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CAMP
Spring 2015
TIMES
A publication for the campers, volunteers, friends and staff of Camp Wawbeek and Respite Camp
A True Difference Maker • By Carissa Miller
Our Camp Department lost a great friend last December: Matthew Kluender.
Matt attended Camp Wawbeek as a child, coming for several years in his preteen and teenage life. During this time, Matthew learned to look at the positive
in life, and never felt sorry for himself. His family and friends were a huge part
of his goals, and encouraged Matt to set them high and dream big. Matthew
dreamed so big, it would be difficult for others to keep up.
Matt receiving his Difference Maker Award
Matt had a vision - “I wanted to inspire others with disabilities to set higher
last October from EasterSeals Wisconsin
goals and reach for their dreams,” says Matt. “My dream was to hike across
America – from Stevens Point to Long Beach, California. So that’s what I decided to do.” He worked hard to find
sponsors, get equipment donated and purchased, and started to plan his journey.
It was while he was doing a trial run for his cross-country hike that Matt reconnected with Camp Wawbeek. During
the summer of 2011, he contacted Camp to see if he and his crew could spend a night there - wheeling from Stevens
Point to Wisconsin Dells would be a good 100 mile test. Permission was given, they made their journey, and spent the
afternoon talking with campers who were spending their week at camp, about the Handi-Able project, his goals, and
letting everyone know (campers and staff members alike) that there are no limits to your dreams.
Matt did set out with his Uncle Don and crew of family and friends in 2012 on their cross-country trip, but it was sadly
shortened in Missouri by someone running into the trailer carrying their supplies. They had made it 800 miles, and
Matt and his family knew they could make it all the way to California, which was the goal for this upcoming summer.
Matt won’t be making that trip, but his perseverance and positive outlook will last a long time in our hearts, knowing
that we really can do anything we put our minds to.
After that visit at camp for their first trial run, Matt recruited many of his family members to volunteer at camp for
some of our bigger events. They all would spend the weekend of our Fall Sprawl and Pancake Breakfast fundraisers in
October helping with everything from outside duties to doing dishes, to helping make sure everyone participating was
taken care of. Matt and his family would come to the Camp Clean Up in May, helping to clean and spruce up camp for
the campers that would be enjoying our facility during the summer. Matt wanted to share his love of life, celebrating
his abilities instead of focusing on what he was unable to do. He even wanted to give back to a place he enjoyed, hoping
someone else would get those feelings of empowerment that he did while he was at Camp…and brought his family with
him to help.
If you never had the privilege to meet Matt, he was always kind, never complained, and always put the needs of
others ahead of his own. He didn’t see his wheelchair as a hindrance or a disability – it was just a different means of
transportation (we learned at his funeral that his nickname was “Wheels.”) Matt’s family is one of those families who
stick together and lift each other up, always supporting Matt and his adventures, and volunteering for things that were
important to Matt. Their efforts have made it possible to raise money for camp, clean it up, and Matt’s Handi-Able
project has even donated funds that were given to him to pay for a camper to attend Camp Wawbeek. At camp we talk
about “being the change” (We must be the change we wish to see in the world. – Gandhi) with staff and campers alike.
Matt did this every day, and his legacy and positive impact will live on forever.
“You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.”
-Kahlil Gibran
Top 10 Reasons to Work at Camp
By Cyndi Garza
10. Learn new skills: While campers are at camp to learn new
skills, chances are you will pick up plenty yourself. Some
pretty obvious ones are how to work with many different
people, and how to communicate effectively, but you might
also learn how to drive tractors, build a campfire, cook over a
campfire, tie a ropes course harness and so much more.
9. Camp Dances: It’s a good time to show off those moves
because everyone at camp appreciates the sprinkler or the
shopping cart.
8. The Songs: Oh, the camp songs! You will know more verses
to Boom Chicka Boom than anyone really needs to know.
7. AMUSEMENT PARKS: Being located in the Dells your days off are usually spent in theme parks and water
parks - that Netflix addiction is a thing of the past at camp.
6. The Dress Code: Who says tie-dye isn’t acceptable every day? Because it definitely is.
5. Having FUN and getting paid for it: A major goal of camp is for campers to have fun, which in turn
means you get to have fun, too. Every day is filled with fun and adventure and you’ll find yourself laughing
more than you ever have in your whole life.
4. Staying Active: Who really wants to spend their summer in front of the computer or TV? Get outside and
be active- and what better way to do that than with a game of Uncle Sam or climbing a Rock Wall.
