MONTICELLO, IA What has been billed as the one of the biggest Iowa Women's basketball games of the year at Carver-Hawkeye Arena, will also be benefiting Camp Courageous. Tickets are now available for the Iowa vs. Purdue Basketball Game to be held on January 20, 2013 at 3:00 PM. Tickets are only $5.00 each (half price), if bought through Camp Courageous. The general public will be paying $10.00 at the door. Special pricing will be available for Camp Courageous campers and those with special needs.
The game will be televised on the Big Ten Network and will also be a white out. Fans are encouraged to wear white. It's also $1 dog night. Hot dogs are just $1. There will also be post-game autographs.
A portion of all tickets sold through Camp Courageous will go to the camp. This is a win-win-win situation for everyone. The ticket buyer saves $5 off the door price of a ticket, the Iowa Hawkeye Women's Basketball Team win by showing what a great team they have and what great fans they have, and Camp Courageous benefits from a portion of the price of every ticket purchased going to the camp.
To purchase tickets go on-line to:
or by calling 319/465-5916 ext 2100 to place an order
or by mailing your request to: Hawkeye Tickets, PO Box 418, Monticello, IA 52310
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Camp Courageous is a year-round recreational and respite care facility for individuals with disabilities. Campers with mental and physical disabilities, head injuries, hearing or visual impairments, autism and other special needs are served.

Volunteer positions, internships, and paid positions are available in all camp departments.

In the area of program, working with adults with disabilities is often a very real challenge. Campers may need help with personal care including feeding, dressing, and toileting. Some campers exhibit challenging behaviors.  Patience, energy, good judgment and enthusiasm are important attributes for a position at Camp Courageous.  The hours are long.  An unselfish attitude and an emphasis on teamwork are needed. Staff members are expected to put the campers' needs before their own. If you possess these skills, consider applying for a position.  Paid counselors and activity specialists receive the best camp employment package. Room and board are provided which includes an air-conditioned staff dormitory affording separate living quarters from the campers.  Staff share cabin duty on a rotating basis.  Other benefits include a restricted medical plan for seasonal staff and health insurance for year-round Program Specialists.  The spring season runs from March 25 to May 17 and the summer runs from May 19 to August 16,2013. This includes staff training. Positions include Counselors & Activity Specialists. Non-tobacco users please.

Camp Courageous also currently has a year-round Dietary Director position and other positions in the dietary department available.

Candidates for year-round positions must have previous experience. Seasonal positions are for one or more seasons. Apply on-line by accessing camp's website at www.campcourageous.org.

For more information on volunteering contact Shannon Poe by email at shannon@campcouargeous.org
or call 319-465-5916, ext 2320. For more information on program employment contact Jeanne Muellerleile by e-mail at jeanne@campcourageous.org or call 319-465-5916, ext 2300. For more information on the Dietary Diretor's position contact Charlie Becker by e-mail at cbecker@campcourageous.org. Camp Courageous is located at 12007 190th Street, PO Box 418, Monticello, IA 52310-0418.

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MONTICELLO, IOWA - Camp Courageous, a year-round recreational and respite care facility for individuals with disabilities will be hosting their 30th annual Holiday Parties for school age children on Wednesday December 5 & Thursday December 6 from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM.

Special education classes are invited to attend this free event and enjoy swimming, the climbing wall, crafts, parachute games, a movie, the camp animals or miniature golf.

Refreshments are provided and Santa and Mrs. Claus are expected to attend. Groups are welcome to bring lunch to enjoy after the party.

The annual adult party is scheduled for Thursday, December 6 from 1:30 -3:00 PM. Guests will enjoy refreshments, entertainment and a gift from Santa and Mrs. Claus.

If you are interested in donating wrapped gifts, especially for adults please contact camp.

