4 minute read
BRINGING DREAMS TO LIFE
Next Article
The United Way of Northeastern South Dakota is much more than a fundraiser. It also promotes many of the programs this community supports. In this new series, we’ll highlight the great work that happens in our region. by AARON SCHULTZ & ANGIE CLEBERG
OF THE UNITED WAY
hile summer camp may seem like an eternity away, one set of campers is ready for their next camping experience. The Aberdeen Family YMCA, United Way, and the Aberdeen Catholic Schools work together to bring a full camp experience to those that may not otherwise get that chance. Camp DreamMakers is a two-week summer camp held during the months of June and July designed specifically for youth ages 5-21 that have a physical, hearing, speech, vision, gross motor, or neurological condition. The camp runs in two separate sessions hosting 30-35 participants each time. Camp DreamMakers takes full advantage of all the incredible opportunities around the Aberdeen area, including: horseback riding at SPURS, swimming at the YMCA, bowling, fishing, Wylie Park and Thunder Road, pontoon rides provided by the Richmond Lake Association, and skiing with the Aqua Addicts, just to name a few.
The program originally began as Camp Courage and later developed into Camp DreamMakers. The vision for such a camp came from the original director, Mrs. Rose Kraft. Rose first had the idea by making an appointment with Steve Graf, CEO of the Y, around 2006. She felt the community was so supportive of the camp that it should be expanded to get more area children involved. Steve was on board with it immediately. It was all about the kids and still is today. “All children should get the opportunity to experience a summer day camp and have fun together,” Rose says. W
Pictured back row L to R are: Michelle Olson and Jessica Cihak, Camp DreamMakers co-directors. In front is the camp’s original director, Rose Kraft.
Th e Aberdeen Family YMCA acts as program sponsor for Camp DreamMakers. Recently, they received recognition by YMCA-USA for this partnership. “Camp is at the heart of the YMCA mission, putting Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for ALL,” explains Mike Quast, CEO YMCA. Roncalli Elementary School provides a site location for Camp DreamMakers, serving as the staging area for the start of each camp day. “We feel very blessed and honored to be the host site for this camp. It fits perfectly into our mission of instilling Catholic values by nurturing the mind, body, and soul. The building comes alive through the presence of
Above: Mary Marion (back row) spends time with students at Camp DreamMakers. Left: Campers participate in a wide variety of activities in the Aberdeen area. Photos courtesy of the United Way
these special souls,” says Tim Weisz, President Aberdeen Catholic School System.
While Aberdeen is extremely generous and provides several in-kind donations to the camp, it is not cheap to run a program where the staff to camper ratio can be as intensive as 1:1. The United Way contributes about a third of the revenues, with the other portion coming from contributions, grants, and program service fees. No camper is turned away for an inability to pay. // To learn more about how you can contribute to Camp DreamMakers through this United Way support program, contact Jess Cihak at 605-216-5768 or the Aberdeen Family YMCA at 605-225-4910.
NE South Dakota 2019 READERS’ CHOICE
WINNER R e a l E s t a t e A g e n t
GARY DEIBERT
SANDY SWINGLER
ANGELA KELLY STEINBACH
ANDREA HOLINKA
NANCY BAUER
Professional Agents. Premier Results! Friendly Advice...Expert Service Thank you for voting First Premier Realty as Best Real Estate O ce and Gary as Best Real Estate Agent in the Reader's Choice Awards!
AARON DARLING
JON WEBB
DANELLE MCMASTER
NE South Dakota 2019 READERS’ CHOICE
WINNER R e a l E s t a t e C o m p a n y
firstpremierrealestate.com
CALL US TODAY! (605) 725-8800 1606 6th Ave SE | Aberdeen, SD 57401
BUILDING YOUR NEXT HOME
Let us help get you started! With so many things to consider when redesigning a space, room or your entire house, let us take the guess work out of it. Contact our design team today!
302 S. 2nd St. | Aberdeen, SD 57401
605.225.4242
Monday-Friday: 9 AM - 5:30 PM | Saturday: 10 AM - 1 PM
CUSTOM HOMES REMODELING ADDITIONS GARAGES SHOPS AND MORE
Brett, Gary, Becky & George
Come visit with our friendly staff about pre-need arrangement options or transferral of existing pre-arrangements
Schriver’s Memorial Mortuary & Crematory Second Generation Family Owned and Operated
Over 55 years of committed service to Aberdeen and surrounding communities
