23 Nov 2015

Camp Courageous Celebrates #GivingTuesday

By Charlie Becker
On Tuesday, December 1st, Camp Courageous will celebrate the 4th annual #GivingTuesday. A camp representative will be at Lucky's Market in Iowa City at 1668 Sycamore St. from 11am to 6pm on #GivingTuesday. The public is welcome to make a donation or find out more about camp. Everyone can participate from anywhere by checking out the Camp Courageous web page or Facebook page. This will be the 4th year of #GivingTuesday, a global movement to encourage ordinary people to come together to make extraordinary things happen!
Camp Courageous volunteers and donors have always been the backbone of the camp! Supporters can give their time, help spread the word, skills, or donations. Camp Courageous gives individuals with special needs confidence, friendships, life changing experiences and opportunities to demonstrate what they can do. See a video made for this event at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lSszogA_uM
Camp Courageous started serving individuals with disabilities in 1974 with 211 campers and has grown to nearly 7,000 in 2015. The camp is located at 12007 190th St, Monticello, just five miles southeast of Monticello off Highways 151, Exit 65 & 38.  For more info visit www.campcourageous.org or visit the camp anytime.
Camp Courageous™ is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization run on donations.
PO Box 418, 12007 190th St, Monticello IA 52310-0418 • 319-465-5916
17 Nov 2015

Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Stores of Iowa 35th Annual Cent-A-Gallon Day

By Charlie Becker
The Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Stores of Iowa are launching their thirty-fifth annual Cent-A-Gallon Day for Camp Courageous on Wednesday, November 25, 2015.  One-cent out of every gallon of petroleum product sold on the day before Thanksgiving by participating marketers will go to Camp Courageous.
Camp Courageous is a year-round recreation and respite care facility for individuals with disabilities. Run on donations, over 7,000 are served annually.
On this day, participating Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Stores will give thanks by contributing one-cent from every gallon of petroleum product to Camp Courageous.  "The day before Thanksgiving was picked 35 years ago," according to Charlie Becker, the camp's executive director, "because both Camp Courageous and the Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Stores felt we have an awful lot to be thankful for and it was the perfect time to give thanks for all our blessings."
Posters will be displayed in the windows of participating Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Stores to distinguish them as participants. The Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Stores of Iowa encourage everyone to join with their local petroleum marketer to give thanks this Thanksgiving, by helping Camp Courageous on the day before.
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We are encouraging the media throughout the state to once again get involved with their local petroleum marketer and convenience stores by pumping gas or cleaning windows on Cent-A-Gallon Day. This gives the customer, an advertiser (or potential advertiser), and families in need, a good feeling about your interest in helping over 7,000 individuals with disabilities that come to camp each year. Thank you for your consideration.

Camp Courageous™ is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization run on donations.
PO Box 418, 12007 190th St, Monticello IA 52310-0418 • 319-465-5916
28 Sep 2015

Stuff the Bus for Camp Courageous

By Charlie Becker
Residents can show their support for individuals with special needs on Saturday, October 3rd. Camp Courageous will be holding it's 2nd Annual Stuff the Bus drive in Cedar Rapids at the Hy-Vee stores at 1843 Johnson Ave. and in Marion. Supporters can donate needed supplies such as wet wipes, paper towels, canned food, napkins and paper plates. Our goal is to fill the bus with donations! The event runs from 9am until 7pm.
On a typical busy Friday at Camp Courageous a van from Handicap Development Center of Davenport pulled up to pick up campers who had spent the week enjoying a variety of activities outdoors. The HDC staff knew many campers look forward to their week at camp all year long. They also know the camp relies on donations. The HDC staff had joined together to bring nearly a van full of needed items for camp. They brought new fishing poles, life jackets, paper towels, wet wipes, toilet paper and other items from the "Needs List" (entire list of needed items can be found on the Camp Courageous web site).
The gifts from HDC were inspiring and a reminder of what a few committed people can accomplish when they come together.
Camp Courageous is open year round. Therefore, donations are needed year round.
Camp Courageous is an example of people in the community coming together and contributing to something which benefits over 7,000 individuals of all ages with disabilities every year.
Just stop by the Marion Hy-Vee or the Hy-Vee at 1843 Johnson Ave. in Cedar Rapids to leave a donation. The location also makes it easy to get a "Needs List" from a camp volunteer and purchase items camp needs on the spot.
13 Aug 2015

Camp Courageous Receives a Mint 1966 VW Cabriolet

By Charlie Becker
MONTICELLO, IOWA   Camp Courageous, a year-round camp for individuals with special needs, recently received a donation of a 1966 VW Cabriolet by Michael Verst of Union, Kentucky, in honor of his late wife, Karen Verst.

Michael modified the vehicle for Karen and installed an automatic transmission, after she lost a leg to a rare form of bone cancer.  The project took eight-years to complete, and was a "real labor of love," according to Michael Verst.

