WINTER 2014 QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER FOR ALL CAMP LUCK … · goal ... to begin ... Camp LUCK has grown...
7
Growing and Impacting Camp LUCK Pulse WINTER 2014 QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER FOR ALL CAMP LUCK ENTHUSIASTS ISSUE FOUR Want more info? Check out Facebook.com/CampLUCK & CampLUCK.com Final notes of 2014! As I am writing my final edition of the Camp LUCK Pulse, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the past couple of years as tenure as President. The other day I revisited one of the first conversations between Dr. Rene’ and I about eventually starting a camp for kids with CHD. I also found notes of our first “official” meeting at Dish in 2009 with both of us and the wonderful Kim Jackson. Our goal... to begin brainstorming on creating a Kids Camp where heart kids like Jacob could be ‘normal’ for a week. Wow, such elementary times. Fast forward to today, and I am overwhelmed with pride, emotion and great memories! From that first meeting, Camp LUCK has grown by leaps and bounds! Not only hosting this one week Kids Camp, but expanding all the way to include the merging with LCK (Levine Cardiac Kids) in 2012. To sum up the magic that I feel for Camp LUCK, I have constructed the following words to explain my experience: Humbled: Each day that I work with Camp LUCK, Inc. I am extremely humbled at the wonderful people and selfless service that surrounds this organization. Many hours of time given... tons of energy and creativity... and a bunch of love... all have been exemplified by so many individuals and I am a better person because of each of you. Passionate: By working day in and day out with this organization, my passion has been fueled for the betterment of humanity. There is no better feeling than helping others, and Camp LUCK has enabled me to fulfill this all important aspect in life. Refreshing: No matter how crazy the whirlwind of life is going at the moment... every time I walk into a Camp LUCK Board meeting or attend an event, I am revived. It’s like a breath of fresh air! I am reminded about what is important in life, and how incredible it is to make a kid smile and be surrounded with such caring friends. Proud: To say that I am proud would be an understatement. I am proud of the positive that we are doing as an organization. I am proud of the growth we have had in seeing this simple idea flourish into a successful nonprofit. I am proud of the impacts we are making on kids and families. I am proud of being a part of such a wonderful group of people. As I reflect on the great times over the past few years, I am so thankful for the opportunity to serve for Camp LUCK. I will always cherish the many lessons learned, the memories made and the friendships gained. I am humbled, fueled with passion, refreshed and very proud all in one. Thank you Camp LUCK Family! -Jay (Bird) Thompson Lucky Unlimited Cardiac Kids
Transcript of WINTER 2014 QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER FOR ALL CAMP LUCK … · goal ... to begin ... Camp LUCK has grown...
Growing and Impacting
Camp LUCK PulseWINTER 2014 QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER FOR ALL CAMP LUCK ENTHUSIASTS ISSUE FOUR
Want more info? Check out Facebook.com/CampLUCK & CampLUCK.com
Final notes of 2014!As I am writing my final edition of the Camp LUCK Pulse, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the past couple of years as tenure as President. The other day I revisited one of the first conversations between Dr. Rene’ and I about eventually starting a camp for kids with CHD. I also found notes of our first “official” meeting at Dish in 2009 with both of us and the wonderful Kim Jackson. Our goal... to begin brainstorming on creating a Kids Camp where heart kids like Jacob could be ‘normal’ for a week. Wow, such elementary times. Fast forward to today, and I am overwhelmed with pride, emotion and great memories! From that first meeting, Camp LUCK has grown by leaps and bounds! Not only hosting this one week Kids Camp, but expanding all the way to include the merging with LCK (Levine Cardiac Kids) in 2012.To sum up the magic that I feel for Camp LUCK, I have constructed the following words to explain my experience:
Humbled: Each day that I work with Camp LUCK, Inc. I am extremely humbled at the wonderful people and selfless service that surrounds this organization. Many hours of time given... tons of energy and creativity... and a bunch of love... all have been exemplified by so many individuals and I am a better person because of each of you. Passionate: By working day in and day out with this organization, my passion has been fueled for the betterment of humanity. There is no better feeling than helping others, and Camp LUCK has enabled me to fulfill this all important aspect in life.Refreshing: No matter how crazy the whirlwind of life is going at the moment... every time I walk into a Camp LUCK Board meeting or attend an event, I am revived. It’s like a breath of fresh air! I am reminded about what is important in life, and how incredible it is to make a kid smile and be surrounded with such caring friends.Proud: To say that I am proud would be an understatement. I am proud of the positive that we are doing as an organization. I am proud of the growth we have had in seeing this simple idea flourish into a successful nonprofit. I am proud of the impacts we are making on kids and families. I am proud of being a part of such a wonderful group of people.
As I reflect on the great times over the past few years, I am so thankful for the opportunity to serve for Camp LUCK. I will always cherish the many lessons learned, the memories made and the friendships gained. I am humbled, fueled with passion, refreshed and very proud all in one. Thank you Camp LUCK Family! -Jay (Bird) Thompson
Lucky Unlimited Cardiac Kids
Spotlight presents...
