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As autumn settles over Newaygo County, it signals more than a change in weather. It ushers in the season of warm sweaters, colorful leaves and cherished traditions. At Camp Newaygo, fall events are some of the most anticipated of the year—and this season, the camp is reimagining its annual festival with Costumes & Campfires. During this family-friendly fall festival, laughter, creativity and the warmth of campfires combine to create lasting memories. Camp Newaygo’s community events are cherished as powerful examples of placemaking – the process of turning spaces into meaningful places where people feel connected, welcomed and part of something bigger.

Continue reading to learn how placemaking works, why it matters and how Costumes & Campfires brings it to life in our community.

The Spark of Costumes & Campfires

At Camp Newaygo, Costumes & Campfires is more than just a festival. It’s designed to welcome families and individuals of all ages into a world of fall traditions, fun challenges and cozy moments. Guests can enjoy a wide range of activities—from pumpkin painting to rock climbing, high ropes, ziplining, archery and boat rides. Campfires offer warmth, conversation and connection. Guests sip cider, enjoy treats, laugh with children and see neighbors in playful costumes—an escape from daily routines.

What makes this event so special is its creativity, nature and adventure, all layered together to create a meaningful sense of place. Shared rituals like dressing up, painting pumpkins or sipping cider reinforce the rhythms of the season. Just as important, the activities connect directly to Camp Newaygo’s setting. Families paint, play, zipline through the woods, ride along Pickerel Lake and gather under the open sky.. By using the camp’s woods, lake and trails, Costumes & Campfires roots participants in the beauty of Newaygo County. The experience feels distinctly local.

These experiences are designed to be inclusive, offering opportunities for adventure, creativity and relaxation so everyone can find their place in the celebration. Thanks to scholarships and family rates, the event is accessible to all, welcoming everyone into the celebration. The result is a multi-generational gathering where parents, children, grandparents and young adults all contribute to the atmosphere of belonging.

What Is Placemaking?

Placemaking is a concept that comes from community development and urban planning, but it is really about people. At its core, placemaking asks a simple question: How can we design and use spaces in ways that bring people together, foster a sense of belonging and strengthen community ties? An article from Project for Public Spaces emphasizes successful placemaking creates environments where people naturally want to gather, interact and build lasting relationships.

Think of the difference between a bench in a parking lot and a bench in a park surrounded by trees, with a playground nearby and a coffee kiosk within walking distance. The bench is the same, but the context changes the experience. In one setting, it is just a place to sit; in the other, it becomes part of a gathering space where families, neighbors and friends can connect. That transformation—from space to place—is an example of placemaking in action.

Placemaking is not limited to city squares or large civic projects. It happens in small towns, local parks, libraries and community centers. It comes to life when neighbors share meals, families enjoy story time or people gather for celebrations like Costumes & Campfires. These events turn physical locations into shared experiences, thus creating a sense of belonging.

Why Placemaking Matters

Research shows that events, like Costumes & Campfires, strengthen social ties. By intentionally designing the gathering to create a sense of place through diverse methods, organizers achieve not only a deeper impact but also an enjoyable experience. A study from the Knight Foundation found three main drivers of community attachment: social offerings, openness and aesthetics. Events like Costumes & Campfires deliver all three. Events like Costumes & Campfires offer social opportunities for people to interact. Welcoming to everyone, regardless of age or background, the festival creates space for true connection. Highlighting the natural beauty of the camp and the season, it brings people together in ways that last long after the event.

Driving Civic and Economic Health

Public events also play a vital role in economic and civic health. The National Endowment for the Arts’ Creative Placemaking program defines such efforts as integrating arts, culture and design into community development. These efforts yield social, physical and economic benefits. Their research shows cultural events promote pride in place, strengthen civic life and encourage people to invest in their communities. Local gatherings like Costumes & Campfires do just that. They support small businesses, attract visitors and showcase the natural beauty of Newaygo County. These events also build trust and strengthen civic identity. In this way, a day of fun outside is also a lasting investment in community vitality.

