DUWI Special Projects Fund Supports Wisconsin Badger Camp

DUWI Special Projects Fund Supports 

Wisconsin Badger Camp

Wisconsin Badger Camp announces it is the recipient of a $3,000 grant from the DUWI Special Projects Fund, a component of the Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin. The grant will be used to provide financial assistance for individuals with developmental disabilities from Lafayette County that will attend Wisconsin Badger Camp this summer.

Located 10 miles south of Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin Badger Camp is a private,       non-profit organization that serves individuals with developmental disabilities by providing quality and challenging outdoor recreational experiences. Wisconsin Badger Camp accepts campers regardless of age, severity of a disability, geographical location, or financial situation.  Wisconsin Badger Camp relies on the generosity of organizations like DUWI Special Projects Fund and the Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, as Badger Camp does not receive any state or federal funding.

            The DUWI Special Projects Funds responded to the needs Wisconsin Badger Camp and will allow all of Badger Camp’s Lafayette County campers the opportunity to come to a week of summer camp.  Because of the DUWI fund, campers will be able to experience a week-long stay at camp and participate in activities like camping, fishing, swimming, hiking, dancing and much more! 

For more information about how you can impact your community, contact Linda Gebhardt at 608-328-4060 or visit the Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin,  1-800-995-2379, or visit our website at www.cfsw.org. The Community Foundation serves nine Wisconsin Counties including: Crawford, Grant, Green, Iowa, Lafayette, Rock, Sauk, Vernon, and Walworth counties.

To learn more about Wisconsin Badger Camp, obtain a summer camp application, or inquire about volunteer and donation opportunities, please call (608) 348-9689 or visit www.badgercamp.org. 

Volunteering

Experiences through the eyes of volunteers

Resume Builder. It is stated that 73% of employers would hire someone who has volunteer experience over someone who doesn't have any volunteer experience.

Volunteering can change your perspective. When volunteering you find out what your strengths and weaknesses are and how you can make a difference in someone’s life. Also, if you’re volunteering in another country, you tend to learn more about their culture and lifestyles; this broadens your horizon and gives you a better understanding of life.

You can give something back. A smile can go a long way, so you might not see it, but you are actually helping someone immensely. 

When asked what the volunteers liked about their experience, this is what they had to say:

“I liked the fact that I was able to help people who I had never come in contact with and would probably never see again. It gave me the feeling that I was an unsung hero to somebody somewhere.”

“After I did those things I felt I had somehow helped the world-- in a very small way. I felt a sense of fulfillment.”

“I liked the feeling that I was making some small, but significant difference in other people's lives. Giving people unconditional, positive regard often means I get that back in return, which is rather nice!”

“It was a great learning experience I learned new skills and had hands on training in a medical field that I love!”

“Through community support people can really make a difference and that's a good feeling. I like being able to help others and the feeling of accomplishment is great.”

“Satisfaction of knowing that someone's life may be a little better because of what I've done.”

“I enjoy helping people; having an impact on individual lives, and viewing the cumulative results of my efforts.”

“I liked doing things for people and being involved. I like feeling needed and being able to do something for the good of the "community". Our communities are what we make them, if we are involved they have to better than if we were not.”

“There's a sense of unity with volunteer work that's not found anywhere else. It really doesn't matter whether you work alone, or with a large group, as long as you realize the importance of the goals of the organization, and they are important to you.”

If you volunteered, we know you would feel the same way!

Upcoming Event

If you want to have the wonderful feelings like the volunteers from above, Wisconsin Badger Camp has an event coming up on April 20^th. It’s our Spring Spruce Up, where we will need some volunteers. Some of the tasks may include: moving beds; painting; clearing trails; cutting wood; cleaning and organizing the camp buildings.  Lunch is included, so come join us for some work and fun at camp!

If you want to volunteer or learn more about volunteering, please call 608-348-9689. We look forward to seeing you on April 20^th! 

Boston Bound for Badger Camp

Three sisters are teaming up from East Troy, WI to run the Boston Marathon together and raise money for a great cause.

Katie Ritchie, Gina Craig and Kayla Smith, three sisters originally from East Troy, Wisconsin are taking the opportunity, after qualifying to race in the Boston Marathon, to also run for a cause. Together they will run the 26.2 miles from Hopkinton to Boston, Massachusetts while at the same time running for Wisconsin Badger Camp. Wisconsin Badger Camp is a non-profit summer camp that serves adults and children with developmental disabilities. Badger Camp is located in the beautiful hills of Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin and seeks to provide its campers with a week of fun and challenging outdoor recreational activities. They provide 10 weeks of residential summer camp and offer activities like camping, fishing, swimming, hiking, arts and crafts, a nature center and a petting zoo. Wisconsin Badger Camp is unique because they do not turn a camper away based off the severity of their disability or their ability to pay the $600 requested camp fee. All money raised by the girls will go toward the Campership Program. This program provides financial assistance to campers that cannot afford to camp on their own. Last year, Badger Camp served over 900 individuals and provided $313,705 in financial assistance. it is also important to note the respite opportunity that Badger Camp also provides to the parents and families of their campers. While their son or daughter is enjoying a week of summer camp, it allows them to also have a week to relax and take opportunities that they might not otherwise be able to. Kayla Smith is the Communications Director for this organization and wanted to merge her newfound love for running marathons and her career in the non-profit world. In April, Gina, Katie and Kayla will be ‘Boston Bound for Badger Camp’ and are looking for pledges and sponsors to help get them there! They have set up this website so family, friends and community members can help these ladies put in the miles while raising money for Badger Camp. Please contact Kayla for any more information on Badger Camp or their fundraiser at 608.348.9689 or ksmith@badgercamp.org

Any little bit truly does help!

