Wisconsin Badger Camp

Monday, June 23, 2014

A Rainy Week Two is No Obstacle for Fun at WBC

     Throughout the rainy week we had at Wisconsin Badger Camp, campers and counselors still managed to fight the storms and enjoy Week Two of Badger Camp.
     Although Badger Ball and the talent show were moved inside of the dining hall due to the wet grass on the front lawn, campers still enjoyed the music, dancing, and watching each other show off their improbable talent.
     Week Three, AKA Teen Week, is underway! We've had a great start to our summer at WBC!

Monday, June 16, 2014

Week One Synopsis

When check-out day rolls around on Friday after the talent show and lunch conclude, a sense of melancholy fills the air as the counselors and staff say goodbye to the campers. It was a fun, exciting Week One at Badger Camp, filled with laughter and new friendships and memories. From fishing at a local lake to Badger Olympics and Badger Ball, beginning to end was a pleasant adventure.

But as one week of Wisconsin Badger Camp comes to an end, that means another one is just beginning! Week Two is underway!

Thursday, June 12, 2014

Week One Badger Olympics One for the Ages

     For some campers, lighting the torch may be the most exciting part of Badger Olympics, for others, it's the obstacle course. Whichever way you look at it, the Olympics is one of the most exciting parts of the experience at Wisconsin Badger Camp.
     To start, the campers get in groups with their counselors, come up with awesome team cheers, and yell them loud and proud to let everyone know their team is the best. However, the "best" team is hardly a concern. While one camper competes in the obstacle course, not only is his/her team cheering, but the entire camp population is cheering. The sight is breath-taking, and their joy is contagious.
     Campers can choose to participate in an obstacle course, a relay, a throwing event, or all three. At the end of all of the events, the campers gather over by the Olympic torch to get their ribbons of achievement, all while a counselor walks out in the Badger Bill mascot costume to congratulate the campers.

Thank you to the Knights of Columbus Council #1386 Platteville for attending! If you haven't experienced this for yourself, we highly recommend it! It's been a great Week One at Wisconsin Badger Camp!

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Cruisin’ for Campers Huge Success

On June 7, 2014, 59 bikers and riders took to the streets to help support Wisconsin Badger Camp in the annual Cruisin’ for Campers poker run, where over $1,300 was raised and donated to camp. This donation is an increase from last year and will financially support individuals with developmental disabilities who attend Wisconsin Badger Camp.

The motorcycles started at Red n’ Deb’s in Platteville and made multiple stops until arriving at the final stop in Ellenboro where raffles and prizes were given away to lucky attendees.

Special thanks to Grassland Accounting, Milestone Materials, Yesterdaze, Majestic View Dairy, Second Shot Saloon, Girlfriends, Copper Dome, Jane Peoples, Platteville Cleaners, Tim Koeller, Mary Burback, Tammy & Merle Martins, and all of the other contributors for their thoughtful donations to Badger Camp.

“It was a great time with great people and a huge success,” said Kevin “Beetle” Bailey, a longtime supporter of Badger Camp. “Thank you to all the donors and riders who participated!”

Wisconsin Badger Camp is an independent nonprofit organization located approximately 10 miles south of Prairie du Chien and serves approximately 900 individuals with developmental disabilities each summer. Badger Camp relies on the community’s time, talent, and financial assistance to provide for its campers. If you or someone you know would like more information on how to make a donation or for tour information please call Wisconsin Badger Camp at (608) 348-9689 or visit our website at www.badgercamp.org.

Monday, June 9, 2014

Badger Camp Receives Three New Grants

New Shower Chairs, More Camperships Thanks to the Eau Claire Community Foundation

Wisconsin Badger Camp is happy to announce it is the recipient of a $2,400 grant from the Eau Claire Community Foundation. The grant will financially support individuals with developmental disabilities from Eau Claire that attend Badger Camp. Of the total $2,400 grant, $2,000 will go towards new shower chairs to help with personal care for campers while attending camp and the other $400 will go towards the Campership Program.

“This grant is supporting two different, but very important, programs for Badger Camp,” said Development Director, Kayla Leibfried. “Their continued support of our mission is greatly appreciated.”

The Eau Claire Community Foundation focuses on strengthening the community by offering donors opportunities to establish charitable legacies, by making grants, and by serving as a catalyst to address community needs.

Because Badger Camp does not accept any state or federal funding, the Eau Claire Community Foundation, a longtime supporter of camp, is playing an important role in the overall experience of the campers who attend Badger Camp.

Darlington Area Community Fund, Longtime Supporter of Badger Camp

Wisconsin Badger Camp is thrilled to announce it is the recipient of a $3,000 grant from the Darlington Area Community Fund. The grant will financially support individuals with developmental disabilities in Darlington, WI who attend Wisconsin Badger Camp.

Established in 1999, the Darlington Area Community Fund is a permanent, unrestricted endowment created to serve the Darlington area. They have been a continuous supporter of Badger Camp.

Because Badger Camp does not accept any state or federal funding, the Darlington Area Community Fund is playing a crucial role in the success of the Campership Program.

“We greatly appreciate the support from the Darlington Area Community Foundation and providing funding to our Darlington area campers,” said Development Director, Kayla Leibfried. “It’s always great to see a local organization in support of Badger Camp.”

WBC Receives Grant from Kaap Charitable Trust

Wisconsin Badger Camp is pleased to announce it is the recipient of a $1,000 grant from Kaap Charitable Trust. This grant will financially support individuals with developmental disabilities to give them the opportunity to come to camp and participate in outdoor recreational experiences such as fishing, hiking, camping, horseback riding, canoeing, and arts & crafts.

Kaap Charitable Trust originally established in Wisconsin and supported the children of Brown County. This is the first time that Badger Camp has received a grant from Kaap Charitable Trust, now located downtown Chicago, Illinois.

Because Badger Camp does not accept any state or federal funding, Kaap Charitable trust is playing an important role in the success of the Campership Program.

“We are really excited about our grant from the Kaap Charitable Trust in support of our Brown County Campers,” said Development Director, Kayla Leibfried. “This is the first time we’ve received from the Kaap Charitable Trust and it’s always awesome to gain new supporters of our mission.”