3. The staff are more like a family: Everyone talks about community at camp, and that is because it is unlike
anything you will experience at any other place. When you work, play, eat, and sleep with the same group of
people for ten weeks of the summer, you develop friendships that will last long after the summer ends.
2. It looks really good on a resume: Many employers know that at camp, you have to lead, problem solve, and
take responsibility on higher levels than many other jobs.
1. The memories: Whether or not you ever return to camp after your first summer, the experience will never
leave you and the memories made will last a lifetime.
Easter Seals Wisconsin Camps Celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. with Day of Service
By Jenna Roberg
Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for
others?” In the spirit of Martin Luther King, Jr., Easter Seals AmeriCorps members and volunteers worked at
Easter Seals Wisconsin Camp Wawbeek on
Monday, January 19.
Together, twelve community volunteers, AmeriCorps
members, and Easter Seals Wisconsin Camps staff spent
the day constructing Ladder Golf Sets out of PVC, tennis
balls and string. The game can be used both indoors and
out, and will be put to good use by the campers with
disabilities who attend Easter Seals Camps throughout
the year. In addition to building the games, volunteers
refurbished the Camp Wawbeek stage area used during
the summer for music entertainment and talent shows.
Easter Seals Wisconsin wants to thank the volunteers for spending their day off serving others.
Camp Must-Haves
By Kelsey Brahmstadt
Hello from Kelsey and Charlie!
We hope everyone is staying well this cold winter! Charlie asked me the
other day how campers know what to bring to camp. He said we should
write an article about it so other people know what to bring as well, so we
sat down and came up with this checklist of important items to remember
to bring to camp. Don’t forget to put your name on everything!
Must haves at camp.
• Bedding/sleeping bag, special sleeping aids
• Clothing for all weather (remember to bring extras!): shirts, sweatshirts, shorts, jeans, socks, underpants, belt, pajamas
• Personal Care items: toothbrush, toothpaste, comb/hairbrush, shower supplies, feminine hygiene items, deodorant, glasses case, retainers, etc.
• Towels, washcloths
• Swimsuit, any other swim gear, and a bag to carry it all
(we love to swim!)
• Rain jacket, other jacket, hat, umbrella
• Tennis shoes, pool/shower shoes (remember, closed toe shoes are required for the ropes course!)
• Flashlight/headlamp
• Camera (for pictures of all those fun moments!)
• Water bottle (stay hydrated!)
• Dirty clothing bag
Get your Camp gear all year
round! The Camp Store is
now open online:
http://eastersealswi.ilchq.com/
Visit the site today to order
your Easter Seals
Wisconsin must-haves
for camp!
Nob Hill News
Things have been busy in the
Madison office!
We have been switching over to a
new database to keep track of our
campers’ applications and our staff.
This process is taking a little bit
longer than expected, so please bear
with us while we work out the kinks.
Don’t forget your medical supplies!
• Briefs, wipes, catheter supplies, ileostomy supplies
• Special eating utensils
• Special diet foods (call camp to see what we have to meet your Once it is up and running to its full
dietary requirements!)
• Mobility aids
potential, registering for camp will be
• Special braces, walkers, etc
much easier on all of us.
• Bug spray and sunscreen (we spend a lot of time outside!)
• Medication form and medications
We are never too busy to answer
• Updated medical examination form
any questions you may have about
• Behavioral/communication devices
And other important stuff.
• Trading Post/town trip money
• Special toy or item from home
• A positive attitude and excitement for camp!
With all these great things to remember to bring to camp, there are a few
things that you should remember to leave at home, including: electronics,
large amounts of money, valuables, and breakables. We don’t want anything
to get broken or misplaced.
Charlie and I are excited for you to join us at camp soon! Stay healthy!
Kelsey and Charlie
1-800-422-2324 • www.EasterSealsWisconsin.com
registration and billing! You can ask
either Maggi or Ellen at the following:
Ellen Rischette
Program Assistant
608.237.1979
[email protected]
Maggi Earle
Administrative Office Assistant
608.237.1551
[email protected]
The Camp Times, Spring 2015
Sensory Rooms Update
By Dan Fourness
The cold weather is doing its best to push my thoughts
towards my third summer as Director of Respite Camp.
During recruiting season, the overwhelming excitement
of the coming camp sessions makes for a hectic (but
thoroughly enjoyable) period of planning and reflection.
There is always much to look forward to and much to
plan for.
This year, camp is getting an upgrade that should allow
us to change the way we deliver services for years to come.
