Media Release
Michigan, Aug 22: The India Catholic Association of south east Michigan recently organized a ‘Camp Thumbs Up’ – an all in all a fun Weekend camp at Sleeper State Park, which is located in Michigan’s beautiful thumb region.
Over the years, ICA’s summer weekend camp has really become one of the most highly anticipated events. ICA weekend camp has been a social innovation from its inception and this was highlighted once more with ‘Camp Thumbs Up’ that was designed to bring the community closer to together, through fun activities and competitive games, in harmony with nature.
Invocation of Camp Thumbs up was a ceremony by itself with a flag hoisting, lighting of the camp torch by the chairs Franz D’Souza and Jayshree Mascarenhas accompanied with playing of the bongos. The campers were divided into four teams and there were fun games for all ages.
The women’s Cricket, Men’s Kabaddi and the Tug-o-war in Lake Huron were some of the fun highlights at the camp. Whether it was dancing or cooking or singing around the campfire, participating in these group activities with friends was a great experience at the camp, which left everyone with memorable moments.
ICA offers its sincere thanks to all the volunteers and organizers of Camp Thumbs Up “Franz & Suneel D'Souza and Jayshree and Linley Mascarenhas, Neville and Doreen D'Souza, Arun and Jennifer D'Souza, Kiran D'Souza, Diane and Edgar Almeida, Janice and Ronnie
Dias, Maryna and Cyril Miranda, Urban and Joan DeSouza” for their effort and work that gave every attendee a truly amazing experience.
For more information watch the video on http://youtu.be/w0vi--tmric
Besides social events, members of ICA have been volunteering to help several non-profit organizations to accomplish some of their goals. The most recent one was the Community Impact Day in partnership with H4H – Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County, Michigan. ICA members came together on July 27th to spend an entire day to clear vacant lots for construction. ICA appreciates Urban De Souza, Vice President for initiating this community service in partnering with H4H.
A coverage of the volunteering activity can be viewed at http://youtu.be/HgMLKInkBtQ.
ICA has many more volunteering opportunities planned this year to get our community more involved to help the society in which we live in. ICA President, Teena Ayyagari says “It is ongoing events like these that make our efforts in the community worthwhile. We count when we are able to make the difference and be the difference”.
This year ICA is celebrating its 35th anniversary and the members are looking forward to commemorate this in ICA’s annual India Cultural Harvest night with a grand celebration on Saturday, October 12 at St Valentine Church.
The event is called “Sangam”, a confluence of diverse cultures and ICA will proudly celebrate the diverse traditions and cultures of its members through music, dance and ethnic food and hopes to make this one of the most memorable event in ICA.
Teena Ayyagari says, “Along with celebrating our diverse traditions and cultures, we will reflect upon the journey of its committed members who worked selflessly to build a united ICA organization. Fr Ozzie Mascarenhas who has been the ICA chaplain for 28 years and other senior members of ICA have laid some ood foundation to sustain the community and fellowship within the members of ICA. It is now our responsibility to take the philosophy forward with social innovations and Charity”.
Presiding this important event will be Bishop Francis R Reiss of Detroit, will be the guest of honor.
Details of the flyer are as follows http://www.icamichigan.org/CurrentFlyer.php which gives information on how to register and be a part of this celebration. For more information, please write to icamichigan@gmail.com