Camp Courageous plans to raffle the car. For more information, story and pictures, go to camp's webpage at:  www.campcourageous.org or call 319-465-5916 ext.#2100 or Facebook Page.
03 Aug 2015

Camp Courageous Pineapple Sales & Gala

By Charlie Becker
38th ANNUAL PINEAPPLE SALES & 37TH ANNUAL PINEAPPLE GALA

MONTICELLO, IOWA- Fresh pineapples will be in Iowa for the 38th Annual Pineapple Sales for Camp Courageous the week of August 5th - 9th. The pineapples will be on sale at nearly 30 Hy-Vee Stores in Bettendorf, Cedar Rapids, Cedar Falls, Clinton, Coralville, Davenport, Dubuque, Iowa City, Marion and Waterloo. Most locations will have the ability to core and place the pineapple in a container for the customer. Pineapple sales will go to benefit Camp Courageous, a year-round respite and recreational facility, serving over 7,000 individuals with special needs annually. Customers not interested in pineapples are encouraged to buy a gift card for food and send it to camp. 

The 37th Annual Pineapple Gala, will be Friday August 21, at the downtown Cedar Rapids DoubleTree Hotel beginning at 6:00 PM. This is one of Iowa's largest charity silent and live auctions with hundreds of items available for bid. The silent auction includes everything from wine and golf packages, Hawkeye, Cyclone, and UNI Packages, to numerous themed baskets. Highlights of the live auction are a weeklong stay at a lovely homes in the mountains of Colorado, a golf course in Arizona, and a condo in Florida and a pick-up truck and a lot more. To view the auction items go to www.campcourageous.org.

An exceptional Hawaiian dinner, entertainment, and door prizes, including a trip for two to Hawaii, are planned for this year's Gala.  Justin Roberts and Honorary Camp Courageous Board Member Ralph Palmer will emcee the event. Tickets are $60 each or a table of 10 for $600. Auction items can be donated, or tickets can be obtained through camp by calling Charlie Becker at 319/465-5916, ext. 2100 or e-mailing at cbecker@campcourageous.org.

Camp Courageous is honoring the memory of Cathy Faulkner at this year's Pineapple Gala.  Cathy Faulkner was a long-time Pineapple Gala volunteer and camp volunteer.

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Camp Courageous
12007 190th St
PO Box 418
Monticello IA 52310-0418
Ph. 319-465-5916, Ext. 2100
03 Jun 2015

Camp Courageous announces Board Elections

By Charlie Becker

The Camp Courageous Board of Directors announced the election of the following officers and members for the 2015-2016 term. The President of the Board of Directors is Margo Ahrendsen of Oxford Junction, IA.  Margo has been involved with Camp Courageous for about 25-years as an advocate and also as a parent of two campers.  Margo, and her husband, Monte, farm in the Oxford Junction area and she is active in a variety of organizations.

Officers:

President: Margo Ahrendsen, Farmer, Camper Parent, and Advocate, Oxford Junction, IA

President-Elect: Jim Zimmerman, Retiring Principal Sacred Heart, Monticello, IA

Secretary: Mary Van Houten, Banquet Manager, Kirkwood Hotel, Cedar Rapids IA

Treasurer: Randy Faulkner, Pres. Hawkeye Dry Ice, Cedar Rapids, IA

Those re-elected to a three-year term included:

Steve Carter, Branch Manager, Dr. Pepper/Snapple Group, Cedar Rapids, IA

Randy Faulkner, Pres. Hawkeye Dry Ice, Cedar Rapids, IA

Larry Greco, Retired Cedar Rapids Police Department, Solon, IA

Kay Pitlik, Retired Special Educator/Advocate/ Cedar Rapids, IA

Mag Welter, Retired Special Educator, Monticello, IA

Winnie Williams, of Monticello, Retired Fawn Creek Homes, Anamosa, IA

Jim Zimmerman, Retiring Principal Sacred Heart, Monticello, IA

Other board members include :

Aaron Cook, Farmer, Winthrop, IA

Jim Foels, Farmer, Brooklyn, IA

Merlin Hulse, Retired Farmer, Tipton, IA

Mary Johnson, Retired, Rockwell Collins, Marion, IA

Jim Klinger, Retired, Cedar Memorial Funeral Homes, Cedar Rapids, IA

Trish Ohlson, GE Capital, Cedar Rapids, IA

Mary Van Houten, Banquet Manager, Kirkwood Hotel, Cedar Rapids IA

Dan Vorhies, Newton Sales, Monticello, IA

Chris Wiese, VP Sales LimoLink, Cedar Rapids, IA

Camp Courageous is a year-round recreational and respite care facility for individuals with special needs. In its 41st year, Camp Courageous will serve nearly 7,000 campers with special needs. The camp is run on donations, without government assistance, without formal sponsorship, and without people paid to raise funds. What this means is everything that is donated to the camp goes directly to benefit the campers. Camp Courageous is available 24 hours-a-day, 365 days-a-year, to meet the emergency needs of families.