For more information contact Jeanne Muellerleile by e-mail at jeanne@campcourageous.org
or call (319) 465-5916 ext. 2300. You can also visit www.campcourageous.org for more details.
HOLIDAY GRANDE 2012:

"Iowa's Own Pianist" Jim McDonough Launches Holiday Concert Tour to Benefit Camp Courageous

MONTICELLO, IA (November 27, 2012) ? It's beginning to SOUND a lot like Christmas! "Iowa's Own Pianist" Jim McDonough and his orchestra and singers are touring the state with a sensational all-new production show benefitting Camp Courageous of Iowa. Tickets for the tour are on sale now.

The spectacular holiday stage production -- new for 2012 -- features International Steinway Concert and Recording Artist, Jim McDonough at the concert grand piano, his 14-piece orchestra, a cast of singers and dancers, elaborate sets and costumes and the true spirit of the season.

The tour will deliver the message of Christmas in a production perfect for all generations. "We've put together the grandest 'Holiday Grande' yet," McDonough says. "It's elegant, it's exciting, it's filled with spectacular musical arrangements, and it benefits a wonderful organization."

For seven years, McDonough has toured to benefit Camp Courageous of Iowa, a year-round respite and recreational facility for individuals of all ages with disabilities. The "Holiday Grande 2012" tour encompasses seven shows in six of Iowa's most beautiful venues:

Ottumwa - Saturday, December 1, at 2:30 p.m. at the Bridge View Center Theatre
Des Moines - Sunday, December 2, at 2:30 p.m. at Hoyt Sherman Place
Dubuque - Saturday, December 8, at 2:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. at the Five Flags Theater
Cedar Rapids - Sunday, December 9, at 2:30 p.m. at the Paramount Theatre
Davenport - Saturday, December 15, at 2:30 p.m. at the Adler Theatre
Cedar Falls - Sunday, December 16, at 2:30 p.m. at the Gallagher-Bluedorn Perf. Arts Ctr
Jim McDonough's 15 CDs - including his brand new album "One Nation Under God" - are available at gift shops across the country and via his Web site, www.PianoFavorites.com.


ABOUT JIM McDONOUGH

After stints as a high school band director, cruise ship entertainer and air-traffic controller, Monticello native, Jim McDonough, began selling his distinctive brand of soothing piano music in gift shops in eastern Iowa. Today, the International Steinway Concert and Recording Artist's CDs are available in nearly 1,000 stores across the country and via his Web site, www.PianoFavorites.com. Jim's independent record label, Jim McDonough Productions, Inc., has already sold nearly 200,000 of his CDs.

The road to success, though, has been paved with detours. In eighth grade, an accident nearly ended his musical career. A falling piano crushed three fingers on his right hand - and nearly crushed his dreams in the process. Jim emerged from two hours of surgery with pins in his fingers and tiny fractures across his hand. But throughout more than a year of physical therapy, Jim kept playing - with a cast on his right hand - and concentrated on improving his performance with his left hand. "Playing the piano defined me," McDonough says. "It was my life, and I was determined to play again." He devoted nearly every spare moment to working to get back the dexterity in his right hand, and the rigorous rehearsing paid off. In ninth grade, instead of a car, Jim bought a Steinway grand piano to celebrate how far he'd come.

McDonough was recently honored by the legendary piano maker, Steinway & Sons, naming him to its worldwide artist roster. From classical pianists like Lang Lang, to jazz stars like Harry Connick Jr., to pop icons like Billy Joel, to "immortals" like Irving Berlin and Cole Porter; as a Steinway Artist, McDonough joins an exclusive international list of the most accomplished and discriminating performing artists.

His discography includes Requests (2002); Home for Christmas: Christmas Favorites Vol. I (2003); Projections: Songs from the Silver Screen (2004); An Ivory Christmas (2004); Music of the Night (2004); Simple Gifts: Songs of Faith & Inspiration, Vol. I (2005); With Love: Timeless Love Songs, Vol. I (2006); Homeward Bound: Songs of Faith & Inspiration, Vol. II (2007); Country Dreaming (2008); A Christmas to Remember: Christmas Favorites Vol. II (2008); Rat Pack Remembered (2009); Isn't It Romantic: Timeless Love Songs, Vol. II (2010); Young At Heart (2011); Christmas Eve: Christmas Favorites, Vol. III (2011); and his brand new release, One Nation Under God: Songs of Faith & Inspiration, Vol. III (2012).

