11 Feb 2015

SOUTH RAIL BAND PERFORMING PARLOR CITY FOR CAMP COURAGEOUS

By Charlie Becker
MONTICELLO, IOWA. South Rail Band will perform at the Parlor City Pub & Eatery in Cedar Rapids on Wednesday, February 18, 2015. Doors open at 5:30. Music will be from 7:00-8:30 p.m. with a brief intermission. Cost is $10.00 at the door.
Through the generosity of Joe Showers, former resident of Cedar Rapids, IA ,who's family has supported Camp Courageous for many years, the South Rail Band has agreed to include Iowa in their tour of the U.S. This event benefits Camp Courageous.
South Rail's genre could be described as Country Alternative. This talented group performs all original music with a familiar harmony echoing the Everly Brothers.
Camp Courageous is a year-round recreation and respite care facility for individuals with special needs. Run on donations, almost 7,000 individuals with disabilities of all ages are served in a year-round program.
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25 Nov 2014

Camp Courageous 26th Annual Fruitcake Sales

By Charlie Becker

Monticello, IA–This is the 26th year Camp Courageous, which began serving campers with special needs in 1972, has been making fruitcakes. Over 75 locations sell these delicious fruitcakes. Posters are generally 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, sliced and served frozen. Fruitcakes will be sold at 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 nearly 7,000 individuals with special needs this year.

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21 Nov 2014

Camp Courageous Joins the National #GivingTuesday Movement To Encourage Giving With a Purpose

By Charlie Becker

Camp Courageous has joined #GivingTuesday, a global effort to harness the collective power of charities, families, businesses, and individuals to transform how people participate in the giving season. Thanksgiving is for Giving Thanks, Black Friday is for Sales, Cyber Monday is for Getting Deals, and now there is Giving Tuesday. #Giving Tuesday will inspire people to take action to improve their local communities, give back in better, smarter ways to causes they support and help create a better world.

This year #GivingTuesday takes place on December 2, 2014 - the Tuesday after Thanksgiving.

Since #GivingTuesday was first celebrated in 2012, the number of organizations participating has increased substantially. Today more than 10,000 organizations have joined the movement, with the help of the United Nations Foundation. Together, these organizations are providing creative ways for people to embrace #GivingTuesday with meaningful results.

The mayors of Cedar Rapids, Monticello, Dyersville, Manchester, Hopkinton, and other communities have signed official proclamations declaring December 2nd "Giving Tuesday".

Camp Courageous has joined #GivingTuesday to help promote the spirit of giving to great causes. For 40 years Camp Courageous has provided recreational and respite opportunities for individuals with disabilities in a unique outdoor recreational setting. Camp Courageous would not exist without the giving spirit of thousands of volunteers and donors.

"Giving Tuesday is a reminder that the spirit of holiday giving is about community, " said Amatullah Richard, Communications Director with Camp Courageous. "The most meaningful gift we can give our children, loved ones, friends, and neighbors is to work together to make sure opportunities are extended to everyone."

To celebrate the spirit of giving, Camp Courageous will feature #UNselfies on the Camp Courageous Facebook page in the days leading up to #GivingTuesday and on December 2nd. #UNselfies are pictures of individuals who volunteer and/or donate holding a sign stating why they give to camp. A sample is attached. Individuals are encouraged to print out an #UNselfie sheet, customize it, and send their own #UNselfie to archard@campcourageous.org to be featured on the camp Facebook page.They can access this page by going to:   #GivingTuesday

Since #GivingTuesday was first celebrated in 2012, the number of organizations participating has increased substantially. Today more than 10,000 organizations have joined the movement. With the help of the United Nations Foundation, these organizations are providing creative ways for people to embrace #GivingTuesday with meaningful results.

