Volunteers are being recruited for two upcoming Camp Hope events – one that is brand new, the other a long-time favorite.
Both events are scheduled for Wednesday, June 24 at the Stone Ridge Golf Club in Great Bend.
Camp Hope is an annual weeklong event in Barton County designed for children who have had or do have cancer.
The new addition to Wednesday’s agenda is a carnival for the younger campers. It will include a dunk tank, ring toss and water-balloon games. The older campers once again will be able to take a swing at a round of golf.
“We have some volunteers for both events but we need quite a few more,” Coordinator Jane Isern said. “The kids have always enjoyed this special day but we simply cannot do it without the support of central Kansans.
“If you talk with our past volunteers, they all tell you how rewarding it is to spend time with these great kids,” Isern added. “It is safe to say the adults benefit as much as the campers do.”
The carnival is designed for children 9 and younger; it will begin at 10 a.m. Volunteers are needed to direct the kids to their destinations and operate the booths; each is asked to pay $15 to help with expenses.
The shotgun-start golf tourney is set for 9 a.m. and at least 36 volunteers are needed; each is asked to pay $30. The fee covers lunch for the volunteer and one camper, as well as the cost of cart rental.
Gail Moeder, liaison between Camp Hope and the Kans for Kids Fighting Cancer Foundation Inc., echoed Isern’s comments and encouraged community support.
“This is one of the events the campers really like,” Moeder said. “We do an evaluation after camp each year and it is one of the higher-rated activities.
“So many people want to help but can’t commit to a whole week of Camp Hope events; the half-day at Stone Ridge is an easy way to be involved,” she continued. “The contributions of all volunteers are significant.”
Kans for Kids is the non-profit sponsor of Camp Hope.
To volunteer for either event, contact Isern by calling 620-792-5388.
