Dr. Paul Jacobs photo The Golden K Club heard a presentation from Clare Lutgen, executive director of the Bay Cliff Health Camp. From left are Orice Walters, program chairwoman; Ben Determan, Golden K chairman for September; Lutgen; and Golden K member Paul Ward. Golden K also donated $300 to the Bay Cliff camp.

By JOAN JOUPPI

For The Daily News

KINGSFORD — A bright and sunny day greeted the Golden K seniors as they gathered at First Presbyterian Church in Kingsford for their weekly meeting.

Ben Determan got the group to their feet for the pledge to the flag and singing of “God Bless America,” which is a standard opening for all Golden K meetings and in today’s world it is with thankful hearts we can still do this. Gathering together as friends and families, putting life back into some perspective of normalcy.

Happy dollars reflected thoughts of enjoying family outings and accomplishments as well as embracing a win for the Packers and the Ryder Cup finals. These seniors do not miss much in this fast-paced world that evolves around them.

The Bay Cliff Health Camp is beginning its 89th year of supporting kids and their families, with Clare Lutgen, executive director going into her third year in this role. It was started in 1934 by two women with a dream for helping children with specific needs.

The camp has grown over the years to encompass children from pre-primary to late teens who physical needs vary; the emphasis is on therapy and recreational programs. For several weeks the children are encouraged and guided into new goals for their abilities with the aid of licensed therapists.

The COVID-19 virus put a difficult strain on this camp, the children who looked forward to coming and their parents.

The first year of Lutgen’s experience at Bay Cliff was relatively routine. Then COVID came and her duties and expectations changed. Working together, her staff and volunteers were able to bring virtual reality to Bay Cliff.

Two years into the program, Bay Cliff, children, families came into the era of learning sharing, participation in this new world of virtual program.

With 49 straight days of programming, Virtual Bay Cliff had a successful camping session. They had opening and closing ceremonies, group singing and setting new goals. Reaching into homes meant involvement with entire families. A win-win for all.

Interaction with parents, staff and children living with disabilities will be an ongoing program with hopes to return to a real camp experience at Bay Cliff on the shores of Lake Superior. Bay Cliff Health Camp is a place where “dreams come true,” as their brochure states, and Lutgen reiterated “every day at Bay Cliff is a sunny day.”

Golden K will meet at 10 a.m. Monday, with the program to start at 10:30 a.m. in the First Presbyterian hall. A spokesperson from Alcoholics Anonymous will bring the seniors up to date on their program, how it works and what it means to the community. Visitors are always welcome.