It will be the second year for Wisconsin to host the camp! I will post more information later when I get additional information such as how to raise funds with fundraising ideas! Stay tuned!
Dec 13, 2008
Aug 18, 2008
We are in the newspapers!
Check it out!
http://www.madison.com/wsj/home/local/301109
Last Saturday some of the kids got together for a mini KODA reunion at the 4 Deaf Clubs Picnic in Darien, WI. It was fun for them and unfortunately, some kids that were there did not stay long for photo session.
Enjoy!
http://www.madison.com/wsj/home/local/301109
Last Saturday some of the kids got together for a mini KODA reunion at the 4 Deaf Clubs Picnic in Darien, WI. It was fun for them and unfortunately, some kids that were there did not stay long for photo session.
Enjoy!
Aug 6, 2008
Thank you Bert, Shaun, Ty, Barissa and Arianna
Kids' final thoughts on August 1st. Enjoy the clip! I will work on finishing the 2 hours taping of the closing ceremony and share with you. I am checking out ways on how to share it.
Jul 22, 2008
Pictures from the KODA Camp
Here is the group of 23 kids! The second photo shows four counselors on the left. On the right are kids. The last two pics are of kids doing team building!
Jul 21, 2008
KODA Camp - Midwest Started!
The camp have started! There are 23 kids all together more girls than boys! Otherwise, everything is going great and the pictures will be uploaded soon or I may have a link set up.
Mar 28, 2008
Pictures of the Campground
As you drive down the long driveway to the residential center, you will see on your right, the field where the Game Farm raised pheasants for hunting.
Picture shows the entrance to the campground. It is still Wisconsin and yes we still got SNOW!! Been a recording breaking winter for snow! 100 inches!! If you look carefully in the end of the walkway, you can see the building which is called the Great Hall where most of the activities will be held.
This is the great hall where the kids will eat and play. If you go further inside, there is a fireplace with seatings, and another big room and a class room. On the right, is a kitchen.
This is one of the two cabins.
What is Like to be in Wisconsin?! FAQs
Questions and Answers Time!
What is weather like in Wisconsin in July?!
HOT! Weather can be fickle! I would dress as if it is 90 degrees and humid as well as if it is low 60s. Be sure to pack long pants, long sleeves, sweatshirts, as well as short pants and short sleeves and swimming suits!! Mosquitoes are not that BIG but they do BITE! Send along a can of mosquito spray or wipes. Also, sun lotion is very important too!
If I want to fly my kid, where is the closest airport?
Madison is the closest, about 20 minutes away. Milwaukee is almost 1 1/2hours away. Chicago is cheapest but further away. If you do choose to fly your kid to Chicago, make sure to let the staff know what time of arrival (preferably between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.). Someone will be in Chicago to pick up your kid and bring the kid to the camp. This will cost about $53 round trip. It goes the same for Milwaukee airport and Madison airport. An email will be send to the parents confirming the pickup. Kids are very precious to us!
What kind of bedding is available?
Every kid must bring their own sleeping bag and a pillow or two. Each cabin have 8 bunk beds. There are 4 cabins.
How much cash should a kid bring?
It depends what you will let kid to buy. To be safe, $100 is a good bet. There is a soda machine at the camp. We will travel to Mount Olympus (Wi Dells), and kids may want to spend on souvenirs, fun food, candy, and locker storage if needed. On registration day, each camper's money is turned over to the office manager for safekeeping. Money can be withdrawn certain hours daily. It is preferable that the parents bring $100 in increments of ones, fives and tens.
Mount Olympus looks huge, will the kid be safe there?
Yes, the park is huge. It has rides, waterpark and things to do. However, every safety measurements will be taken such as have a buddy system and head count at certain times and each counselor will be responsible for their own group. Each counselor have 6 kids.
What should my kid pack?
The kid should pack enough clothes for two weeks. There is a washing machine and a dryer at the camp if kids need their clothes to be wash. Packing jewelry is not recommended. Pack some fun and wacky clothes for one night of dressup such as wild scarf, weird dress, weird tie, etc. Each kid should bring their own shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush, body soap, shaving cream, brush, hairspray, personal items, etc. We do not encourage "sharing" the products. A camera is a must and so is flashlight!
Is there a medical staff on site?
By law, the camp is required to have a staff with certification in the first aid and certified CPR on site 24/7. Be sure to list any possible medical condition the child may have so the staff is prepared.
What kind of sports are there on the campground?
Many! There is a softball field and a volleyball court. It would be a good idea if your kid brings his or her own baseball glove. The center is over 200 acres and there are several nature walks, rehabilitation center and museums.
Could I call my kid?