Q & As with the three ladies that just finished their term on the Camp LUCK Board of Directors....
Shannon Bone, Kim Ransom & Julia Engel1. What was your reason for getting involved in Camp LUCK? S: Knew it was a fun organization that held a special place in my heart that serves families in the Charlotte community like mine.K: I was origianlly involved in LCK and am was happy to move from LCK to Camp LUCK. At the time there were no support groups for kids with CHD's in the area.J: Born with a VSD and at the age of 17 I was diagnosed with Sick Sinus Syndrome and have been treated with heart pacemakers for over 30 years. I did not talk of my heart defects until I was over 40 years old and became a spokes person for Boston Scientific, Cardiac Rhythm Management Division. Overcoming obstacles of heart defects, I wanted to give back to others with heart disease and was introduced to Lisa McKenzie of LCK through my cardiologist, Dr. Paul Colavita. I'm grateful for the opportunity to be involved with the energetic and passionate people of Camp LUCK. I wanted to impact the lives of heart kids because I wish I had this support and great opportunities when I was growing up with heart disease.
2. How has Camp LUCK impacted you? S: Camp LUCK has united me with other heart families and community experts that have provided support, knowledge and social opportunities for me and my family. K: Camp LUCK has impacted my whole family! The kids love all the social events and especially Camp LUCK Camps. We are so happy to meet others and learn from their experiences and create life-long friends.J: Friendships and family gained through the organization. I knew there was a reason I had heart defects.
3. What has been the most challenging aspect of being a Board member? S: Encouraging all families to not only attend the social events but find a way to get involved and volunteer to help spread awareness of Camp LUCK and CHDs. K: The biggest challenge is balancing the Camp LUCK work with family time. Camp LUCK takes many people to operate and at times that can be a lot on top of all the other day to day responsibilities.J: Thinking outside the box to come up with new ideas.
4. What has been your favorite thing about being a Board member? S: Working the the AWESOME team on the board, of course!K: I love meeting everyone and seeing what I have helped create become a reality for Camp LUCK!J: Working with creative and passionate people! And board retreats at the McKenzie's.
5. What did you enjoy most about Camp LUCK? S: The monthly BoD meetings were always a highlight of my monthly schedule. Jay plans an efficient meeting that is structured in a way that work can be fun. K: All the wonderful people that I have met and been able to work with over the past 7 years! J: The positive atmosphere of Camp LUCK and inspiration of the heart kids and their love for life. I love the fact the heart kids can share their "normal" life experiences with other heart kids and they "get" each other.
6. Any other information you wish to share? S: Join the fun and get involved!K: I am so thankful to Camp LUCK for all that they do for my family and all the heart families! Thank you.J: I became involved with Camp LUCK, December 2010 as it became into fruition with meetings at Dish on Central Avenue with Kim, Jay and Rene. Seeing where Camp LUCK has grown, there are no limits to what this organization can accomplish to impact lives of heart families.
Thank you Shannon. Kim and Julia for your service!!
Julia
Shannon
Kim
For more photos, check out our website at CampLUCK.com/photos.
Bike LUCK
Baby LUCK
Holiday Party
Fall Fest
Auction
Camps
305 Attend Holiday Party!!
We capped off the year with record numbers yet again at the Camp LUCK Holiday Party with 305 in attendance! The night was filled with great music by Province of Thieves, Santa and his balloon making elf, coloring table, food, new merchandise, exciting announcements and serenades from several kids. Thanks for all that showed up in the spirit!Our services division, Camp LUCK Cares has exploded this year. The next page of our newsletter contains some highlights of some of the programs. All of the current service programs are listed below can be found on our website www.CampLUCK.com/services/Camp-LUCK-Cares/.
Camp LUCK Conference (formerly Education Symposium), Heart to Heart Matchups, Camp LUCK Closet, Baby LUCK, Carebags, Discharge Packets, Picnic, Resources, Tips and Medical Terminology, Facts. Stories
Picture of Kids Camp participants at the Holiday Party
Information Form: To keep abreast of Camp LUCK Updates, please complete our Info Form (http://www.campluck.com/services/membership/)
and let us know how we can assist you and your family.
With your help, the Camp LUCK Cares division has delivered bags and bags of clothing donations, and other baby-related items, to the littlest heart babies at Sanger! Thank you to all who have donated recently and in the past!
The caring folks at Sanger, headed up by Saiyi Diaz, are still in immediate need of baby boy clothing. Keep in mind, books, toys, baby gear, and even clothing for older kids, moms and dads are also appreciated. This is an ongoing effort, so we thank the Camp LUCK family for your continued support!
Donations can be dropped off in person at Sanger, brought to any Camp LUCK event, or you may contact [email protected] to arrange for pick up.
Get Involved!!
Camp LUCK Closet:
Camp LUCK Cares is our family support services department. The following are some of the new and/or improved programs we are implementing:
Camp LUCK Cares Doin’ Good
Baby LUCK
H2H Visitor Training
Visitation Program
Heart to Heart Visitor Training allows individuals to be properly trained to go into the hospital to support families recently diagnosed. For those interested in H2H Training please contact [email protected].
