Sunday, June 13 - Camp Heart Connection

Camp Heart Connection Oncology Camp began yesterday as over 150 excited campers checked-in at the Y-Camp in Boone, Iowa. Some campers had been coming for years, and others were just checking in for the first time, but one thing they all had in common were the big smiles that they were wearing.

“It’s always exciting seeing the returning campers and meeting the new campers,” said Brecka Putnam, Camp Director. “We are going to have a great week full of superhero-themed fun!”

After the campers checked-in they headed down to the carnival, which was run by members of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) who awarded prizes and ran the carnival games. By early evening parents and campers said their good-byes as the campers headed down to the dining hall to eat dinner – lasagna, broccoli, bread, salad bar and Rice Krispies bars!

The all-camp photo, a magic show put on by Jacob Raymond and a special “camp edition” of the hit TV show, “Minute to Win It,” followed dinner. From blowing ping-pong balls into cups, to eating a cookie that has been placed on your head without using your hands, the games were a hit with campers of all ages.

The first night at camp was brought to an end by the light of a campfire and, of course, a few s’mores!

Danny Joe Memorial Golf Outing a Success!

On Friday, June 11, thirty-one foursomes came out in support of the 14th Annual Danny Joe Memorial Golf Outing at the Oskaloosa Golf Club.  There were folks from Georgia, Minnesota, Colorado and Florida! Thanks to the help of Mother Nature, the rain held off so that everyone could have a good time at this year's golf outing!  


This year, a friend of the Cornish family painted the Camp Heart Connection logo on the course!  The rainbow, now in the Camp Heart Connection logo, was originally drawn by Danny Joe, who the golf outing is in memory of. Over the last 13 years, this event has raised more than $100,000 to support the programs and services of Children's Cancer Connection.  It was great to see everyone and we look forward to next year already!  

It's Almost Here - Camp Heart Connection!

This week the staff at Children’s Cancer Connection is busying getting ready for the 155 campers who will attend our 24th Annual Camp Heart Connection Oncology Camp, which kicks off on Sunday, June 13 and will go through Saturday, June 19. Camp Heart Connection is one of the largest and most exciting programs Children’s Cancer Connection operates each year at the Y-Camp in Boone, IA.

Children who have ever been, or are currently being treated for childhood cancer are invited to participate in a week-long camp full of swimming, arts and crafts, field games and much more fun. The oncology camp gives these children an opportunity to meet other campers experiencing the same emotions and lifestyle that comes with having cancer as a child.

Camp Heart Connection aims to bring campers confidence, independence, and positive relationships throughout their time at camp. And thanks to generous donors, including The University of Iowa Dance Marathon, which is the Presenting Sponsor for 2010, and the 100 member volunteer staff, campers are able to participate for free.

Welcome Lucille Carver - New Intern!

Children’s Cancer Connection would like to welcome Lucille Carver, one of our new communications interns. Lucille is from Bettendorf, IA and is currently a junior public relations major Drake University in Des Moines, IA. She has been active on campus with Kappa Kappa Gamma, Alpha Lambda Delta, and Student Senate committees. Lucille also enjoys golfing, music, and laying out by the pool.

“I can’t wait to learn more about Children’s Cancer Connection and the impact is has on the families it serves," said Carver. "This is a really special opportunity because I know how important these programs are to families with cancer. It’s neat to work for an organization that truly brings joy to so many people."

She is also excited about the experience she will gain working with the Director of Communications and Marketing, Emily Beckmann. Lucille hopes to broaden her experience with public relations and communications during her time with Children’s Cancer Connection.

With the construction around the office and new interns joining the staff, Children’s Cancer Connection is one busy place!

Interested in interning with Children's Cancer Connection? Fill out an application form online!

Spring Cleaning to the Extreme!

Children's Cancer Connection's office is getting a makeover. With the renewal of our office space contract, we were entitled to a few perks and we're here to share! The construction in the office began last week and will continue...until it's done! We are getting new carpet, a few walls taken out (it's going to be much more spacious and open), as well as some new paint on a few of the walls. A few of the offices will be getting switched around and we'll gain space for a better conference room! We are excited to get the project done and to hang up the beautiful pictures of the children and families that we serve on our re-vamped walls. Once we are all put back together, stop by to take a look! For now...take a look at the progress:

Before - Reception Area:

No ceiling, no walls! Beginning the process...

Starting to put things back together - paint, carpet and all!

"Hallway" - We still have a few things to put away...the copier doesn't quite answer the phone and greet people as well as Cheryl, our receptionist, does!

Make sure that you check our blog again next week (hopefully, things will be put back together by then!) to see the final product!

 

Welcome Katie Young - New Intern!

Children's Connection welcomes intern Katie Young this week! Katie is a senior at Iowa State University majoring in Advertising. Katie is excited to work at Children's Cancer Connection in expanding her education and gaining hands on experience.

Birdies for Charity

Love golf? Passionate about giving? Bring 'em together and help Children's Cancer Connection.

Birdies for Charity is a fundraising program for Children's Cancer Connection designed to give participants an opportunity to generate contributions based on the number of “birdies” made by PGA Champions Tour players during The Principal Charity Classic 2010.

To start, Children's Cancer Connection would appreciate a minimum donation of $.02 or more per birdie or a minimum flat donation of $10. For example, if you pledge $.02 per birdie and there are 800 birdies made, your pledge would equal $16.00 (800 x $.02 = $16.00). 

By making a pledge, you also have the opportunity to guess the number of birdies made by the PGA Champions Tour Players in The Principal Charity Classic. If you guess the correct number of birdies made, you have an opportunity to win one of four prizes donated by John Deere Credit: two riding lawn mowers, a push mower, and a grill!

A pledge can be made online at Children's Cancer Connection or by picking up a pledge form from our office. If our charity reaches $1.00 in $.02 penny pledges, then we are eligible to receive a percentage of $30,000 in bonus bucks! Flat donations do not apply towards the bonus bucks incentive.