There is currently $552 raised. Keep up the good work!!

                                             Katie Ritchie after the Irish Fest 5K

Kayla Smith with a Camper during an art's and craft activity 

L-R: Katie Ritchie, Kayla Smith, Gina Craig after qualifying for Boston in Milwaukee, WI

Gina Craig with WBC Camper

Kayla Smith with WBC Camper

26th Annual Valentine's Party re-cap

First of all, we are proud to announce that we raised $10,900 Sunday, Feb. 10th!!  Second, Badger Camp wants to give a huge thank you to everyone who donated, donated their time, support and their resources. We could not have made this a better experience and wouldn't have raised the money if it wasn't for your help and dedication to Camp.

            “We would like to thank everyone who has volunteered and helped raise funds for our organization for 26 years,” Badger Camp Development/ Communication Director Kayla Smith said. “We greatly appreciate all of the local businesses that donated items, Pioneer Lanes and their staff for hosting the event this year, Tim Noyce of N Sounds DJ Service for volunteering his services and playing great music all day, and Jason Bell and Bell Auction for volunteering their services for the live auction portion of the afternoon,” Smith said.

            The top prize this year was $500 and the lucky winner was Jeff & Angie Udelhoven of Platteville. They then graciously donated the $500 back to Badger Camp. “On behalf of Wisconsin Badger Camp board members, staff and campers we want to thank Jeff & Angie for donating the $500 back to Badger Camp,” Smith said. “We also want to thank all of you that bought tickets and participated.”

            The event included hourly raffles, meat raffles, a silent auction, a live auction, bake sale items, and music. The proceeds will then go towards Campership assistance, to individuals who wish to attend Badger Camp in the summer. “Events like the Valentine’s Day Party make it possible for individuals with developmental disabilities to be able to attend Badger Camp regardless of their income,” Badger Camp Executive Director Brent Bowers said. “We cannot say thank you enough to the volunteers who put this event together for reaching out to their friends and neighbors here in the community.”

Located 10 miles south of Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin Badger Camp is a non-profit organization that serves individuals with developmental disabilities by providing quality outdoor recreational experiences. Wisconsin Badger Camp accepts campers regardless of age, severity of a disability, or financial situation.  Last year over 900 individuals with developmental disabilities had the opportunity to experience swimming, hiking, camping, and making friends that last a lifetime at Wisconsin Badger Camp. If you or someone else you know would like more information on how to get involved, please call the Platteville office at (608) 348-9689 or visit our website at: www.badgercamp.org.

Front Row: Carl Hall, Sue McKenna, Lynn Jinkins, Ruth Jinkins

Back Row L-R: Mitchell Daubert, Steve McKenna, Neil McKenna, Theresa Kaiser,                              Cathy Hall, Kevin Bailey, Kayla Smith, Brent Bowers. 

                                             L-R: Jeff David and Melissa David

                           Pictured above: Randy Grimes, owner of Chicago's Best

                                        Pictured above: Tim Noyce

Meet Anna- Badger Camp's new intern!

Introduction to Anna Strasser

Wisconsin Badger Camp is happy to welcome Anna Strasser as their new intern for the spring semester.  Strasser, originally from Lodi, WI is currently a senior at the University of Wisconsin Platteville where she is a Media Studies major.  Her emphasis in Public Relations and minor in Social Media will allow her to help Badger Camp in growing their social media accounts and visibility.

Located 10 miles south of Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin Badger Camp is a non-profit organization that serves individuals with developmental disabilities by providing quality outdoor recreational experiences. Wisconsin Badger Camp accepts campers regardless of age, severity of a disability, or financial situation.  This summer over 800 individuals with developmental disabilities had the opportunity to experience swimming, hiking, camping, and making friends that last a lifetime at Wisconsin Badger Camp.

“Knowing what Wisconsin Badger Camp does and the people they serve makes this internship very rewarding,” Strasser said.  Strasser has plans to implement a new social media manager site to allow camp’s pages’ to be more efficient and stay organized. “I wanted to help out any way I can, add any of my knowledge that I have learned in class and use it to help benefit a non-profit like Badger Camp,” Strasser said.  If you are interested in interning for Wisconsin Badger Camp please contact our offices at 608.348.9689 or ksmith@badgercamp.org

                                   Pictured above: Anna Strasser

                                                        ####

26th Annual Valentine's Party!!

                          26th Annual Valentine’s Party in benefit of Wisconsin Badger Camp

 

The 26th Annual Valentine’s Party in benefit of Wisconsin Badger Camp will take place on Sunday, February 10^th at Pioneer Lanes at 12 p.m. The Valentines Party features hourly raffles, meat paddles, silent auction, bake sale, music, food, drinks, and plenty of fun.

The event will be filled with exciting hourly raffles with numerous prizes given away that were donated by local business owners. The bake sale will be full of delicious treats made by volunteers. There will also be a silent auction full of great items. If you bought a 20/20 ticket the winner of the $500 prize will also be drawn the day of the event. Come to Pioneer Lanes and checkout the items that you could win and enjoy some food, drinks and entertainment provided by N Sounds DJ Service.

If you or someone you know would like to make a donation for the event, please contact the Wisconsin Badger Camp office at (608) 348-9689. We look forward to seeing everyone on Sunday, February 10^th at Pioneer Lanes for a great day full of fun!

Located 10 miles south of Prairie Du Chien, Wisconsin Badger Camp is a non-profit organization that serves individuals with developmental disabilities by providing quality outdoor recreational experiences. Wisconsin Badger Camp accepts campers regardless of age, severity of a disability, or financial situation.  This year, approximately 900 individuals with developmental disabilities will have the opportunity to experience swimming, hiking, camping, and making friends that last a lifetime at Wisconsin Badger Camp.