Furthermore, NEA Arts & Livability Indicators highlight measurable outcomes. Some of the results are increased arts participation, improved perceptions of safety and walkability and strengthened community attachment. Seasonal gatherings like Costumes & Campfires mark time and reinforce community rhythms and traditions. Families anticipate them year after year, which builds not just joy but also long-term place identity and well-being. Annual traditions also mark time in ways that connect generations. Parents who once attended fall events at Camp Newaygo now bring their children, creating a layered sense of history and belonging.

How TrueNorth Community Services Supports Placemaking

TrueNorth Community Services is committed to fostering a stronger, healthier and more connected community. 

Offering events like Costumes & Campfires is one way we live out that mission, but it is far from the only way. Behind the scenes, our team works to ensure events are affordable, inclusive and welcoming. Scholarships make it possible for families of all income levels to attend, while thoughtful programming ensures every age group can find something meaningful to do: toddlers painting pumpkins to teens testing their courage on the high ropes.

But our role extends beyond logistics. By investing in events that bring people together, we plant seeds of long-term community health. In joyful, safe and inclusive spaces, neighbors build trust and form bonds that carry into daily life. These bonds matter when challenges arise—whether it’s rallying around a family in need, volunteering for a community project or supporting local businesses. The fun days of Costumes & Campfires are an investment in the social fabric that makes Newaygo County thrive

When families leave Camp Newaygo after Costumes & Campfires, they take more than pumpkins or costumed memories home with them. They carry with them a sense of connection to their neighbors, to the season and to the place they call home. That connection is exactly what TrueNorth seeks to nurture—not just at Camp Newaygo, but across every program, partnership and event we support throughout the year.

Join Us Around the Fire

So this fall, as families gather at Camp Newaygo for Costumes & Campfires, they’re enjoying a seasonal festivity and helping shape the story of their community. They’re practicing placemaking—finding common ground at Camp Newaygo and creating spaces where everyone feels at home.

We invite you to join us for the very first Costumes & Campfires at Camp Newaygo. Bring your costume, your creativity and your family traditions—and help begin a new chapter in our community’s story. This inaugural celebration is your opportunity to create memories that can evolve into lasting traditions for years to come. When you gather around the fire, you’re not only enjoying the warmth of the flames—you’re helping spark the warmth of community spirit.

The first crisp mornings of fall in Newaygo County signal more than just the return of school buses on rural roads. For many families, the school year brings relief knowing their children will have consistent access to breakfast and lunch each day. These meals are essential to fight hunger and give kids the energy to learn, grow and thrive.

But hunger doesn’t stop at the classroom door. Weekends, snow days and long holiday breaks leave gaps that place children and families at risk. And as winter approaches, rising heating costs, icy roads and power outages make it even harder for households to keep food on the table. Recent reductions in federal food assistance benefits have only deepened these seasonal struggles, leaving many families with fewer resources just as expenses rise.

Continue reading to learn about how schools, food pantries and local organizations are working together to prevent hunger in Newaygo County.

Hunger Prevention in the Classroom and Beyond

Schools are often the first line of defense in preventing hunger among children. During the academic year, breakfast and lunch programs provide hundreds of thousands of Michigan students with nourishing meals. These meals also support their ability to learn and focus in the classroom. For many children, these meals are the most reliable source of nutrition they receive all day.

But hunger does not end when the dismissal bell rings. Many families in Newaygo County struggle to ensure their children eat during evenings, weekends and school breaks. Local backpack food programs, like TrueNorth’s Weekend PowerPacks, are designed to fill this gap. These programs are more than just a stopgap measure — they are a proactive way to prevent hunger from taking root in the first place.

The Broader Cost of Food Insecurity

According to Feeding America, 1 in 9 people in Michigan — including 1 in 8 children — experience food insecurity. This reality has long-term consequences. Children without regular nutritious meals risk developmental delays, school struggles and long-term health challenges. Preventing school-year hunger means more than meals; it builds the foundation for healthier, more successful futures. Food insecurity also carries an economic cost for communities. Poor health outcomes from inadequate nutrition increase medical expenses, strain health systems, and reduce workforce productivity. Investing in hunger prevention is, in many ways, an investment in community well-being and economic stability.

In Newaygo County, where approximately 16.2% of residents face food insecurity, these school-linked prevention efforts are crucial. Schools and local organizations must collaborate to fill the gap between family resources and children’s nutritional needs.

