Webmasters visit Camp KnoKoma

By Doug Cooksey, Asst Web Master

It was a rainy Friday, was it going to stop us.  Well almost, As Emil Suder was leaving Elkins the water was rising.  But the weather cleared up and we had a nice trip.  Emil Picked up his cohort at Mink Shoals for the remainder of the trip.
We arrived the camp and saw the remains of the infamous shaving cream battle.    We visited with some of the staff before venturing out to see the campers.  The kids were enjoying themselves at the archery range and the fishing pond.  The Pool was out of action due to a major leak in it that had to be repaired.  A school bus driver volunteered his expertise and a bus was acquired to take the campers into Cross Lanes to a pool for swimming.  Shortly after we arrived they had a fire drill and then tested the campers blood sugars prior to dinner.  The meal was quit good, Chicken, green beans, strawberries, salad and milk.  We talked to and met a lot of the staff.  Many were health care people who took vacation time to volunteer.  Healthnet Helicopter made a surprise visit for the campers and the kids had a ball.  The staff was surprised than many of the young peole had actually been transported by airlift.
The Grand Encampment supports this camp, and seeing it forst hand you can really see what a wonderful thing this is.  The average cost for the families is $12.50 to send a camper to Camp Kno Koma, the bulk of the cost is provided by support from Donations.
Next Year, every member of the Odd Fellows and Rebekahs should try to visit the camp and see these brave kids learning to live with something that will be with them for the rest of their lives.  And one thing I found very interesting.  The staff members and the kids do not hesitate to say THANK YOU to their supporters
Later the kids were treated to a party in the lodge with games, prizes, dancing and just fun.
For more information follow this link:  http://www.campknokoma.com/.  Check out the big kid in the Hawaiian Shirt at the craft table making his crown.

King Emil