For 22 years, Camp Rising Sun has provided children with cancer the opportunity to participate in a traditional summer camp. Volunteers who give their time, talent and resources make the camp possible.
This 2010 session will be June 9-13 at the YMCA”s Camp Henry Pratt, in Lowndes County.
Camp prep
Forty to 50 volunteers are needed Saturday, May 22, to help clean Camp Pratt
“We will get started at 8:30 a.m. and work until lunch cleaning the grounds — picking up sticks, pine cones and raking leaves — mowing and weedeating the grass and sweeping and mopping the cabins and mess hall,” said Scott Gault, chair of the volunteer committee. “We need several riding mowers, weed eaters and a lot of rakes.”
Coffee, soft drinks, water and doughnuts will be available to volunteers, and a Pepper”s box lunch will be served.
During camp
Twenty to 30 volunteers are needed to help June 10 with fishing. Two groups of 30 campers fish at a stocked catfish pond; organizers would like to have a volunteer with each camper. Those volunteers are invited to stay for a catfish lunch.
Four to eight volunteers are needed to assist with arts and crafts Wednesday afternoon, June 9; Thursday afternoon, June 10; and Friday morning and afternoon, June 11.
Volunteers are also needed to play with campers at the swimming pool and the waterfront all week. Certified life guards are especially welcome. CRS is also asking for experienced drivers with jet skis to volunteer.
The camp”s kitchen staff is in need of helpers at every meal, to help serve and clean up.
On Sunday, June 13, a group of 10-14 volunteers is needed after lunch to mop and sweep the eight cabins and mess hall and police the grounds.
All volunteers are invited to eat breakfast, lunch or supper with the campers.
How to help
To volunteer, visit www.camprisingsun-columbusms.com to fill out a Day Volunteer application, or contact Gault at 662-313-4515.
If you are unable to volunteer time but would like to sponsor a camper ($300) or make a donation, visit www.camprisingsun-columbusms.com, or mail donations to Camp Rising Sun, P.O. Box 8241, Columbus, MS 39705-8241.
Anyone aware of families in Mississippi, Alabama and West Tennessee with children ages 6-16 who have been or are currently being treated for cancer is asked to encourage them to visit www.camprisingsun-columbusms.com, or contact Gault.
Camp Rising Sun recognizes the financial challenges families face due to medically-related expenses. Children are invited to CRS at no cost to their families. Transportation assistance is also available.
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