Recorder Herald, Salmon, Idaho

Mary Wright, executive director of Camp Discovery, addressed the February 3 noon luncheon meeting of Salmon Rotary at the American Legion Hall.

 Camp Discovery is a non-profit organization founded in December 2006 by Joe and Fran Tonsmeire to provide adventurous outdoor and river experiences for children with cancer.

 This original aim has been expanded to include children with hemophilia and young adult cancer survivors. Outdoor experiences build and restore physical, spiritual and emotional strength for these campers, who have been through tremendous stress during the treatment of their illness, Wright explained.

 Hiking, camping and whitewater rafting provide outdoor challenges, while a trained social worker provides counseling and facilitates supportive group discussions addressing the psychological, physical, financial and spiritual issues faced by the campers.

 Families with cancer patients have heavy financial burdens and these camps are offered free of charge so that all eligible campers who are interested can participate, Wright said.

 This coming summer, there will be a six-day wilderness adventure for teenaged cancer survivors. This session will run from July 23 to July 29, and interested campers who will be age 13 to 17 at the time of the session can get more information about the camp and register on-line at www.campdiscoveryidaho.org by clicking on the form pages. More information can be obtained by calling Wright at 208-303-0040.

 Camp Discovery’s Board includes Katsey Long, president and licensed clinical social worker; Fran Tonsmeire, secretary-treasurer; Gary Power, retired Fish and Game professional; and Dan Tonsmeire, Joe Tonsmeire’s brother. Wright, as executive director is an ex-officio Board member. She is recruiting additional Board members and asks anyone interested to call her at 303-0040.

 Wright said that her purpose in addressing the Rotary Club was three-fold: to assist in recruitment of teenaged cancer survivors for this summer’s session; 2. to recruit additional volunteers to assist with a variety of jobs related to the camp and fundraising; and 3. to request participation in the Camp Discovery fund-raiser planned for June 27.

 This fundraiser will include food, a silent auction and raffles of a double kayak and a one-day steelhead fishing trip. In addition, she noted that donations are welcome, as eligible campers attend the session free of charge. Donations can increase the number of sessions and participants for each summer season.