Star Trek Beyond Movie 2016

James being away at VIP gave us the opportunity to see a movie that didn’t have a talking fish, Star Trek Beyond. The movie has been getting very good reviews as it appeals to the older Trek fans and also the younger Trek fans who jumped on board during the reboot several years past. While we were waiting for the movie to begin (it was a matinee and we both got in for about $10, however I think we were the only ones there) Mom found some photo ops for the movies that were playing there now and in the future so we shot a couple pics.

The Star Trek Beyond movie was very good and did pay homage to the old television series, however it did seem a little bit long especially with all the action scenes. Lots of humor in this movie and it takes place in the middle of the historic 5 year mission.

After the movie we stopped at VIP camp to turn in some of the money we raised at the Get Together and to say goodbye to the counselors. Its too bad so much is going on this week (the Get Together, Howell Camp, Vip Camp) but we did manage to take in a movie for the first time in years.

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Bumper Cars 2016

What a fun time James had at VIP camp today as they went to the old putt putt on Van Born and got to ride go carts and (of course) take out their frustrations on the bumper cars.

This has really been a spectacular summer with plenty of activities for James and very little rainouts or foul weather. It has been hot, but the max has been 90’s and in the past I remember much hotter days hanging around the upper 90’s and even 100’s. So far so good as we hit the halfway point of summer.

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VIP Camp Party 2015

The last day of James’ first camp, aka VIP Camp, was today and as usual featured a party and and a meal. Seeing people we might not see again for a year is always a little sad, but there were no frowns today at this fun event. This year instead of hot dogs the folks at VIP ordered pizza. As usual our contribution was some of the pop as everyone brought a dish making it a pot luck of sorts.

James played a few games with his friends then bid them all a fond fair well till next year. Its hard to believe how fast the time is flying for events like this, it just seems like the other day we were talking about August during February snow storms, now it is here and James’ first camp is already over. My how time flies when you are having fun.

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James Go Cart Racing 2015

James went to Midway Entertainment (known as putt putt to us older folk) and rode the go carts about 6 times and also did the dodge em cars a couple times. This was a scheduled visit with his VIP camp and most of his friends were there with him having a blast. This was the last field trip for his VIP camp this summer and the camp itself will have its annual last day celebration this Thursday so we should have a bunch of photos from that event.

Midway entertainment certainly has gotten more activities since James’ dad was young. Back then there was a small putt putt, driving range, batting cages, and a couple trampolines. Its been around a long time.

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VIP Camp Begins 2015

Once again VIP camp has begun and for the last few years this has been one of James’ all time favorite activities. Its sort of like school with only recess and arts and crafts. The kids play all sorts of games and already this week James has a new tie dyed shirt that he made himself, he has dressed up as Batman for a costume party, and he spent an afternoon bowling with his friends. It also is a sign to us that summer is going by quickly, with the Fourth of July last week and VIP camp beginning this week. Hopefully we all can seize the summer moments this year as the memories of the last two winters are still fresh in everyone’s mind.

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VIP Camp Party 2014

The 2014 VIP camp came to an end with a party where all the family was invited. Mom and Dad joined James for the luncheon which included games and all sorts of fun.

The festivities began on the indoor field where the kids (and adults) participated in several games, races, and activities while the lunch was being prepared.

The lunch was alot of food, no other way to explain it. Everyone had plenty to eat and after the lunch the adults challenged the kids to a competitive game of “pass the ball”.

At the end of the party, James said his goodbye’s but fortunately he should meet up with most of the kids either through the fund raising parties, the winter skating activities, and (of course) his own Halloween party.

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VIP Camp 2014

After a year of waiting James got to attend his VIP camp. This year they had more field trips including the zoo, Turtle Cove, Heritage Park, and Texas Roadhouse. One of the pictures is at the Texas Roadhouse with Jame’s friend, Dynamike, who is a Master Magician in Michigan. When not on the road the kids participated in various games and crafts for a six week period. Mom and Dad had to keep up with the lunch schedule since sometimes James had to brown bag, other times he had to pay for a lunch. Lots of fun and it kind of reminded us all of school recess, except this recess lasted about six hours each day.

James plans on returning next year and participated in several fund raisers for the camp later on in the summer. Below are pics from several different days.

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VIP Camp 2013

For the second year now James has attended VIP camp and has had a blast. This year VIP camp was in Melvindale, last year it was in Taylor. Many of the same kids attended which made it that much more fun seeing each other after an entire year.

James VIP camp came to an end with a party for the kids and parents. Each family contributed something and the staff and the kids did the rest. What a spread. James and the rest of the kids played games afterwards and a grand time was had by all.

VIP camp provides exciting experiences for kids. For example, last year one of James’ favorite activity was doing karate one day as one of their field trips, this year he had many favorites including Bowling, Heritage Park, YMCA, Fire Trucks, Water Parks, and many other field trips. Each week was themed which was cool. A great experience for the kids in every way.

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VIP Camp 2012

Well camping certainly has changed since I was a kid. There were no tents or mess halls at this camp which was held Mon thru Thurs for 5 weeks in the summer (July & Aug Months). Each week had a different theme and the kids got to not only go on road trips but also had interesting people come to them such as karate demo’s and ice skaters. Turns out James likes to skate so we plan on sending him to skating school in the winter. The complex has four rinks so if the weather outside was not appropriate they simply went inside to play their games. James made lots of friends and created some really nice craftwork. Our highest compliments to the staff for their fine work this summer.

James said he will miss his friends, hopefully some can attend his Halloween party (James posted a little flier he made promoting his party and inviting everyone, I do not know if anyone will remember since Halloween is currently 3 months away). James plans on attending next year and we cannot think of a better place for James to grow with his social skills than this summer camp.

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