This is the time of year where Camp Good Days is very busy, and it is when what we do really shines. We are getting ready for our summer camping programs, including our Junior Good Days day-camp program and our residential camps. We are still looking for wonderful men and women to volunteer at the programs and summer staff who we hire to help at the facility during the summer camp season. There will be a new surprise this summer with the addition of a new building at camp—a museum that will house and share some of the history of Camp Good Days while also creating additional indoor space when we need it.
Right now, like everyone else, we are working remotely, but
if people leave their name and phone number on the voicemail machine at the
office, the appropriate person will get back to them as soon as they can. All
staff are also available via email. Eventually, this crisis will be behind us,
and we want to be ready to go into full motion without skipping a beat. While
this pandemic is forcing us to work in a different way by working from home,
the work still must go on. Throughout this time, we will continue to be here
for those families that need us. There is no question that these are uncertain
times and our summer programs may be impacted depending on what will happen
with the remainder of the school year, since we cannot run our programs until
summer recess has begun. But, we are truly blessed with a dedicated staff of people
who never look at what they do as a job, rather they look at what they do as a
ministry, and no matter what their job is, they have a desire to help make a
difference in the lives of those we serve, so we are all still here as a
resource.
We know that these uncertain times are hard for everyone,
especially for many people who have lost their jobs and are struggling
financially, but if you have the opportunity, or are able to help, please keep
our children and our families in your mind. Our spring special events and
fundraisers have been postponed, so we are not bringing in much revenue. At
this time, donations are what are helping to keep our programs going, and no
amount is insignificant. I was reminded of this when I received a letter a few
days ago from Deacon Paul at the Groveland Correctional Facility with a
donation from the inmates. The inmates are given 25 cents, 50 cents, a dollar,
or more, when they attend mass each week, and when there is enough collected,
they choose a worthwhile cause that they would like to make a charitable donation
to. They chose Camp Good Days as their charity of choice, and it really
meant a lot to me since right now there aren’t a lot of checks that are coming
in. This shows you how meaningful and important what we do is. Here are people
who have sacrificed the little money they have access to in order to help
children and families touched by cancer. Our support comes from many places, but
it means so much to me when it comes from people who believe, no matter their
situation, that they want to help others. Over the years, thanks to donations
like that, we have served around 50,000 campers from 22 states and 36 countries,
and we are certainly hoping that we will be able to continue being there for
every child and family that truly needs us.
Please know that all of us at Camp Good Days are keeping you
all in our thoughts, and please reach out if you need anything.