For more information, visit Jim McDonough's web site at www.PianoFavorites.com or call (800) 375-7095.
Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Stores of Iowa
32nd Annual Cent-A-Gallon Day
Wednesday, November 21, 2012

The Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Stores of Iowa are launching their 32nd annual Cent-A-Gallon Day for Camp Courageous Wednesday, November 21, 2012. One-cent out of every gallon of petroleum products 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 special needs.  Run on donations, over 6,000 individuals 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 sold to Camp Courageous.  "The day before Thanksgiving was picked 32-years ago," according to Charlie Becker, the camp's director, "because both Camp Courageous and the Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Stores have 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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MONTICELLO, IA --The annual Camp Courageous Omelet Breakfast and Open House will be Sunday, April 29, 2012. A breakfast of made-to-order omelets served with sausage, toast, coffee, juice, and milk will be served from 7AM to 1PM. Thirty trained omelet cooks will make an omelet with choices like ham, cheese, green peppers, and onions. It is recommended to come early for this wonderful breakfast. The cost is $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for children under 12.

During the breakfast and open house guided tours will be provided of Camp Courageous, or one can go on their own. The Dixie-Notes-Plus will perform live in Sill Barn. They play a varied of 20's, 30's, and 40's big band music. Sets begin at 10 AM, 11 AM, and Noon.

There will be a live reenactment of a train robbery, performed by the Red Cedar Regulators - an old west reenactment group at the Train Depot at 9:00 AM, 9:45 AM, 10:45 AM, and 11:45 AM.

On the front lawn of the camp will be displayed the 50th Anniversary RV donated to Camp Courageous by Ketelsen's RV were those attending can buy raffle tickets.

This year's Open House will feature construction-in-progress on the new Lake Todd, the Lake Todd Train Depot, and expansion of the base camp Lions Train Depot.

An inspiring video presentation about the camp as well as new camp merchandise can be found in the camp's main office.

Camp Courageous is a year round recreational and respite care facility for individuals with special needs. It is run on donations, without government support, without paid fund raisers, and without formal sponsorship. Camp Courageous began serving individuals with special needs during the summer of 1974 with 211 campers served. Today the camp is open year-round and the campers number over 6,000!

The camp is located five miles southeast of Monticello off Highways 152, Exit 65 or 38



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Dan, son of Nancy(library director) and Roger Digmann, and his wife Jennifer will be here to talk about their lives with 2 different forms of MS (multiple sclerosis).

In 2011, Dan and Jennifer published the book "Despite MS, to spite MS" a compilation of their heartfelt essays, accented by haiku-style poems by Judy Williams.

Jennifer and Dan both have Multiple Sclerosis, and combined, they have taken on this chronic disease of the central nervous system for nearly 25 years. Jennifer was diagnosed in 1997; Dan was diagnosed in 2000. She has secondary-progressive MS. His is relapsing-remitting. Through their writing, public speaking and advocacy work, the Digmanns have inspired countless friends, colleagues and perfect strangers with their amazing love story and passion for life.

Join us for some readings from their book and a question and answer session with Dan and Jennifer.  They will sign copies of their book and will have copies available for purchase that day.  Portions of the book proceeds will benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and Camp Courageous.

 

 

 

 

What
  • FEATURED SPEAKER
When Apr 07, 2012 from 01:00 pm to 03:00 pm
Where Monticello Renaissance Center - Council Chambers
Contact Name Nancy Digmann
Contact Email ndigmann@monticello.lib.ia.us
Contact Phone 319-465-3354

Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Stores of Iowa 31st Annual Cent-A-Gallon Day: Wednesday, November 23, 2011

The Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Stores of Iowa are launching their 31st annual Cent-A-Gallon Day for Camp Courageous Wednesday, November 23, 2011. One-cent out of every gallon of petroleum products 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 special needs.  Run on donations, over 6,000 individuals 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 sold to Camp Courageous.  "The day before Thanksgiving was picked 31 years ago," according to Charlie Becker, the camp's director, "because both Camp Courageous and the Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Stores have 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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Camp Courageous Annual Fruitcake Sales

Monticello, IA–The Camp Courageous Fruitcake Sale is underway. Over 75 locations have these delicious fruitcakes. Posters will be displayed in the windows of participating businesses or one can go online to get the latest location updates at www.campcourageous.org.