Tours of the camp and programs about this unique facility are available by contacting the camp at 319/465-5916 or going to www.campcourageous.org

Camp Courageous™ is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization run on donations.

PO Box 418, 12007 190th St, Monticello IA 52310-0418 • 319-465-5916

26 May 2015

Noelridge Dental in Cedar Rapids participating in Smiles for Life for Camp Courageous

By Charlie Becker
Noelridge Dental in Cedar Rapids will be participating in Smiles for Life where Dr. Jeannie Collins, DDS will whiten your teeth and 100% of the proceeds will be split between Camp Courageous and providing free dental services to the seriously ill and underprivileged children. You DO NOT have to be a patient to take advantage of this amazing deal, but must be current with your dental check-ups.
Noelridge Dental is located at 1201 42nd St. NE in Cedar Rapids. Schedule an appointment today 319-393-615 or go to www.facebook.com/NoelridegeDental.
05 May 2015

PAUL McCARTNEY MEETS ELVIS BENEFIT PERFORMANCE FOR CAMP COURAGEOUS

By Charlie Becker

Saturday, May 16th, 2015 • 5:30 PM - Monticello Eagles Club

MONTICELLO, IOWA - Camp Courageous is hosting a unique fund raiser, a special performance by tribute artist Matt King in "Paul McCartney meets Elvis." The event will take place Saturday, May 16 beginning at 6 PM with a spaghetti dinner at the Monticello Eagle's Club located at 102 Lindner Court. Doors open at 5:30 and the show starts at 7:00. tickets are $30.00 and are available by calling Sheri Lampe at 319-465-5916 ext. 2170 or e-mail: slampe@campcourageous.org

Matt King is ranked as one of the top Elvis tribute artists. Matt has been featured on national television, in magazines, been in several movies, and has won first place in many Elvis tribute contests.

Camp Courageous is a year-round recreational and respite care facility for individuals with special needs run on donations. Camp Courageous will touch the lives of 7,000 individuals with special needs this year.

13 Apr 2015

The 2015 Manchester Garage Sale Is Open For Business!

By Charlie Becker
MANCHESTER, IOWA  The 39th annual Manchester Garage Sale for Camp Courageous is open for business. Just as Camp Courageous has grown from 211 campers served during the summer of 1974 to nearly 7,000 individuals served with special needs year-round today, so has the Manchester Garage Sale grown from the garage of a camper parent in the 1976, to its present donated building located at 913 East Main St in Manchester.
The sale opened Monday, April 13th and will remain open until about the second week in October. Hours are Monday-Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM and Saturday from 8:30-12:00. Run by over 50 dedicated volunteers, the Manchester Garage Sale is camp's largest fundraiser. During the six months the store is open, these volunteers are constantly busy accepting donations, sorting, pricing, and displaying items, along with making sales.  They also collect items off the camp's needs list, for the camp. For many, the Manchester Garage Sale goes year-round as they continue to collect items, along with washing and mending donations. They are also constantly making improvements to the building, like installing air conditioning and carpet.
The Manchester Garage Sale is a win-win situation. People who donate their personal items to the sale, have the opportunity to clean house, and know their things will go for good use. The buyer has the opportunity to get needed items at a very reasonable price, and the camp obtains items it needs, along with much needed financial support.
In the past couple of weeks, 100s of Leo Greco items and other antiques have been donated, going back many decades. For more information you can conatct the camp or call the Manchester Garage Sale at 563-927-2120.
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01 Apr 2015

Strong Impact of Camp Courageous - HuHut Benefit April 6th in Coralville

By Charlie Becker
A 7th grader from Solon explained why she would give to Camp Courageous if she were given $100,000 to donate. She described how one year, on her birthday, she asked for money to donate to camp instead of presents. "I remember how happy I felt giving for my birthday. It was better than receiving. About 3 weeks after I donated the camp sent me a video of the kids using the things that were bought with the money that I donated. They had huge smiles on their faces and it made me feel so good inside!"

This young woman comes from a family with a tradition of giving. Her grandpa was a volunteer at Camp Courageous. She grew up seeing the value of giving to others. 

On Monday, April 6th Camp Courageous and Hu Hot in Coralville, IA will partner to hold a fundraiser for Camp Courageous. It will be an opportunity to enjoy the delicious Mongolian style grill while helping make sure nearly 7,000 individuals with special needs will continue to experience the unique, year round programming at Camp Courageous. Camp Courageous provides respite and recreation services for people of all ages who have special needs. The camp is run on donations. Camp has been in operation for over 40 years. Many campers look forward to coming to camp all year long.

Camp volunteers will be helping clear tables, answering questions, providing information, and assisting customers as needed. 10% of proceeds and 100% of grill tips between 5pm and 8pm on Monday, April 6th will go to the camp. The event will be held at Hu Hot in Coralville located at 917 25th Ave.

Join us for this fun event to make sure the impact of Camp Courageous continues to be felt by countless thousands of individuals, families, and care givers!
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