Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Thank You to 2013 Spring Spruce-Up Volunteers

Wisconsin Badger Camp’s annual Spring Spruce-Up, held on April 20, proved to be a success. Forty-five volunteers of all abilities came out to help Badger Camp get ready for the 2013 summer season. Tasks included working on building and grounds maintenance, lawn and garden work, painting, cleaning lodges and construction projects throughout Badger Camp’s 680 acres.

Wisconsin Badger Camp is located approximately 10 miles south of Prairie du Chien and welcomes approximately 900 individuals with developmental disabilities each year. Since 1966, Badger Camp has relied on the help of volunteers to make its campers’ experience enjoyable, educational, and fun. “Spring Spruce-Up” is the first opportunity of the year to volunteer at Wisconsin Badger Camp.

Kayla Smith, Development/Communication Director at Wisconsin Badger Camp, said, “It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces come out to support Badger Camp. It really means a lot to Badger Camp that so many people were willing to give up their time to help camp. Thank you to all who came out and helped prepare camp for an exciting summer!”

If you or someone else you know would like more information on how to make a donation or tour information please call Wisconsin Badger Camp at (608) 348-9689 or visit our website at: www.badgercamp.org.

Stackner Family Foundation Supports Wisconsin Badger Camp

Stackner Family Foundation Supports Wisconsin Badger Camp

Wisconsin Badger Camp is the proud recipient of a $2,000 grant from the Stackner Family Foundation. The grant will be used to provide financial assistance for individuals in Waukesha County with developmental disabilities 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 the Allen Foundation, as Badger Camp does not receive any state or federal funding.
“We appreciate the support of the Stackner Family Foundation in providing financial assistance to our campers in Waukesha County,” Wisconsin Badger Camp Development Director, Kayla Smith said. “Stackner Family Foundation is helping us to send 23 individuals with developmental disabilities from Waukesha County regardless of their financial situation,” Smith said. “Because of foundations like this, Badger Camp has not had to turn a camper away based off the severity of their disability or inability to pay the requested camp fee for 46 years,” Smith said.

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Knights of Columbus Clowns Support Wisconsin Badger Camp

Knights of Columbus Clowns Continue to Support Wisconsin Badger Camp

Wisconsin Badger Camp is proud to announce it is the recipient of a $400 donation from Knights of Columbus Clowns. The continuous hard work of the Knights of Columbus Clowns is greatly appreciated. The money is raised by the Knights of Columbus Clowns participating in parades throughout the summer. This is a great example of how something simple can do great things. This donation will provide financial assistance to local individuals with developmental disabilities that will attend Wisconsin Badger Camp this summer.

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, 900 individuals with developmental disabilities had the opportunity to experience swimming, hiking, camping, and making friends that last a lifetime at Wisconsin Badger Camp.

The Knights of Columbus Clowns embodies the spirit of volunteerism through the time they spend volunteering and funds they have donated to help improve the quality of Wisconsin Badger Camp’s programs.

“On behalf of our board of directors, staff, and most importantly our campers, we would like to thank the Knights of Columbus Clowns for their donation to Wisconsin Badger Camp,” Wisconsin Badger Camp Development/Communications Director, Kayla Smith said. “Wisconsin Badger Camp is extremely proud of our relationship with the Knights of Columbus and is very appreciative of their efforts to help us fulfill our mission of serving individuals with developmental disabilities. With Badger Camp growing every year, we are extremely grateful for what the Knights of Columbus do for Wisconsin Badger Camp,” Smith said.

Friday, April 5, 2013

April is Autism Awareness Month

What is Autism Awareness Month? Who is it for? Why should we have it? In today’s blog post I am going to answer these questions and inform everyone why it is so important. Autism Awareness month is not only for children with autism, but for their parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters, extended family and friends. This is a day where the entire family can celebrate all of their accomplishments. For individuals with autism, they just want to laugh, be complimented; they want a connection to a friend and a chance to fit in. And we believe if people were aware of ones obstacles, they would want to know more and would even want to help.

On April 2nd, 2013 N.J. Elementary recognized World Autism Day by gathering all of the kids and teachers and blew bubbles in the parking lot. Not only this, but Cranford, N.J. went blue Tuesday in support of Autism awareness day, they wore blue attire to spread awareness.

"All Americans should have the chance to live full, independent lives and follow their talents wherever they lead. This month, we recognize Americans with ASDs who are walking through doors of opportunity, and we recommit to opening them wider in the years ahead”, Barack Obama said.

"NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 2, 2013, as World Autism Awareness Day. I encourage all Americans to learn more about autism and what they can do to support individuals on the autism spectrum and their families."

Just remember that there is as many as "1 in 50 kids have autism which is much higher than decades ago. But there’s also new understanding of the disorder which has been good for kids who have it, Doctor Bruce Waslick at Baystate Medical Center says."

Therefore, don’t forget to help out children or adults who struggle daily with the challenges of autism. This doesn’t mean to stop helping after a month, but to always be a generous soul, a helping hand and someone to talk to. You can help make a difference! Stand up for what you believe in, don’t let people bully children or adults with autism or push them around. “Be the voice for people who don’t have one!”

"Keep calm and light it up blue"

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Grant County Thrift Shop Supports Wisconsin Badger Camp Campers

Grant County Thrift Shop of Lancaster, WI donated $1,000 to go towards the campership fees of Orchard Manor residents of Lancaster. The money donated will help Orchard Manor residents attend Wisconsin Badger Camp this summer.

This summer Orchard Manor campers may choose to participate in any number of activities from our various programs. Whether it is fishing, canoeing, horseback riding, swimming, hiking, arts, crafts or any of our countless activities, they are sure to have an exciting camp experience.

“We are truly grateful for the continuous support of the Grant County Thrift Shop. They help make it possible for Orchard Manor residents on strict or limited incomes attend Badger Camp.” Wisconsin Badger Camp Development/Communications Director, Kayla Smith said. “They will be able to participate in many fun activities that are not normally available to them, at the same time making memories that last a lifetime,” Smith said.

Tavern League Support Wisconsin Badger Camp

Wisconsin Badger Camp is proud to announce that it received a matching donation from the Tavern League of Wisconsin for the Christmas Telethon this past December. Both the Grant and Iowa County Tavern League and the Tavern League of Wisconsin are great supporters of Wisconsin Badger Camp.

Since 1976, the Grant & Iowa County Tavern League has truly embodied the spirit of volunteerism through hosting fundraisers and donating funds to help improve the quality of Wisconsin Badger Camp’s programs. The thousands of dollars that the Grant and Iowa County Tavern League and the Tavern League of Wisconsin have donated to camp goes toward providing financial assistance to campers that cannot afford to come to camp on their own.

“We are truly grateful for their organization and all that they have done for Badger Camp. It is because of organizations like theirs that help us continue our mission of serving individuals with developmental disabilities,” Wisconsin Badger Camp Development/Communications Director, Kayla Smith said.

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 disability, or financial situation. This summer 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.

Pictured from left to right: Communication/Development Director Kayla Smith

and Jerry Day, Grant & Iowa County League.