Parents are welcome to email me at karen5d@yahoo.com or vp at 608-234-5049 to check on the wellbeing of your kid. Kids are allow to email their parents via email. Bert Pickell will make these kind of arrangements. There is no videophone on site, the kids will be too busy to call home. I will email every parent almost daily with updates.
What is the schedule for two weeks?
I dont know. Even if this is my second year, I still don't know. The first Sunday is registration day starting at one, all staffs will be busy with registrations as well as meeting kids. Generally, every day will be different. A trip to Mount Olympus may be on Wednesday, first week. It will not be on the weekend as it is crowded there. During the second week, there will be a trip to a local swimming hole. Usually, every night, the kids spend time around the campfire. I have heard it is a very special time for them. Bert Pickell is a very experienced counselor, having done this for eleven years already. Everyday, there will be teambuilding activities, arts/crafts, as well as other activities that I dont know about! August 1st is the last day, and all kids should be off the campground by noon (12:00) so the campground can be clean for the next group. But be prepared for the kids to drag their feet!! It might take you two hours to leave!
What is the Parents' Night?
What a treat! It is on the last Friday night (July 31st). The kids put on a play for the parents. It is very special to watch them. I recommended all parents to come if possible. Plan to come around 4 p.m., eat supper with your kids. Watch your kids at the show. During the time when kids say their final goodbyes at the campfire (parents are NOT allow there), the parents will get together to talk about parenting issues as well as any other ideas, etc. Parents are welcome to stay overnight at the cabins so bring your own sleeping bags and pillows. Space will be limit this year compared to last year, so let me know if you plan to do that! There is a motel in town (about two miles away), however, it is small, I think about 10 rooms.
Any other questions? Feel free to ask!
What is weather like in Wisconsin in July?!
HOT! Weather can be fickle! I would dress as if it is 90 degrees and humid as well as if it is low 60s. Be sure to pack long pants, long sleeves, sweatshirts, as well as short pants and short sleeves and swimming suits!! Mosquitoes are not that BIG but they do BITE! Send along a can of mosquito spray or wipes. Also, sun lotion is very important too!
If I want to fly my kid, where is the closest airport?
Madison is the closest, about 20 minutes away. Milwaukee is almost 1 1/2hours away. Chicago is cheapest but further away. If you do choose to fly your kid to Chicago, make sure to let the staff know what time of arrival (preferably between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.). Someone will be in Chicago to pick up your kid and bring the kid to the camp. This will cost about $53 round trip. It goes the same for Milwaukee airport and Madison airport. An email will be send to the parents confirming the pickup. Kids are very precious to us!
What kind of bedding is available?
Every kid must bring their own sleeping bag and a pillow or two. Each cabin have 8 bunk beds. There are 4 cabins.
How much cash should a kid bring?
It depends what you will let kid to buy. To be safe, $100 is a good bet. There is a soda machine at the camp. We will travel to Mount Olympus (Wi Dells), and kids may want to spend on souvenirs, fun food, candy, and locker storage if needed. On registration day, each camper's money is turned over to the office manager for safekeeping. Money can be withdrawn certain hours daily. It is preferable that the parents bring $100 in increments of ones, fives and tens.
Mount Olympus looks huge, will the kid be safe there?
Yes, the park is huge. It has rides, waterpark and things to do. However, every safety measurements will be taken such as have a buddy system and head count at certain times and each counselor will be responsible for their own group. Each counselor have 6 kids.
What should my kid pack?
The kid should pack enough clothes for two weeks. There is a washing machine and a dryer at the camp if kids need their clothes to be wash. Packing jewelry is not recommended. Pack some fun and wacky clothes for one night of dressup such as wild scarf, weird dress, weird tie, etc. Each kid should bring their own shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush, body soap, shaving cream, brush, hairspray, personal items, etc. We do not encourage "sharing" the products. A camera is a must and so is flashlight!
Is there a medical staff on site?
By law, the camp is required to have a staff with certification in the first aid and certified CPR on site 24/7. Be sure to list any possible medical condition the child may have so the staff is prepared.
What kind of sports are there on the campground?
Many! There is a softball field and a volleyball court. It would be a good idea if your kid brings his or her own baseball glove. The center is over 200 acres and there are several nature walks, rehabilitation center and museums.
Could I call my kid?
Parents are welcome to email me at karen5d@yahoo.com or vp at 608-234-5049 to check on the wellbeing of your kid. Kids are allow to email their parents via email. Bert Pickell will make these kind of arrangements. There is no videophone on site, the kids will be too busy to call home. I will email every parent almost daily with updates.
What is the schedule for two weeks?
