Recorder Herald, Salmon, Idaho

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation awarded $2,500 to Camp Discovery to support its river adventure programs for cancer survivors. Deana Fletcher, Salmon Branch manager, presented the check to Camp Discovery Executive Director Mary Wright on April 16.

“I was tickled when I opened the envelope and saw the amount,” said Fletcher. “The Foundation has not awarded a grant in Salmon for some time and $2,500 is at the upper end of what they give.”

The letter accompanying the check outlined the reasons the Foundation chose Camp Discovery as a recipient. “The Bank of America Charitable Foundation is dedicated to achieving higher standards in its commitment to our communities. Providing support to organizations like Camp Discovery, which set their own higher standards in service and improve the quality of life in our communities, is key to our strategy to build capacities that truly make a difference.”

The grant will help fund the teen and young adult adventure programs scheduled for this summer. These 6-day trips on the Salmon River are provided free to cancer survivors. The programs are designed to help young people meet with others going through the same challenges and address some of the physical and emotional issues caused by cancer and treatment.

Wright explained that the grant will help fill a gap in fundraising. “We weren’t sure that we could offer two programs this summer as we have in years past. Bank of America’s check will help get us closer to that goal.”

Registration is open for both programs. Interested teens age 13 - 17, and young adults age 18 - 30, can register online at www.campdiscoveryidaho.org or call Wright at 208-303-0040.

Camp Discovery Idaho is a non-profit organization located in Salmon and founded by Joe and Fran Tonsmeire, longtime ranchers and outfitters from Lemhi. It is comprised of one part-time employee, a six member Board and a community of volunteers with many years of experience in the mountains and rivers of back-country Idaho.