These scrumptious one-pound cakes sell for $10.00. They do not contain citron or alcohol and make wonderful holiday gifts.      They need to be stored, cut and served frozen. Fruitcakes will be sold at the various outlets from November through December. The cakes are also available at Camp Courageous or can be ordered online at the camp website. Camp will ship anywhere in the United States.

Camp Courageous is a year-round recreational and respite care facility for individuals of all ages with disabilities. The camp was built and continues to run on donations, without government support, without formal sponsorship, and without paid fundraisers. The camp will serve over 6,000 individuals with special needs this year.
Boys Teams Grades 3rd-4th grade and 7th-8th Pre-Season Basketball Tournament

A pre-season boys basketball tournament will be held at the Monticello Berndes Center in Monticello, IA on Saturday, October 29th and Sunday, October 30th. This event will be a fundraiser for Camp Courageous that is sponsored by 5th Quarter Sports. Steve Cooper, a past Camp Courageous counselor, is organizing this annual event.

The tournament will be open to boys in 3rd & 4th grades on Saturday.   The 7th & 8th grade boys will play on Sunday. There will be a limit to eight teams in each division.  Expect a 9 AM to 4 PM time-frame. No schedule requests will be accepted for this tournament.

Team entry fee is $135.00 for 7th & 8th grade and $65 for 3rd-4th grade. Spectator admission will be charged and concessions will be offered. All concessions and door from this event will go to benefit Camp Courageous, a year-round respite and recreational facility for individuals of all ages with special needs that is run on donations.  For more information contact Steve Cooper by e-mail at:   zebra_2000_62704@yahoo.com
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MONTICELLO, IOWA–An AmeriCorps NCCC team is spending nine weeks at Camp Courageous of Iowa in Monticello, Iowa working as camp counselors with special needs adults.

From September 6th through November 8th, "Cedar Three" is serving as camp counselors to help promote a safe and enjoyable week for campers with disabilities.  As camp Counselors they are working with other staff to lead groups of 4 to 5 campers. Work ranges from assisting campers with various camp activities to aiding with personal care.

Camp Courageous is a year-round recreational and respite care facility for individuals of all ages with disabilities. Camp Courageous was founded in 1972 when 40 acres of land was donated for the establishment of a camp for the disabled. The following year, five buildings were built from donated labor and materials. By 1974 the camp had opened and totaled 211 campers. Today the camp is open year-round, has over 150 acres of land with 14 buildings, and annually serves over 6,000 campers, ranging in age from 1 to 105. Camp Courageous runs solely on donations.  Due to the popularity of the camp, many people with disabilities are put on a waiting list. By having an AmeriCorps NCCC team of ten people serve as camp councilors, over 100 people have been taken off of the waiting list.

This is not the first time Cedar Three has volunteered at Camp Courageous. The team painted staff dormitory rooms in March as part of their first project working together. During their three day stay, they had the opportunity to get familiar with the campus and meet some of the campers. Cedar Three also had the opportunity to spend time with the campers at the weekly dance that takes place on Thursday nights.

According to Team Leader Drew Simmons, Cedar Three Corps Members were apprehensive of the personal care aspect of the project because they had not had experience with it before but have accustomed to the process, "Everyone was nervous at first because it was something they had not done before, but they have been doing a great job. It's not easy work but it means so much to the campers and other counselors that they are getting this kind of help."

According to the Camp's Volunteer Director Shannon Poe, Cedar Three has been a big help, "They have been a great addition to the camp staff and they are wonderful with the campers. It's always great to have AmeriCorps NCCC come and help us out because we don't get as many volunteers as we would like to."

After serving as camp counselors, Cedar Three will travel back the main base in Vinton, Iowa to conclude their Corps year with a graduation date of November 17th.

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