year's Tourism Guide.

It's Finally Here!

The new River Country Tourism Guide has hit shelves! With the new layout and easy-to-read, color-coded map, now you can plan your trip around any of these awesome events! Whether you're looking for a quick getaway or a long vacation Southwest Michigan's River Country is the place for you. The Events & Festivals six-page calendar covers St. Joseph County happenings from March until December...just long enough to hold you until the NEXT guide's release.

There is such a variety of events it's impossible to list them all but I'll give you a sneak preview of a few.

March 25-27 Phantom of the Opera will be presented by Three Rivers High School. Visit http://www.trschools.org/ or call 269-279-1120 for more information.

April 16 the County-Wide Garage Sale takes place during the day on the St. Joseph County Fairgrounds, collect new treasures at the sale, call 269-467-8935 for details. Later that night scour Lawless Park at the Night of Five Thousand Eggs. There'll be games, refreshments, and an appearance by the Easter Bunny. Call 248-445-8611 for more information.

May 8 the Antique and Collectibles Market is a collector's dream. You may find grandfather clocks, heirloom furniture and fine jewelry and so much more so be sure to make it out. Centreville has been flourishing since the fire in 1910, the abundance of wealth in the memorabilia is priceless pleasure.

May 13 is Ladies Night so bring your friends and make it epic! Enjoy the races on the M40 Speedway in Jones MI. For the full racing schedul and rates visit m40speedway.net or call 269-244-8580. Each lady will receive a free M40 t-shirt

I could go on and on but for a full list of events and festivals, get your copy of the 2011 River Country Tourism Guide.

Let the Rivers Flow

Start the fun now, a quick getaway every now and then is FAR better than no getaway at all...it's also better than waiting! Visit the Riviera Theatre THIS WEEKEND for the Rivers of Justice Film Festival. The Festival is tomorrrow and its three great films for only $5! Admission also includes a gift certificate to World Fare.

The Rivers of Justice Film Festival is an annual event that highlights films that explore themes of social justice. Come for the festival stay for the enlightenment that is guaranteed and the World Fare reception afterwards. World Fare is a fair trade store in Three Rivers, Michigan. They started the annual Festival in 2009 with a "Fair Trade Film Festival" that featured two short films a one feature length film. Just last year the name was changed to the Rivers of Justice Film Festival to widen the scope of viewing and dialog each year and keep the conversation moving forward.

This year Rivers of Justice will focus on Food Justice issues with a specific focus on local agriculture.

Join them for two feature films and one short this year.

Food, Inc. exposes much of the behind the scenes business and control of the food industry. Showing that the industry is controlled now by only a handful of corporations that often put profit above health, safety and the American farmer.

Asparagus! The asparagus capital of the world, Oceana County Michigan is currently struggling more with the U.S. War on Drugs, Free Trade and a Fast Food Nation in order to save their roots. Whether you like aspargus or not, this is a must see!

Pack up your car and hit the road if only to enjoy the scenery and expand your horizons mentally and physically. Southwest Michigan's River Country isn't your common area, instead its a whole new world with new things to explore right in your backyard. Take the trip, River Country is halfway between Detroit and Chicago, so let's go to 50 N. Main St., Three Rivers, MI.

To get more listings and information visit: TRRiviera.com or call 269-278-8068 or 269-273-7909

It's Almost Here!!!--so read this!

The River Country Tourism Guide will be hitting the racks, NEXT WEEK! Do you know what that means!?! It means there'll be no limit to your vacation choices in Michigan, whether its for spring break, summer vacation, or a getaway to the oasis known as Michigan's River Country.

The book will list this year's calendar of events so you can plan ahead for different shows that you might want to see at the Auditoriums, Riviera Theatre or Abbott's Magic Shop. There'll be so much to do and it'll be at Your fingertips! The Guide will also list some discounts in which you can participate, discounts exclusive to those with a copy of this year's guide!

You can also check out the new and improved map, now sectioned and color-coded so its much easier to read! Oh how time flies, it's already time for the new River Country Guide, its so exciting! There are so many great things to do that you would never hear about without the guide and its so simple to get your copy. Just visit our website http://www.rivercountry.com/!

Keep an eye and ear out for the new Visitor's Guide, with all the deals and events and new design, it'll knock your socks off!

2011 Visitor's Guide

The River County 2011 Visitor's Guide will be in travel racks starting next week. Be sure to check it out for activities, history, maps, dining, lodging facilities and so much more!

This year's guide is chock full of great local businesses, unique items and fun events for everyone. Visit our website, www.rivercountry.com to request a guide or to explore more about all the possibilities.