Preparing Families Before Winter Arrives

Fall is a time of transition — not only in the classroom but also in the community. As the leaves change, families in Newaygo County begin to prepare for the realities of Michigan’s winter. For many, that preparation includes making difficult choices. Heating bills rise just as holiday expenses and other seasonal costs pile up. Families often face the “heat or eat” dilemma: deciding between paying for warmth or putting food on the table.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) notes that food insecurity tends to worsen during colder months as rising winter costs stretch household budgets thin. According to the USDA, households experiencing food insecurity often face trade-offs between food and utilities, particularly during the winter months. In rural Newaygo County, transportation barriers worsen as icy roads and snowstorms hinder access to grocery stores and pantries.

Food pantries and nonprofits are not waiting for the storm to hit — they are preparing now. TrueNorth and local partners stock shelf-stable goods and run mobile distributions to ensure food access during limited travel. Preventive strategies also include encouraging families to create emergency food kits at home, ensuring that basic nutrition is available even if access is temporarily cut off.

These efforts highlight an important shift in perspective: hunger prevention is not simply about responding to empty shelves. It is about anticipating the pressures winter will bring and putting safeguards in place so households are not pushed into crisis.

The Role of Community Support

Community support is at the heart of hunger prevention in Newaygo County. Food pantries, backpack programs and mobile distributions rely heavily on local donations, volunteers and partnerships. Organizations often host events to plant a seed towards ending hunger, not only to raise funds but also raise awareness, reminding neighbors that families experience hunger firsthand, not as an abstract issue.

Community engagement is about more than short-term relief. It fosters a culture of resilience, where families know they can rely on their neighbors and local organizations during times of need. This network of support helps prevent the isolation that accompanies food insecurity, especially in rural areas where resources may be difficult to reach.

Supporting Seniors and Vulnerable Populations

While children are often the focus of hunger prevention conversations, seniors and other vulnerable populations face unique challenges that cannot be overlooked. In Newaygo County, many older adults live on fixed incomes. Rising heating costs, medical expenses and limited mobility make winter a tough season.

According to Feeding America, 5.5 million Americans age 60 and older experienced food insecurity in 2021, highlighting the widespread challenge. In Newaygo County, this reality is felt acutely, where seniors often face the dual burdens of limited income and the difficulties of living in a rural area. Feeding America partners with local organizations to reduce senior hunger by providing direct food support and coordinating wraparound services. These efforts provide meals while tackling aging challenges like transportation barriers, health concerns and social isolation.

By strengthening these supports before winter arrives, local organizations can help ensure that no senior has to choose between staying warm and staying nourished.

Beyond Food: Tackling the Root Causes of Hunger

Hunger is rarely an isolated problem. It is often intertwined with other challenges such as unemployment, housing instability and high energy costs. Preventing hunger in Newaygo County means addressing these root causes head-on.

Programs like emPower, which provide energy assistance and self-sufficiency services, play a critical role in this broader prevention strategy. By easing utility costs and the “heat or eat” dilemma, these services help families stretch limited resources further. Housing stability initiatives and transportation support are also essential to ensure families can consistently access food.

According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, programs that combine food assistance with wraparound support services are the most effective in reducing long-term food insecurity. In Newaygo County, nonprofits, schools and agencies collaborate to build a safety net that prevents hunger.

How You Can Help Build Food Security Before the Storm

Hunger prevention is a community-wide effort. Individuals, businesses and organizations all have a role to play in ensuring Newaygo County families are supported through the school year and into the challenges of winter.

Donating to local food assistance organizations, volunteering time at community events and supporting initiatives like TrueNorth’s Empty Bowls are all ways to make a direct impact. Advocating for stronger public policies that support food security and energy assistance also contributes to long-term solutions. Even small actions — such as checking in on a neighbor or sharing resources — can make a significant difference.

By working together now, before the storm, we can build a stronger, more resilient Newaygo County where every family has the food and resources they need to thrive.

Building Tomorrow’s Food Security Today

Schools, food pantries, community organizations and residents all have a role to play in building food security before the storm. Focusing on prevention ensures children, seniors and families receive lasting support beyond today’s immediate needs.

Together, we can create a community where no one has to face hunger alone.

