Recorder Herald, Salmon, Idaho

Summer arrived just in time to heat up the Camp Discovery Idaho barbecue and raffle drawing on Saturday. A crowd of about 150 attended the event at Town Square Park across from City Hall.

They were treated to pulled pork dinners, music, games and a silent auction. Before the party wrapped up, raffle winners were drawn. All proceeds support Salmon River adventure programs provided free to teen and young adult cancer survivors.

“It made us feel good to support kids with cancer who may not otherwise get out of the city and enjoy the outdoors like we do,” commented Ronda Cluff who brought her family of five to the park.

Local singer and songwriter, Dave Self, entertained the crowd with an instrumental set on his guitar. His plans to sing changed after a respiratory infection left his voice too hoarse to perform. “I was happy to help out. It’s a great cause,” said Self.

The highlight of the night was the drawing for the AIRE two-man inflatable kayak won by Elisa Chambers of Jackson, Wyoming. AIRE, a raft manufacturer based in Caldwell, Idaho, donated the boat for the raffle.

Second prize, a one day steelhead fishing trip donated by Idaho Adventures and Gary Power, was won by Ella Deutchman.

Members of the Lemhi Art Guild painted several watercolors and A Fine Line at the Purple Easel Gallery matted and mounted the art for the auction. The watercolors were a few of the many pieces the Guild provided to illustrate journals for the young attendees in this summer’s programs.

“Local community support for Camp Discovery has been incredible,” said Mary Wright, Executive Director. Volunteers made the dinner, worked the event and provided the auction items. Many local organizations have contributed to the river adventures including the Eagles, Kiwanis, Salmon Chapter of the Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association and Steele Memorial Medical Center.

Camp Discovery Idaho is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Salmon, Idaho and comprised of one part-time employee, a working Board and a community of volunteers with many years of experience as outdoor, recreation and medical professionals in the mountains and rivers of back-country Idaho.

For more information on the organization, contact Executive Director Mary Wright at (208) 303-0040 or campdiscoveryidaho@gmail.org.