-Cycling
-Canoeing
-Farmer's Markets
-Dining
-Amish
-Birdwatching
-Geocaching
-History
-Golf
-Shopping
-Entertainment

This is just a small taste of all the treasures waiting to be discovered in St Joseph County Michigan's River Country.

Support the Arts!---Three Rivers Community Players

Maintaining a balance between excellence and fun the Three Rivers Community Players (TRCP) work hard to put on dramas, musicals, and comedies all for you. Come support their art form.

Unlike many community theatre troops they own their building and have transformed it into a complete with new seating and a flexible staging area. The building used to be a storage pole barn. See the artistic side of life! Every admission ticket includes a hospitality table at intermission and an Afterglow reception on opening nights.

TRCP has lasted 38 seasons in Three Rivers thanks to all its participants, from charter members, veterans, novice actors and guests from neighboring civic and community theatres. Through auditions many of their actors have discovered their true talent, and you can too! If you want to be part of the community theatre group check their audition schedule at www.trcp.homestead.com/trcp.html or come see their next show.

Not everyone is an actor so if you're interested in another "role" just let them know. There are no auditions to join TRCP's chorus.

The cast and crew is working hard to prepare this next masterpiece, they will be performing Annie April 29-30, May 1 & 6-8, 2011. They will also perform Disney's "Alice in Wonderland" in June.

What better what to support the arts than to support a grass roots effort to keep the arts alive in Three Rivers with Community Theatre where everyone can be of service. If you're in Three Rivers around the play date, be sure to stop by, or make a trip of it and enjoy the play and shopping in Three Rivers while you're there.

There's no better way to give back than to give to the institution of freedom of mind and creativity, that creates the next singer, dancer, inventor...the next smile.

Support the Arts!

Despite the Groundhog Day verdict, winter is roaring on so if you love winter sports, you don't have to say goodbye just yet. (Yay!) Swiss Valley Ski and Snowboarding Area is going for the gusto and you can too! Bring your friends to their College Student Day also known as $15 Friday to anyone with a current College I.D. Enjoy the discounted price of $15 rentals and $15 ski lift tickets. Spend the day skiing and the night enjoying live music in the Chalet, Swiss Valley's on-site restaurant and club.

Not quite college age? Gather your troop, troop leader, or just you and your family for Scout Day! Get group rates and a low priced ski lesson to boot! Call Group Sales for rates and reservations at 269-244-5635.

Your weekend doesn't have to end there, wake up Saturday morning just minutes from Swiss Valley and head back to the park for the Rail Rides and Slope Style Events! Registration begins at 12:30pm and it only costs $10 to enter! For more information on categories and prizes visit http://www.skiswissvalley.com/ or call 269-244-5635.

Just want to ski with no pressure? No problem! Just come on over to Swiss Valley Ski and Snowboarding area to enjoy the slopes, relax in the Chalet or enjoy the area lodging only minutes and miles from Swiss Valley so you can head over whenever your heart desires. And we mean whenever! Swiss Valley offers night skiing! We WILL leave the lights on for you! So Cool!

Pile everyone into the car for a ski trip this weekend or the upcoming week because no matter what, skiing with friends can be the best time you'll have! So go for it! See you on the slopes!

Support the Arts!!--Open Door Gallery

Yes!! The arts are SO important and what would River Country be without them? Before, we talked about their historic Riviera Theatre, but there's more!



Open Door Gallery in the heart of downtown Sturgis displays original artwork, both modern and contemporary, as well as unique gifts from regional guests. The Open Door policy at the gallery means you don't just have to watch. You can participate in the classes for all ages, see the student shows or view the work of guest artists and exhibits. You can also help Open Door Gallery keep its doors open by donating supplies and materials, volunteering your time and your talents, attending Open Door events, and of course contributing financially.



Since the Gallery is supported solely by volunteer efforts, every bit counts to support their mission to "Encourage, Enable and Educate about the arts in Sturgis and the surrounding area; to provide a supportive environment for artists, to engage the community in artistic pursuits, and to encourage the exploration and cultivation of individual creative visions. The Gallery also continues to rejuvenate one of the oldest buildings in Sturgis."



Because the gallery is serious about displaying artists in the regional area, every artist whose work is shown in the gallery lives within a 50 mile radius of Sturgis, MI.

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Open Door Gallery is located at 101 W. Chicago Rd. in downtown Sturgis. For more information visit OpenDoorGallerySturgis.org or call the gallery at 269-659-9977.