International Children's Festival
What is International Children’s Festival (ICF)??? It is the Festival of the heart…the Festival of feeling and giving to others less fortunate than ourselves. We firmly believe that our campers are not too young to learn about issues which face others less fortunate - poverty, hunger, illness, homelessness. Why do we have ICF??? More than 80 years ago, during a very harsh winter, a little boy and his family and their entire Austrian village were probably spared from starvation by the arrival of food, clothing and medical supplies. The little boy remembered that the relief boxes, decorated with a Red Cross, came from America. The boy never forgot what saved his life.....and since that time has helped hundreds of young people to consider ways of reaching out to others in need. That little boy was Louis Buttinger, Greg's Grandpa. Had the food and clothes packages not arrived....there would be no Hillcroft. We spend 2 days where we aim to empower our campers with the thought process that even though they are young they can do something to help others who are in need. Our Festival culminates in a camper-run carnival. All money raised at the carnival is donated to the ICF charities which the children vote on. These are all charities which help children in need. ICF truly IS the festival of the heart!!!
International Children's Carnival
Our International Children's Festival culminates in a camper-run carnival. A good old fashioned carnival with traditional booths such as Dunk the Counselor, Cracker Whistle, Sponge Throw and the ever popular Make up and Crazy Hair Booth! Fun for all! All money raised at the carnival is donated to the ICF charities which the children vote on. These are all charities which help children in need. In previous years Hillcroft Campers have supported "The Center for Prevention to Child Abuse" "Make a Wish Foundation" "The Vassar Brothers Neonatal Unit" as well as many local charities helping children in need. ICF truly IS the festival of the heart!!!