In December, Easter Seals Wisconsin applied for a
grant through PUSH - Build America, an organization
that partners with the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity to provide
volunteers and service hours to projects across the
country. We have partnered with them in the past and are
very excited to have them return for another project this
summer.
And the project will be amazing! We are giving a
much-needed renovation to our existing sensory room
and will create a second sensory room in a previously
unused space behind our multipurpose building. A
generous donation from long time Respite parent and
new board member, Jason Klawonn, has provided us
with a 7’ x 7’ ball pit that will be installed near the lodge,
providing nearly four times the space of our previous ball
pit. Many sensory boards will be attached to the wall and
additional bean bags will be purchased to make the room
more inviting and stimulating for our campers. In the
multipurpose building, a black light and neon tubing will
be installed on the walls to provide an additional calming
environment. We also will be using the donations
from the Joyce Griffith Memorial to purchase weighted
blankets, vibrating
pillows and other
sensory input devices to
create a sensory library
for our campers.
PUSH Build America
is scheduled to come
to camp July 5-12.
Look forward to future
updates on this exciting
project!
The Camp Times, Spring 2015
Camp Events
For more information on the following evemts, be sure to
visit the events page on our website at
www.EasterSealsWisconsin.com
*Wawbeek Winter Warm-up
Saturday, March 21, Noon.– 6:00 p.m.
Spring Brook Sports Bar & Grill,
Wisconsin Dells
Family friendly event with food, raffles and music!
Respite Camp Spaghetti Dinner
Tuesday, April 21, 4:00p.m. - 7:00p.m.
WI Elks/Easter Seals Wisconsin Respite Camp
All of the community is welcome to stop by Respite Camp for
all-you-can-eat spaghetti, raffles and a chance to see what Respite Camp is all about! Tickets available at the door.
*Camp Wawbeek Clean-Up Day
Saturday, May 9, 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Come volunteer to help clean up Camp Wawbeek in preparation for the summer, or just come for the picnic and see beautiful Camp Wawbeek in person. For more information, contact
Cyndi Garza at 608.254.2502 or
[email protected]
Golf Outing for Kids
Tuesday, June 30
Held at Wild Rock & Trappers Turn Golf Clubs in Wisconsin
Dells, corporate teams play golf to raise funds for Camp
Wawbeek, followed by a BBQ at camp. Interested teams, please
call Kris Ackley, 608.232.1370
Ken’s Retirement Party
Wednesday, July 22 at Camp Wawbeek
More details to come. Please save the date!
Fall Sprawl Run/Walk/Roll
Saturday, October 3, 9:00 a.m.
Join us for our annual 5k walk/roll or 10k run through the
beautiful woods of Camp Wawbeek.
Entry fee $20 per person.
Pancake Breakfast
Sunday, October 4, 9:00 a.m. –Noon
Join us for the annual end-of-summer pancake
breakfast at Camp Wawbeek
* There is no fee to attend these events; however we ask that you let us
know
if you will be joining
us by registering at
1-800-422-2324
• www.EasterSealsWisconsin.com
www.EasterSealsWisconsin.com
2015 Summer Schedule
Camp Word Search
Camp Wawbeek
June 7-12 Adults (Ages 18+)
June 14-19 Adults (Ages 18+)
June 21-26 Young Adults (Ages 15-25)
June 28-July 3 Youth (Ages 7-18)
July 5-10 High Functioning Autism
(Ages 10-25)
July 12-17 Adults (Ages 18+) and
Pioneer Camp (Ages 18+)
July 19-24 Older Adults (Ages 40+) and
Pioneer Camp (Ages 18+)
July 26-31 Youth Ages 7-18
WI Elks/Easter Seals Wisconsin
Respite Camp
*All sessions are for ages 3+
June 7-12
June 14-19
June 21-26
June 28- July 3
July 5-10
July 12-17
July 19-24
July 26 -31
August 2-7
August 9-14
Located at Camp Wawbeek
in Wisconsin Dells
You can sign up online at
www.EasterSealsWisconsin.com
For more information
call 1-800-422-2324*110
Get out of the house this summer and join us for fun and excitement in the woods!
Camp Kee-B-Waw Day Camp for children ages 6-13 is located on the grounds
of Camp Wawbeek in Wisconsin Dells. We have seven weeks for children from
Wisconsin Dells and the surrounding area to run, swim, climb, play, learn, create,
explore and have fun. June 22 through August 7- Come one week or all seven!