18 Nov 2014

Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Stores of Iowa Thirty-fourth Annual Cent-A-Gallon Day Wednesday, November 26, 2014

By Charlie Becker

The Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Stores of Iowa are launching their thirty-fourth annual Cent-A-Gallon Day for Camp Courageous on Wednesday, November 26, 2014.  One-cent out of every gallon of petroleum product 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 disabilities. Run on donations, nearly 7,000 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 to Camp Courageous. "The day before Thanksgiving was picked 34-years ago," according to Charlie Becker, the camp's executive director, "because both Camp Courageous and the Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Stores 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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We are encouraging the media throughout the state to once again get involved with their local petroleum marketer and convenience stores by pumping gas or cleaning windows on Cent-A-Gallon Day. This gives the customer, an advertiser (or potential advertiser), and families in need, a good feeling about your interest in helping Iowa's nearly 7,000 individuals with disabilities that come to camp each year. Thank you for your consideration.

11 Sep 2014

CAMP COURAGEOUS HOSTS 26th ANNUAL BACK-TO-SCHOOL FESTIVAL

By Charlie Becker
MONTICELLO, IOWA - The 26th annual Back-to-School Festival is scheduled for Tuesday, September 16, 2014 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Special Education classes are invited to this free event sponsored by Camp Courageous and Variety-The Children's Charity. There will be games, prizes, train rides, bounce house, swimming, a helicopter landing and more. Face painters, a balloon artists and many mascots will be mingling with the crowd. A free lunch is provided.

Camp Courageous is a year- round recreational and respite care facility for individuals with disabilities. Camp served 211 campers during the summer of 1974 and now serves over 6500 campers a year.

For more information or to RSVP or volunteer please contact Jeanne
Muellerleile at jeanne@campcourageous.org or call 319-465-5916 ext. 2300.

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05 Sep 2014

Camp Courageous Train Engineer Passes

By Charlie Becker
In 2007, Tom & Nan Riley of Marion, IA donated a train to Camp Courageous.  It included the engine car, a flatbed car, and caboose.  Gerry Rohr, of Monticello, Iowa was quick to volunteer his services to make this dream come true for the nearly 7,000 campers with special needs that come to Camp Courageous each year.   Gerry took full responsibility for the laying of the track, switches, and the train itself.
Gerry Rohr quickly determined the existing train engine was not large enough to pull the many campers that would travel through the woods at one time.  So he ordered a large diesel engine, pulled the old engine out, and put the new one in.  "Gerry was a genius...he could fix or repair anything," according to Charlie Becker, the camp's director and long time friend of Gerry Rohr.  The new engine was just what was needed, as two new passenger cars were designed and added in the next few years.
Along with everything affiliated with the train, Gerry oversaw the camp's three large generators that power the camp during a power outage and he assisted the maintenance staff with hundreds of projects over the years.  "Gerry was always there to help Camp Courageous, at any hour of any day," said Charlie. "Gerry was at that stage of life that he was imparting lots of knowledge to James Kurth, the camp's Maintenance Director," said Charlie, "they had a wonderful relationship."

Gerry's final gift to camp was the expansion of the train to Lake Todd, a newly constructed Lake at Camp Courageous. Gerry, along with several hard-working volunteers, spent the past spring and summer laying the track. All that remained to be done was a little balancing of the track before campers would have the opportunity for a new and longer train ride. Unfortunately, due to Gerry's death of an apparent heart attack, he was not able to take that inaugural ride.

