The dinner included guided tours of the recently attained 160 acre camp property. Beginning at 4 p.m. community leaders and neighbors gathered in small groups and toured the grounds. The visit featured a sightseeing exploration of the facilities, nature trail, and camp lake. Detroit’s Sacred Heart Parish Council President, Salem Meram along with other community leaders led small groups of neighbors around the camp. “We chatted and had a chance to share information with our neighbors. We visited the welcome center, infirmary, the campers cabins, camp barracks, basketball courts, nature trails, executive retreat center, and the banquet hall,” said Meram.
Neighbors who found it difficult to walk, were driven on golf and tour carts. “It was wonderful to see how happy our neighbors were and learn how much we all have in common,” said Fr. Manuel Boji, Camp Council Clergy Chairperson.
Nearly a hundred neighbors and community leaders gathered at the camp banquet hall. At first the neighbors enjoyed refreshments and had a chance to mingle. Afterwards dinner guests were introduced to the Chaldean Camp Council leaders and the evening’s agenda. Shortly thereafter Fr. Manuel Boji led a dinner prayer as church camp volunteers served dinner.
The dinner included a smorgasbord of Chaldean gourmet foods and desserts. Traditional appetizers of tabouli, hummus, fattoush, mixed vegetables, and turshey followed by yellow rice, roasted beef and chicken kabob and garlic glazed chicken tikka, dolma, breaded chicken crème chop, lamb meat, white beans, and potato curry. Dinner also included home made pizza with special Chaldean red pizza sauce. Dessert included baklawa, mixed tray of world cakes, traditional cookies, with coffee and tea. Neighbors were jubilant and paid plenty of compliments of the Chaldean Mediterranean cuisine.
After dinner Fr. Manuel Boji shared information about Chaldean history, customs, and heritage, Chaldeans in America, and potential plans regarding the camp. An informal question, answer, and suggestion period followed whereby neighbors had a chance to offer their feedback.
Comments included disallowing any motor boats on the lake, publicizing camp activities and event schedules, membership opportunities to the camp, shrine development time-table, and if the Chaldean chefs were willing to share their recipes. Concluding the evening guests were randomly given prizes for their participation and feedback.
The evening ended with congratulatory remarks and excited compliments of having Chaldeans as neighbors and the new camp owners. Informal discussions of future resident gatherings and activities took shape throughout as small groups gathered and exchanged ideas and contact information.
To view more photos of the event please visit the 2007 Camp Chaldean Neighbor Dinner Photo Album.