Visit www.EasterSealsWisconsin.com or call 1-800-422-2324
New Online Friends Program
We are excited to introduce you to an online giving opportunity for Friends of Camp Wawbeek and Friends of Respite
Camp. The Friends programs are not a new giving opportunity; in fact, they have been around for many years as
a vehicle for our supporters to give directly to the camp program they feel most connected to. What is new, is the
opportunity to give to these programs online. We hope you will take a moment to check out our new fundraising pages
and make a gift that will support camp throughout the year, and ensure that campers will be able to enjoy barrier free
recreational activities. It is our desire that donors to our Friends program will make this an annual priority and part of
their philanthropic giving throughout the year.
To learn about Friends of Wawbeek: http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/ESWcamps/friendsofcampwawbeek
To learn about Friends of Respite: http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/danfourness/friendsofrespitecamp
1-800-422-2324 • www.EasterSealsWisconsin.com
The Camp Times, Spring 2015
Easter Seals Wisconsin camps are known for changing lives. The campers
experience the real camp experience and learn independence and build
friendships and self-esteem during their stays. The families of campers are able
to have a break from caregiving, sometimes take trips to places they did not
think possible, and grow stronger as a family.
By Kim Boyer
The amazing changes, however, do not just happen in the lives of the campers,
but the staff as well. From helping students figure out what they want to do with their lives to building friendships
that last a lifetime to even falling in love, camp impacts everyone who is involved. These are a few of the unheard
stories of how camp started a lifelong romance.
Anyone who has been to camp knows Papa Ken, but not everyone knows that
Ken started many years ago as a camp counselor. It was during his second summer at
camp, in 1974, that he met Lois, the camp nurse. On Ken’s first day off that summer, he
wanted to head into town, but he didn’t have a car. Lucky for him, Lois did. During
the course of that summer they developed a relationship and three years later they
found themselves getting married. Ken and Lois now have two daughters and five
grandchildren and are getting ready to celebrate 40 years together.
“There have been a number of weddings that started out at camp,” says Ken. “I
believe there were three marriages from that summer and most summers over the
years there has been at least one marriage a year.”
Ken, Lois & their daughters
With Ken continuing to work for Easter Seals Wisconsin, his daughters were raised
spending their first six summers at camp.
“Kathy was 6 weeks old when she came to camp.” says Ken. “The next summer Krissy was one week old when
she came to camp. Kathy learned to walk at camp and both girls learned to swim at camp. I remember they had a
sandbox by the Raymond House. When they were playing in it, some of the kids’ session campers came down and
jumped in to play. Everyone had a great time. Now Kathy is a nurse and Krissy is a school teacher. I believe those
early years helped shape their lives.”
Eric Blankenheim is another example of just how working at camp can impact your life. Eric has a long history
with Easter Seals. He has an undergraduate degree in Occupational Therapy and a graduate degree in Industrial
Engineering, both from UW-Madison. While attending college, Eric spent four summers as a counselor at Camp
Wawbeek. Once he graduated from college, Eric continued on to start his own business. Eric has owned and
operated Blankenheim Services for 20 years. Blankenheim Services is an Appleton-based ergonomic and physical/
occupational therapy company. Since 2007, Blankenheim Services has been a sponsor of the Golf Outing for Kids
and Eric is now a member of the Easter Seals Wisconsin Board of Directors.
Not only has Eric taken what he learned during his time at Wawbeek to apply to his business, but during his time
there, he met his wife, Dawn.
“I was the campout specialist (Eric Campout Guy) and
Dawn was a counselor,” says Eric. “After 4 days on the trail,
we bonded.” Eric and Dawn now have three children, Sophie,
Quinn, and Audrey. Spending those summers at camp may
have inspired Eric to continue working in the physical/
occupational therapy field, as well as help him take the first
steps toward starting the family he has today.
WI Elks/Easter Seals Wisconsin Respite Camp Director
Dan Fourness also fell in love at camp. By the luck of a
Google search, Dan found himself as a counselor at Respite
Camp in 2003, where he continued to work for the next five
summers. During Dan’s last three summers there, Andrea
A Camp Love
Story...or Three
Dan & Finn checking out Wawbeek’s new pool
The Camp Times, Spring 2015
1-800-422-2324 • www.EasterSealsWisconsin.com
“A Camp Love Story”continued
worked in various positions around the camp as well.
The two met and began a friendship that didn’t take long
to turn into marriage, as the couple was married in 2009.
In 2013 the Fourness family grew, as they welcomed
their son Finn. Currently, the three of them reside at
Respite Camp year-round as Dan continues to work for
Easter Seals Wisconsin camps, and Finn seems to love
camp as much as his parents.