In West Michigan, hunger is not an abstract problem; it’s a reality many families face. Too often, families open the refrigerator and realize food won’t last the week. Parents sacrifice meals, seniors ration soup, and families choose between groceries, rent, and utilities.

The federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, SNAP, has long been a lifeline, but upcoming changes to benefits are deepening the crisis. Community organizations and events such as Empty Bowls are working harder than ever to fill the widening gap.

Continue reading to learn how food insecurity is rising in West Michigan, what proposed SNAP changes mean for Michigan families and how Empty Bowls offers a way for all of us to respond.

The Growing Need for Food Assistance in West Michigan

Food insecurity in Michigan is climbing at an alarming rate. According to Arc West Michigan, demand for food assistance has surged dramatically, with a 71% increase in the number of families relying on food distribution since 2021. That means more than 100,000 additional households are now turning to local food pantries and mobile food banks for support.

Inflation has added to the struggle. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported in July that food prices rose by 2.2% annually, adding further pressure to household budgets. Struggles began in 2020 with the 25% increase in food costs. Families spending $600 on groceries per month in 2021 might now pay closer to $725 for the same cart of food. For households living paycheck to paycheck, that increase is devastating.

Arc West Michigan notes that food banks in West Michigan counties struggle to keep up with the demand. Hunger is no longer a challenge faced only by the unemployed or the homeless. It is affecting working families, seniors and even college students trying to balance tuition costs with daily meals.

SNAP: The Backbone of Food Security

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides food benefits to low-income families through an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. It works like a debit card to help households purchase nutritious groceries. In fiscal year 2024, SNAP accounted for a significant share of USDA nutrition assistance spending and served about 70.41 million participants nationally monthly, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service.

In Michigan alone, an estimated 1.47 million residents—approximately 15% of the state’s population—received SNAP benefits in 2024. According to a memo from the Governor’s office, that underscores the program’s vitality for many Michiganders.

But this critical lifeline is under threat. Federal policy changes now proposed would reduce monthly benefits for hundreds of thousands of households. Axios Detroit and Michigan Public report the shift burdens states with costs, straining families and agencies

What’s Changing with SNAP in Michigan

An Axios Detroit report explains that the recently passed “One Big Beautiful Bill” includes provisions that will reduce SNAP benefits. It will cost at least $25 per month for hundreds of thousands of Michigan households. Another change is an Increase in work requirements for families with children over the age of 14. For a family of four, that reduction can mean several meals lost each week.

Previously, work requirements for SNAP applied primarily to adults under fifty. Under the new law, individuals 55 to 64 must also meet work or training requirements to maintain benefits. The Guardian notes that this change disproportionately affects older workers facing barriers like health conditions or limited job opportunities.

According to The Washington Post, the bill also changes how SNAP is funded. States like Michigan will be required to cover between five and 25% of SNAP benefit costs. It will depend on error rates, as well as 75% of administrative costs. This shift could place enormous strain on Michigan’s state budget, forcing lawmakers to make difficult trade-offs in areas such as education, public health and public safety. Not only that, but the loss of revenue from SNAP dollars also affects local businesses in rural communities.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has warned that these changes could cost Michigan as much as $900 million annually. A report by Our Midland states that such a financial burden has effects across state services, even as demand for food assistance continues to climb.

The funding cuts will not happen all at once. Instead, they will ramp up gradually, with the steepest reductions projected to take effect by 2028. Reuters notes that families will feel the pinch now, but the full impact on budgets and communities will grow over the next three years.

What This Means for Families in West Michigan

According to the Food Research & Action Center, the average SNAP benefit in Michigan was $173 per person per month in 2024—just under $5.70 per person per day. That means even before cuts take effect, benefits are already stretched to the breaking point. A small reduction could push the daily allotment closer to five dollars or less, covering all meals.

With grocery prices stubbornly high, that amount does not go far. Families are forced into difficult trade-offs: skipping meals, relying on cheaper but less nutritious processed foods or turning to emergency food pantries more frequently.

Children and seniors are particularly vulnerable in this environment. Research cited by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services shows that children experiencing food insecurity are more likely to fall behind academically. Seniors facing hunger are at increased risk for chronic health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.

