The adventure began on Sunday, June 24th with our members hosting a light breakfast for our campers and their parents/guardians before we began our 2 hr 40 minute bus trip to the campgrounds in Umatilla, FL. Lodges statewide experienced “no shows” due to news reports of children falling ill at Cloverleaf 4H camp in Lake Placid, Fl. Some parents were reluctant to send their children to camp and 3 cancelled the week before leaving. On Friday, we had 2 children move out of state and on Sunday, 7 were no shows for our registration even after numerous calls home. Our 28 excited children were well-behaved watching videos, talking and playing games during the long ride and dined on delicious sandwiches made by our members and fun snack bags.
Arriving at camp, each child had their picture taken for identification and to finalize check-in. Our Chaperones released our very excited children to the camping staff to begin their camping adventure! The camp staff assist the children with unpacking and noted items missing, worn or deemed unsuitable. These items were then purchased by the Florida Elks camp staff for the campers to use and take home at the end of camp. This process is all handled privately so as not to embarrass the child. Like Christmas morning, the child will find the newly purchased goodies in their locker! Many parents are grateful to have their child receive much needed clothing, personal items and shoes that they just cannot afford. In addition to the camp experience, this is yet another good deed the Elks provide to these underprivileged children.
On Saturday, June 30th, Elks Chaperones met at our lodge to begin the trip to pick-up our campers. Lunch, water and snacks were again provided to the campers for the ride back to Vero Beach. The general consensus of the campers, THEY HAD A BLAST AT CAMP! Many tried archery for the first time and some carried clever arts & craft projects that they had made. The campers were also adorned with newly crafted beaded bracelets and necklaces. They wore Elks hats, shirts and carried water bottles, all included in the tuition. The children loved their swimming time in one of the two Olympic size pools and the rope and zip-line course was an overwhelming favorite.
During the bus ride home, Rich and I sent a text message to all parents/guardians as to our ETA at the lodge to make pick-up go smoothly. Meanwhile, the children ate, napped, shared camping experiences and crafted thank you cards to our lodge. Many campers shed tears that camp was over until next year and some were sad at the realization that they will turn 14 and not be eligible to return to Elks camp next summer. Arriving at the lodge, we were met by a parking lot full of parents eager to see their child and hear about the exciting camping experiences, new friends and personal achievements.
I cannot begin to thank our fantastic Vero Beach Elk volunteers enough! From making lunches and snack bags, greeting the campers for breakfast and check-in at the Elks Lodge, taking the time to Chaperone and the many Elk members that generously donated to make this a camping experience the children will remember for a lifetime. Thank you to our Exalted Ruler, Jim Rannazzisi, Officers and Members for your support.
A sincere “Thank-You” to our chaperones: Jim Rannazzisi, Les & Brenda Owen, Terry & Ray Ketcham, Rose Trufano, Michele Klager, Rich Miller, Pat & Paul Diaz, Mike Campbell, Sue Dous and Bruce Benson. Also my sincere gratitude to our sandwich and snack bag chefs and the morning breakfast crew for all of your hard work, dedication and time. This project takes our entire lodge to be successful and all members contributed to changing the lives of very deserving children and making memories they will remember for a long time.
Sincerely & Fraternally, Kathi Miller