What is Baby LUCK? Baby LUCK is an outreach program of Camp LUCK Cares that supports and services families of the youngest members of our heart community. For more information, contact [email protected].
Volunteer!Volunteer your time orany special service/talents.
Donate!Your time, your talents orfinancially.
Shopping!Shop AMAZON online at www.Smile.Amazon.com and help give back to Camp LUCK in the process!
Email [email protected] to get involved or ask questions about volunteering and/or donating.
Exciting news! We are have a new a pilot program, our Visitation Program! Mended Little Hearts and Camp LUCK’s Heart to Heart Program are collaborating to bring together a fantastic visitation program within Levine Children’s Hospital. Our goal is to have representatives visit the 6th and 8th floors twice every week to pass out care bags, bring treats, and visit with families. If you would like to be a part of this exciting program, please contact [email protected] for more info.
Exciting Announcement!We have a NEW WEBSITE! Check us out and enjoy the fresh look and easy to navigate setup. Stay tuned as we will be adding more info, photos, updates, etc!
www.CampLUCK.com
Events and Such...
For more information about Camp LUCK or to become more involved by volunteering or donating, please contact [email protected] or check us out online:
CampLUCK.com orFacebook.com/CampLUCK
Camp LUCK is a 501(c)3 not-for profit organization.
Kids Camp August 9-14th, 2015
Camp LUCK Kids Camp is a MAGICAL week for eligible heart kids and one sibling, ages 7-14. Six days filled with super fun activities like rock climbing, athletics, arts & crafts, dancing, singing, canoeing, paddle boarding and much more. We have over 110 kids registered with a few spots left. Brochures and Registration Forms are available online at CampLUCK.com and at Sanger Clinic.
Check out our 2 minute promotion video at www.vimeo.com/74684706
Camp LUCK transforms our heart kids into Lucky Unlimited Cardiac Kids by programs designed to nurture, educate and support the kids and their families. It's more than a camp; it's an attitude...and changing attitudes changes lives.
Camp LUCK Board of Directors
(as of January 1st, 2015)
Carol Douglas, President
Dr. Rene’ Herlong, Vice President
Chris McKenzie, Treasurer
Bryon Mulligan, Corporate Secretary
Kim Jackson, Director of Administration
Anmarie Wyrick, Camp LUCK Cares
Amy Kochan, Fundraising
Irene Liapis, Advisory
Deborah Gilchrist, Advisory
Family Camp May 15-17, 2015
Camp LUCK Family Camp is an AWESOME weekend for your family to get some quality time together in a unique experience. Two days packed with super fun activities, hilarious skits and tons of laughter and spirit. Registration will be available online at CampLUCK.com beginning CHD week in February.
Spring Picnic March 28th, 2015
Save the date for Sunday March 28th from 11am-2pm for the 8th annual Spring picnic. The location is back at the US National Whitewater Center!
Camp LUCK Conference February 7th, 2015
The Camp LUCK Conference (formerly the Symposium) will kick off CHD Awareness week and will be packed full of dynamic speakers at the UNCC Center City Building. More info at www.campluck.com/news-and-events/.
Hockey Spirit Night March 8th, 2015
Camp LUCK Spirit night at the Charlotte Checkers! This is a great fundraising opportunity! Every ticket sold by Camp LUCK through our link earns us $5! More info at www.campluck.com/news-and-events/.
Bike LUCK May 2nd, 2015
The 3rd annual Bike LUCK Charity ride will be held May 2nd 2015. Sponsors already secured are: Charlotte Knights, Moore & Van Allen, Hendrick Mini, Aprille Shaffer State Farm Insurance & Charlotte Pediatric Dentistry.
More info at www.campluck.com/news-and-events/2015/5/2/bike-luck.
Baby LUCK January 6th & February 3rd, 2015
Baby LUCK is an outreach program of Camp LUCK Cares that supports and services families of the youngest members of our heart community not yet able to attend Kids Camp. Check out more info at www.campluck.com/baby-luck/
From the incoming President:
I wanted to take a moment to let each of you know how honored I am to work with Camp LUCK. You and your children are an inspiration to me each day and over the past five years, I have grown to regard those involved with this tremendous organization as family. I look forward to getting to know those of you whom I have not met. I sincerely hope that you will consider actively participating with Camp LUCK whether that means taking on volunteer roles, passing on suggestions, attending camp events, or simply sharing our story with others. Camp LUCK is ‘More than a camp’ and it is imperative that we communicate the resources we provide with anyone who will listen! I commend the efforts of everyone who has helped shape Camp LUCK into what it is today and sincerely look forward to working as a team to reach even more families in the years to come. Merry Christmas!
-Carol
The Carol Era: New President Carol Douglas is JUMPING to take the reigns!
2015 Goal Categories:1. Increase awareness and marketing2. Teenage retention3. Counselor recognition program4. Kids board of directors5. More than a camp campaign6. Growth of Camp LUCK Cares 7. Increase revenue and attendance8. Volunteer recruitment and appreciation9. Advocacy10. Create grant program and/or make contributions for CHD research