Empty Bowls: A TrueNorth Tradition of Fighting Hunger

One way the community can step up is through Empty Bowls, TrueNorth Community Services’ signature hunger-prevention fundraiser. For more than two decades, TrueNorth has hosted Empty Bowls as both a fundraiser and a community gathering, bringing people together to address hunger in Newaygo County.

This year’s events will take place on October 9 at the TrueNorth Service Center in Fremont and October 10 at the VFW Post 4249 in Newaygo. Guests will share a simple meal of soup and bread, served in a hand-painted bowl and take home a hand-painted bowl as a lasting reminder of the cause.

The symbolism is powerful: a handcrafted bowl, representing both the fragility and resilience of those experiencing hunger. Each bowl is a reminder that, together, we can help fill the empty places at family tables across our community.

Proceeds from Empty Bowls directly support TrueNorth’s Hunger Prevention programs, providing food to thousands of families throughout Newaygo County and neighboring communities. Attendees not only share a meal but also support TrueNorth’s mission to meet neighbors’ basic needs.

Tickets can be purchased online at https://www.truenorthservices.org/event/emptybowls/  or in person at the TrueNorth Service Center, located at 6308 S. Warner Avenue in Fremont.

A Call to Action

The challenges facing Michigan families are daunting. Food insecurity is on the rise, SNAP benefits are under threat and local organizations are stretched thin. But there is hope. Events like Empty Bowls remind us that when neighbors come together, Good Happens Here.

We all have a role to play—whether by advocating for strong food assistance programs, volunteering at a local pantry or attending community fundraisers like Empty Bowls. Each action is a step toward ensuring that no one in West Michigan has to wonder where their next meal will come from.

When the final school bell rings, the day may seem to be over—but learning and growth are far from done. Many children, particularly those in underserved areas, face hours of uncertainty with parents still at work, limited safe spaces and scarce opportunities for enrichment. This period—commonly known as “Out-of-School Time” or OST—is far more than a gap in the day; it’s a critical window where support, guidance and connection can change a child’s trajectory. TrueNorth Community Services understands that OST isn’t just downtime—it’s opportunity time. For decades, we’ve provided environments where children in rural and underserved Michigan communities can explore, grow and be supported beyond the classroom, laying the foundation for resilience, curiosity and success.

Continue reading to learn how TrueNorth’s Out-of-School Time programs work, why they matter and what research says about their impact on children’s academic, social and emotional growth.

What Is Out-of-School Time, and Why Does It Matter?

OST covers the hours outside the regular school schedule—before school, after school, evenings, weekends and summer. According to a study published by the National Library of Medicine, strong OST programs can significantly enhance reading and math skills for at-risk students, especially when delivered consistently and with intentional structure.

But the benefits go far beyond academics. An article by the Expanding Learning & Afterschool Project explains that OST programs following evidence-based social and emotional learning (SEL) practices lead to meaningful improvements in personal and social skills, which directly support classroom learning. Similarly, a report from the Afterschool Alliance highlights reductions in risky behaviors, improved attitudes toward school and better overall student behavior for those enrolled in high-quality programs. The reach of OST extends even further. According to a CDC resource on OST, these programs can play a vital role in promoting healthy behaviors, improving nutrition and addressing health disparities in underserved communities.

How TrueNorth Designs Impactful OST Programs

TrueNorth’s OST programs are not simply places for students to pass the time. They are intentionally designed to meet the academic, recreational, social and emotional needs of the youth they serve. Children have access to nutritious meals, engaging activities, and a safe space to connect with peers and positive adults across 13 program sites that run throughout the school year and summer months.

Two of TrueNorth’s most recognized OST initiatives are Project FOCUS and Project FOCUS Rural Grit. Project FOCUS serves students in Baldwin, Hart, Holton, Muskegon Heights and Walkerville, while Rural Grit extends services to Hesperia and White Cloud. These programs combine targeted academic support with enrichment experiences that foster creativity, teamwork and problem-solving skills. A student might spend the first part of the afternoon working on reading comprehension with a tutor, followed by a group project in science or art that reinforces critical thinking and collaboration.

