Great Bend USD 428 will again provide free transportation to young campers at Camp Hope, a summer camp for children who have cancer or have had cancer in the past.
The camp will take place the week of June 19-24 at Barton Community College’s Camp Aldrich.
“Some activities that the campers are able to participate that are off campus include a morning at Stoneridge playing golf, bowling and miniature golf at the Walnut Bowl and a morning at the water park in Great Bend,” said Gail Moeder, Camp Hope director.
“The kids would not be able to participate in these activities if we didn’t have the help of USD 428 buses and drivers,” Moeder said. “They are always very willing to help out and we truly appreciate that.
“Camp Hope certainly feels like we have a good partnership with the school district,” she said.
For many years, USD 428 has provided bus transportation free of charge for camp residents and staff. Busing the group from Camp Aldrich to Great Bend allows campers and camp staff to enjoy local activities such as golfing, swimming, bowling and a fun night. This year, there will be around 65 campers and more than 110 camp volunteers. Campers and volunteers come from all over Kansas.
Bus drivers include Marilyn Holinde, Diana McGinty, Joel Wilson and Tara Weeks.

BCC donation
On Monday, Barton Community College Director of Admissions Tana Cooper presented a check for $1,060 to Moeder in support of Camp Hope. That money was raised by having “Going Casual for Camp Hope” days where faculty and staff could wear jeans for $5.
The campaign ran from October through April. Various faculty and staff departments coordinated and participated in the event and they plan to hold the event again next year.