I dont know. Even if this is my second year, I still don't know. The first Sunday is registration day starting at one, all staffs will be busy with registrations as well as meeting kids. Generally, every day will be different. A trip to Mount Olympus may be on Wednesday, first week. It will not be on the weekend as it is crowded there. During the second week, there will be a trip to a local swimming hole. Usually, every night, the kids spend time around the campfire. I have heard it is a very special time for them. Bert Pickell is a very experienced counselor, having done this for eleven years already. Everyday, there will be teambuilding activities, arts/crafts, as well as other activities that I dont know about! August 1st is the last day, and all kids should be off the campground by noon (12:00) so the campground can be clean for the next group. But be prepared for the kids to drag their feet!! It might take you two hours to leave!
What is the Parents' Night?
What a treat! It is on the last Friday night (July 31st). The kids put on a play for the parents. It is very special to watch them. I recommended all parents to come if possible. Plan to come around 4 p.m., eat supper with your kids. Watch your kids at the show. During the time when kids say their final goodbyes at the campfire (parents are NOT allow there), the parents will get together to talk about parenting issues as well as any other ideas, etc. Parents are welcome to stay overnight at the cabins so bring your own sleeping bags and pillows. Space will be limit this year compared to last year, so let me know if you plan to do that! There is a motel in town (about two miles away), however, it is small, I think about 10 rooms.
Any other questions? Feel free to ask!
Feb 10, 2008
What is KODA Camp? How Can You Help?
This six minutes long will talk about how and why I am doing the KODA Camp here in Wisconsin. Please do email me at karen5d@yahoo.com if you have any questions.
Jan 8, 2008
Subscribing
I tried not to have a mailing list to mail out updates. It is time consuming especially when I am maintaining a blog. It is almost like a double information so please do subscribe to this blog. I believe the link is at the bottom and you will get notification when this blog is updated. I am not sure if I got that right, please let me know if it is not working. I am worried that other parents would not know about this blog and with email system they would have not know the past history. So to be fair for everyone, I will keep all the information on this blog.
For those who have not gotten the email announcement from me, I have included in here.
"As some of you know, I have been working on establishing a camp for KODAs in Wisconsin. I met with Bert Pickell who is the director of the KODA Camp nationwide during the last week of December as well as with the camp people at the MacKenzie Center, going over fine details.
I am thrilled to let you know that YES, there will be a KODA camp in Wisconsin. The dates are July 20th to Aug 2nd, 2008. Price for each kid? Sigh, that is being still worked on. I am afraid that it might be $800. Never fear, I am trying to find donations to help kids to come to the camp. It will be a good idea for you to send in $200 to hold a spot for your kid and start sending letters requesting donations. A parent did that last year and was very successful. If she can do it, so can you! It is open to any KODA from anywhere, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Iowa, Indiana, etc. The age group is 9 - 16.
Be sure to check www.wikoda.blogspot.com for update information. I try to update it monthly. I am trying to figure out how to add "RSS". This tool will let you sign up and get alerts everytime it is being updated instead of going there all the times and find that it is not updated.
My next step is to find someone to volunteer to work in kitchen. I need at least two volunteers a day to take care of meals all day. I am also looking for a chef, altho I am working with one person. He has not yet decided if he wants to do it or not. I am also looking for a nurse to be on site 24/7! If you know of a CODA who is RN, please let me know!
Fundraising plans are in the works. More details later.
Please, please pass this email on to other parents that are not on this list. I know there are alot out there!
Thank you and Happy New Year!"
For those who have not gotten the email announcement from me, I have included in here.
"As some of you know, I have been working on establishing a camp for KODAs in Wisconsin. I met with Bert Pickell who is the director of the KODA Camp nationwide during the last week of December as well as with the camp people at the MacKenzie Center, going over fine details.
I am thrilled to let you know that YES, there will be a KODA camp in Wisconsin. The dates are July 20th to Aug 2nd, 2008. Price for each kid? Sigh, that is being still worked on. I am afraid that it might be $800. Never fear, I am trying to find donations to help kids to come to the camp. It will be a good idea for you to send in $200 to hold a spot for your kid and start sending letters requesting donations. A parent did that last year and was very successful. If she can do it, so can you! It is open to any KODA from anywhere, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Iowa, Indiana, etc. The age group is 9 - 16.
Be sure to check www.wikoda.blogspot.com for update information. I try to update it monthly. I am trying to figure out how to add "RSS". This tool will let you sign up and get alerts everytime it is being updated instead of going there all the times and find that it is not updated.
My next step is to find someone to volunteer to work in kitchen. I need at least two volunteers a day to take care of meals all day. I am also looking for a chef, altho I am working with one person. He has not yet decided if he wants to do it or not. I am also looking for a nurse to be on site 24/7! If you know of a CODA who is RN, please let me know!
Fundraising plans are in the works. More details later.
Please, please pass this email on to other parents that are not on this list. I know there are alot out there!
Thank you and Happy New Year!"
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