"Gerry brought an incredible amount of joy and happiness into the lives of thousands of campers with special needs.  The train ride was a highlight of their stay at camp.  Gerry leaves a huge void at Camp Courageous, but his legacy lives on with every train ride," said Charlie.
06 Aug 2014

37th ANNUAL PINEAPPLE SALES & 36TH ANNUAL PINEAPPLE GALA

By Charlie Becker
MONTICELLO, IOWA- Fresh pineapples will be in Iowa for the 37th Annual Pineapple Sales for Camp Courageous the week of August 6th - 10th. The pineapples will be on sale at nearly 30 Hy-Vee Stores in Bettendorf, Cedar Rapids, Cedar Falls, Clinton, Coralville, Davenport, Dubuque, Iowa City, Marion and Waterloo. Most locations will have the ability to core and place the pineapple in a container for the customer. Pineapple sales will go to benefit Camp Courageous, a year-round respite and recreational facility, serving over 6,500 individuals with special needs annually. Customers not interested in pineapples are encouraged to buy a gift card for food and send it to camp. Select Hy-Vee stores will provide camp the proceeds from "rounding up" the total customer purchase to the next dollar amount.

The 36th Annual Pineapple Gala, will be Friday August 15, returning to downtown Cedar Rapids at the new DoubleTree Hotel beginning at 5:30 PM. This is one of Iowa's largest charity silent and live auctions with hundreds of items available for bid. The silent auction includes everything from wine and golf packages, Hawkeye, Cyclone, and UNI Packages, to numerous themed baskets. Highlights of the live auction are a weeklong stay at a lovely house in the mountains of Colorado, a pick-up truck with a snow blade, and a beautiful Lexus car. To view the auction items go to www.campcourageous.org.

An exceptional Hawaiian dinner, entertainment, and door prizes, including a trip for two to Hawaii, are planned for this year's Gala. Shelly Till, sports commentator, studio analyst and sideline reporter with the Big Ten Network and Hawkeye Sports Properties will be the 2014 Gala Emcee, along with Honorary Camp Courageous Board Member Ralph Palmer. Tickets are $60 each or a table of 10 for $600. Auction items can be donated, or tickets can be obtained through camp by calling Charlie Becker at 319/465-5916, ext. 2100 or e-mailing at cbecker@campcourageous.org.

Honored at this year's Pineapple Gala will be retired Board member Phil Martin and his wife Shirley, for their many years of service to camp and this event.

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10 Jun 2014

CAMP COURAGEOUS HOSTS 40th ANNIVERSARY STAFF/VOLUNTEER REUNION

By Charlie Becker
MONTICELLO, IOWA - The 40th Anniversary Camp Courageous Staff/Volunteer Reunion is scheduled for Saturday June 21 from 1:00 to 4:00 PM in the camp lodge. There will be tours from 1-2:30, a program and open mic from 2:30 -3:00, and socializing from 3:00 - 4:00. Refreshments will be available throughout the afternoon. All camp staff and volunteers are welcome to attend.

Camp Courageous is a year- round recreational and respite care facility for individuals with disabilities. Camp served 211 campers during the summer of 1974 and now serves over 6500 campers in a year-round program. It has also grown from 40 acres to 200 and from 5 buildings to 25.

For more information or to RSVP  visit the camp website at www.campcourageous.org or
contact Camp Courageous at info@campcourageous.org or Camp Courageous, Box 418, Monticello, Iowa 52310-0418 or 319-465-5916 or Fax: 319-465-5919.

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02 May 2014

9th Annual Hawkeye Day for Camp Courageous at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City

By Charlie Becker
KINNICK STADIUM
SATURDAY - MAY 3, 2014
12:00 PM TO  2:45 PM

Saturday, May 3rd, 2014 - beginning at 11:45 AM is the Annual Hawkeye Day for Camp Courageous at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.  This is an opportunity of a lifetime for campers to visit with the Iowa Hawkeye football players, coaches, and staff.  Camp Courageous campers will enjoy a great lunch, provided by Martin Brothers, and a tour of the Iowa football complex.  Campers will receive from the Petroleum Marketers & Convenience Stores of Iowa special souvenirs that can be autographed by the players, coaches, and staff.