“I usually split my life into two parts: before camp and
after camp,” says Dan. “It is difficult for me to remember
being happy before camp (I’m sure I was, but I’m not
sure what I used to find enjoyable besides baseball).
Camp allowed me to create the best version of myself
and realign my priorities. I can’t imagine my life without
Andrea and Finn and I can’t imagine my life without
camp (although those are the same things at this point).”
Many people fall in love with Easter Seals Wisconsin
camps when they see the beautiful nature, the campers
having fun and the staff interacting with the campers.
However, these couples were lucky enough to fall in love
at camp, too.
Veterans Family Camp
May 1-3, 2015
Offered to veterans and their families
at no charge
Easter Seals Wisconsin Camp
Wawbeek
Wisconsin Dells
For more
information,
call
1-800-422-2324
ext. 110 or visit
www.EasterSealsWisconsin.com
My Time with Easter Seals Wisconsin Camps • By Ken Saville
In 1973 and 1974, I worked at Camp Wawbeek for what I see as the best summers of my life.
I was a counselor in 1973, and loved enjoying projects with each camper group, including
crafts, rifle range and cookouts. My favorite was camping with my group, sitting by the
fire, telling stories and gazing up at the Wawbeek moon and stars. In 1974, I was program
supervisor scheduling various activities. Lois worked as our camp nurse, and the rest of the
story is that she became my bride; we had two wonderful children and we now five grandkids.
After those summers, I spent three years at a camp in Iowa for people with disabilities. I then
had an opportunity to return to Wawbeek, and quickly said yes to coming “home.” If you
have ever spent a summer at camp, it is a magical place and a true home for many of us, both
campers and staff.
One of the major responsibilities of Camp Director was to recruit summer staff by visiting college campuses around the
Midwest. What a joy it became for me to see new, young staff at camp mature. You could see doubt in their eyes as we went
through staff training and but by summer’s end they were pros! Both then and now, I am very proud of all the people that
have shared time with me at camp.
In the last Camp News it was mentioned that I will be retiring this year. The official date will be August 31. Hard to believe
that I have been a part of Wawbeek, Pioneer and Respite camps for so many years. It will be a sad and happy time. Sad that
I won’t have much contact with campers or staff. So many are not just campers and staff but true friends. Happy that I will
have more time to spend with Lois and my grandkids, traveling around the country and maybe even starting a vegetable
garden! I intend to stay engaged with camp, so I will be around on occasion
There will be a celebration at camp on Wednesday, July 22 so I can say goodbye to everyone, give those famous Papa Ken
hugs, and share a story or two. Camp staff is busy planning, so please check back for details!
1-800-422-2324 • www.EasterSealsWisconsin.com
The Camp Times, Spring 2015
Nonprofit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 136
Madison, WI
Easter Seals Wisconsin
101 Nob Hill Road, Suite 301
Madison, WI 53713
Madison Office
101 Nob Hill Road, Suite 301
Madison, WI 53713
Phone 608.277.8288
Toll Free 1.800.422.2324
Fax 608.277.8333
Camp Wawbeek
1450 Highway 13
Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
Phone 608.254.8319
Fax 608.245.8310
Respite Camp
1550 Waubeek Road
Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
Phone 608.254.2502
Fax 608.253.3027
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Address Correction Requested
Stay In Touch All Year!
Ken Saville
Vice President, Program Development
608.237.1576
[email protected]
Carissa Miller, CTRS
Director, Camp & Respite Services
608.254.8319
[email protected]
Dan Fourness
Director, Respite Camp
608.254.2502
[email protected]
Kelsey Brahmstadt, RN
Nursing Coordinator
608.254.2502
[email protected]
Ellen Rischette
Program Assistant
608.237.1979
[email protected]
Dennis McDonald
Maintenance Supervisor
608-444-1234
[email protected]
Terri Graak
Housekeeping Supervisor
[email protected]
Maggi Earle
Administrative Office Assistant
608.237.1551
[email protected]
Jenna Roberg
AmeriCorps Program Manager
608.237.1397
[email protected]
Cyndi Garza
AmeriCorps Volunteer Coordinator
608.254.2502
[email protected]
Chris Hemmer
AmeriCorps Veterans Coordinator
[email protected]
Taylor Mattson
AmeriCorps Camp Outreach Liaison
[email protected]
Katelyn Klieve
AmeriCorps Transitions Coordinator
[email protected]