Nourishing the Whole Child

Academic achievement is only part of the equation. TrueNorth’s OST model takes a holistic approach to child development, recognizing the connections between health, emotional well-being and learning. Nutritious snacks and meals are a standard part of programming, ensuring students have the fuel they need to focus and engage. For some children, these may be the most substantial meals they receive until the next school day, making the nutritional component of OST an essential service.

Mentorship is another cornerstone. Staff and volunteers are more than supervisors—they are trusted role models. According to research summarized by the Society for Research in Child Development, even one supportive adult can significantly boost a child’s resilience, self-esteem and academic success. In TrueNorth programs, students find a network of such adults, each offering guidance, encouragement and a listening ear.

Lighting the Way with Lights On Afterschool

One of TrueNorth’s most visible efforts to highlight OST’s value is our annual Lights On Afterschool celebration. This nationwide event highlights the importance of afterschool programs and the significant role they play in children’s lives. In rural Michigan, where access to extracurricular activities can be limited, this event holds a special significance.

Lights On Afterschool brings together families, educators and community leaders to celebrate the achievements of youth. It also raises awareness about the need for sustained investment in OST programs. The event typically features interactive activities, student showcases and opportunities for the public to see the programs in action.

Lights On Afterschool is more than a party. It is a powerful advocacy tool that reminds policymakers and residents that after-school time is essential. By inviting the public into OST spaces, TrueNorth demonstrates how structured, supportive environments can boost academic performance, foster creativity and build social skills.

The event also encourages families to connect with available resources. Many discover new programs or volunteer opportunities they hadn’t known existed. This helps strengthen community bonds and ensures more youth can benefit from safe, engaging afterschool spaces.

The message is clear: when we invest in OST, we invest in our children’s futures. Lights On Afterschool helps keep that truth front and center for everyone in the community.

Addressing Challenges in Rural Settings

Facilitating OST programs in rural communities presents unique challenges: long distances between homes and schools, limited public transportation and staffing shortages often make participation difficult.

According to the Afterschool Alliance, rural program providers frequently struggle with sustainable funding, qualified staff, transportation, facilities and maintaining high-quality programming—barriers that make access especially challenging.

The America After 3 PM report reveals that rural families face significant access hurdles. Nearly 60% cite poor transportation, inconvenient locations or lack of available programs as reasons they don’t enroll their children.

Research from Education Week also confirms how transportation and staffing costs continue to drive up operational expenses in rural after-school programs.

TrueNorth works closely with school districts to overcome these barriers. Programs are located directly in school buildings to eliminate transportation issues. These adaptive strategies ensure geography doesn’t limit opportunity. They also reflect TrueNorth’s commitment to tailoring solutions that meet community-specific needs.

Outcomes That Echo Through Time

The impact of TrueNorth’s OST programs is seen not only in immediate academic gains but also in long-term personal growth. Teachers often report that students who participate are more engaged in class, demonstrate stronger teamwork skills and have improved attendance. Parents notice boosts in confidence, communication and enthusiasm for learning.

An article by the Expanding Learning & Afterschool Project notes that programs meeting high-quality benchmarks—safe environments, strong relationships and intentional program design—consistently lead to improvements in literacy, social-emotional learning and student engagement.

The most powerful result is the way OST can spark lifelong interests. A child who builds a robot in an after-school activity may one day pursue a career in engineering. A student who learns to paint may discover a lifelong passion for the arts. These moments of discovery and self-expression can shape academic paths, career choices and personal fulfillment for years to come.

Looking Ahead: Expanding Reach, Deepening Impact

TrueNorth’s vision is to ensure that every child, regardless of zip code or income, has access to high-quality OST programs. With continued grant funding, community partnerships and volunteer involvement, they aim to broaden their reach and deepen their impact in the coming years.

While policy conversations often focus on the classroom, OST is a vital part of the educational ecosystem. It is where learning becomes hands-on, where children test their creativity, build friendships and gain confidence in their abilities. It is where they feel safe, supported and inspired to reach for more.

By investing in OST programs like those offered by TrueNorth, communities invest in their future. These programs support working families, strengthen neighborhoods and most importantly, help children thrive. The hours after school may seem like small moments in a long day, but for many youth, they are the hours that make the biggest difference.

TrueNorth Community Services continues to prove that with the right mix of guidance, opportunity and care, every child can shine—during school, after school and far beyond.