Wednesday, April 3, 2013

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.

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.

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

and Jerry Day, Grant & Iowa County League.

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Spring is on its way!

Wisconsin Badger Camps Spring Spruce up

Wisconsin Badger Camp’s annual Spring Spruce-Up will be held Saturday, April 20th. Projects will start at 9 a.m. and be held at Wisconsin Badger Camp, 11815 Munz Lane, Prairie du Chien.

Volunteers of all abilities and talents will be needed for building and grounds maintenance, lawn and garden work, painting, cleaning, and construction projects throughout Badger Camp’s 680 acres of land. A complimentary lunch will be provided to all who help. To get the best count for lunch we appreciate those who are planning on attending to RSVP by calling the Badger Camp’s Platteville office at (608) 348-9689.

Wisconsin Badger Camp's mission is to provide a positive natural environment where individuals with developmental challenges can learn about their surroundings and realize their full potential. Through a group living experience, campers develop friendships and expand their social skills. Everyone, regardless of the severity of their disability is welcome at Badger Camp. This summer Wisconsin Badger Camp will host its 30,000^th camper!

All are welcome and any amount of time and talent is appreciated. Badger Camp relies on help from the community to help get camp ready for another fun and exciting season! 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!

Any help is truly appreciated, and we give a huge thank you to EVERYONE

who has put time and effort in helping out in the past!

United Fund of Iowa County

United Fund of Iowa County Supports Wisconsin Badger Camp

Wisconsin Badger Camp announces it is the recipient of a $2,260 grant from the United Fund of Iowa County. The grant will be used to provide financial assistance for individuals with developmental disabilities from Iowa County that will attend Wisconsin Badger Camp this summer.

The United Fund of Iowa County responded to the needs Wisconsin Badger Camp and will allow all of Badger Camp’s Iowa County campers the opportunity to come to a week of summer camp. Because of the United Fund of Iowa County and their continuous support, 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!

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.

Friday, March 8, 2013

Allen Foundation Supports Wisconsin Badger Camp

Allen Foundation Supports Wisconsin Badger Camp

Wisconsin Badger Camp is the proud recipient of a $5,000 grant from the Allen Foundation. The grant will be used to provide financial assistance for individuals in Rock 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 Allen Foundation in providing financial assistance to our campers in Rock County,” Wisconsin Badger Camp Development Director, Kayla Smith said. “The Allen Foundation is helping us to send 24 individuals with developmental disabilities from Rock 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.

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

What is today?!

Today is March, 6th 2013

SPREAD THE WORD TO END THE WORD

Today is the annual day of awareness of the hurtful use of the R-word. By eliminating the word from your vocabulary, simply costs you nothing but compassion for those with developmental disabilities. A person with developmental disabilities feel "less than human" when people use the words "retard" or "retarded." The "R" word is offensive and derogatory. So I know you all can stop using the word and even make a pledge to stop using those words and inform others as well. The campaign asks people to pledge to stop saying the R-word as a starting point toward creating more accepting attitudes and communities for all people. Language affects attitudes and attitudes affect actions. Pledge today to use respectful, people-first language. Go to http://www.r-word.org/ and in the upper right hand corner there is a button where you can click on that and make an online pledge!

Here is a story by Alexandra from Rhode Island, My brother is a hero to me, he just doesn't know it. My brother may look normal but has no speech and is very much mentally disabled. He has cerebellum hypaplasia; half the brain isn't developed. He is made fun of on a daily basis. He is 19 and at the point in life where he doesn't understand why he is the way he and wants to be "normal." We tell him it's the way God made him. My brother will never be able to have children, drive, be on his own or even have a job. Why does society have to make fun of disabled children and people in general when they have every chance in the world to do anything but make fun of a person who didn't ask to be that way. My brother has broken speech, no muscle in his tongue, very off balance, a doctor for every organ and part of his body. If I could be in his shoes I'd trade any day. The way society is, is horrible. We need to put a stop to bullying in general.

Just because today is the annual say of awareness of the hurtful use of the R-word, doesn't mean that it starts today and ends today. It just means that more people are aware of the word and how hurtful it can be. It starts with you,

SPREAD THE WORD TO END THE WORD for good!