Winding Down Our 38th Summer

It is hard to believe that we are winding down our 38^th summer at Camp Good Days, and while the weather could have been a little better, all of the programs ran very smoothly and the children had a wonderful time.  I had the chance to spend more time at camp this summer, especially the international program and Teddi’s Team.  I am needed there like another mosquito, but I love going to camp.  I feel like a proud grandpa seeing the interactions between everyone at camp; especially during the international program where, even though some of the staff, volunteers, and campers may not speak the same language, they still find ways to have fun together.  I feel that this summer, our summer staff was exceptional.

It is nice to think that in a world that continues to change, Camp Good Days has stayed the same, and has stayed true to its promise that no family dealing with cancer has had to ask the question of “can I let my child or loved one go to camp and still make my payments on time?”  All of our programs and services are still being provided free of charge to our participants.  Money doesn’t present an obstacle thanks to the generosity of so many individuals who believe in what we do, and thanks to the success of our fundraising events.  How do we continue to raise money for camp?  This is always a question we ask ourselves, because our programs are not free to run, and we find ways every year to make sure that our programs still continue to be free to our children and families that need them the most.

We have four fundraisers coming up in September, and I would encourage those of you who read my blog to make an effort to participate in one or more of the events whether as a volunteer or attendee.  Our events are as follows:

-The Teddi Bowl, Friday, September1st: A high school level football game between Victor and Aquinas where campers from Camp Good Days can be part of a high school level football team.

-Tour de Teddi, Saturday, September 9th: A bike ride around Keuka Lake starting at our Branchport Facility.

-The 13^th Annual Courage Bowl, Saturday, September 16^th: A college level football game between St. John Fisher College and the College at Brockport where campers from Camp Good Days can be part of a college football and cheerleading team.

-John Welch Charity Golf Classic, Friday, September 22^nd: A golf tournament held at Ravenwood Golf Club by John Welch Enterprise to benefit Camp Good Days.

-The 27^th Annual Camp Good Days Wine Auction Dinner, Saturday, September 30^th: A roaring 20s themed night filled with silent and live auction items, and gold medal winning wines from the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition.

Often, people ask why we need a camp for children with cancer.  I have never heard it better explained than the way one of our volunteer doctors at our camping programs, Dr. Steve Dubanski said when he gave me a poem he wrote after the first summer that he volunteered at camp.  So, I thought I would share it with all of you since the poem says it better than I ever could.