"This is one of those experiences that will never be forgotten by the campers who attend. We cannot thank enough Kirk Ferentz, along with the players and staff for this opportunity. It is heartwarming that individuals so gifted and talented and busy will take the time to spend with these special campers. Every year the players do an exceptional job, engaging the campers.  We have campers that have had a hard time falling asleep the night before, in anticipation of this big day," said Charlie Becker, Camp Courageous.
The annual spring picnic was spearheaded by a long time Camp Courageous supporter and Hawkeye Football lover, the late Bill Krause. The continued success of the event is due to the amazing support of Martin Brother's Distributing, Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Stores of Iowa (PMCI), Gilcrest-Jewett Lumber Company, Kum & Go and the University of Iowa Football team.

The media is welcome to attend at any time. Photo and video opportunities with the coaches, players, and campers.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS #####

11:45 a.m. Camp Courageous campers arrive at Kinnick Stadium. Charlie Becker will check-in everyone at the Krause Plaza on the South end of the stadium by the Nile Kinnick Statue. 

12:00p.m. Check in; receive name tags and complimentary item. Immediately go through lunch buffet provided by Martin Bros.

12:00 p.m. Hawkeye football team arrives and also receive name tags, and go through buffet lunch line. Players eat at tables with campers and parents

12:30 p.m. Begin short program. Thanking sponsors (PMCI, MARTIN BROS., KUM & GO & The University of Iowa Players, Coaches, and Staff)
Introduce Chig, and Coach Ferentz. Coach will speak openly about past/upcoming season...etc. Introduce players, coaching staff who may be there. As they are introduced, they will proceed to a long table and sit for autograph line. After the introductions, Campers will line up for the autographs from players and coaches.  Campers will then be directed to meet at designated location after autographs to head out on their tour.

1:00-1:15 p.m. Timing depends when the autographs are finished. Begin tours. Camp Courageous will have their campers split into groups. (Black and gold)
**Photos with players will be available on the field after tours and group photo. This will help the autograph line move quickly.
Tours will include : Hawkeye Locker Room, Pink Locker Room, Press Box
Black tour group will start in the Locker Rooms
Gold group will start in the Brechler Press Box

1:45 p.m. Both groups will finish on the South end bleachers for a group photo.

2:00 p.m. Free play on the field. This will end the official 'tour' portion of the day. 

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For more information contact: Charlie Becker  319/465-5916 ext 2100 or cbecker@campcourageous.org
21 Apr 2014

CAMP COURAGEOUS OMELET BREAKFAST AND OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY, APRIL 27TH 7AM -1PM

By Charlie Becker

MONTICELLO, IA --The annual Camp Courageous Omelet Breakfast and Open House will be Sunday, April 27th, 2014 in the Camp's Main Lodge from 7AM-1PM. Made-to-order omelets will be cooked for each individual attending with topping choices of ham, onions, green peppers, and cheese. Sausage, toast, coffee, juice, and milk will also be served. It is recommended to come early for this wonderful breakfast. The cost is $6.00 for adults and $3.00 for children under 12. All proceeds will go directly to benefit Camp Courageous.

During the breakfast and open house there will be guided tours of Camp Courageous. The tour will include the Sill Barn, Nature Center, Train Depot, camper cabins, Multi-Purpose Building, indoor pool, and more. The camp store, located in the Beckwith Visitors Center, will be open throughout the morning. The Camp Courageous video presentation will be available for guests to view in the main office every 15 minutes or as needed.

2014 Highlights include the celebration of Camp Courageous' 40th anniversary, dedication of Camp's new Caboose at 1:30pm following the breakfast, and latest progress at Lake Todd. The bounce house and Super Zip will also be available throughout the breakfast for visitors to enjoy!

There will be a live re-enactment 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. Train rides will also be available starting at 9 AM.

Dixie-Notes-Plus will perform varied selections of 20's, 30's, and 40's big band music in the Sill Barn at 9:30 AM, 10:30 AM, and 11:30 AM.

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 6,500!

The camp is located five miles southeast of Monticello off Highway 151, Exit 65 or Highway 38 at 12007 190th St, Monticello.

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