What? February is over?

What happened to the month of February?!? It went by way too quickly!
Camp updates so far this month of March:

1. We are at 715 campers registered which includes 302 diabetes campers. Amazing. We are really filling up and are actively working to find more campers. A special thank you to the Badger Association and the Center for blind and visually impaired children for helping us reach out to many families who have children that may qualify for camp.

2. I am working like mad to get the first round of staffing agreements out to summer staff. We have a strong core of returners and an impressive batch of applicants. It's a good thing but also so very hard to decide who we'll hire and who we will not hire.

3. We had a great few rental groups lately - Pulaski school came to visit us last Wednesday and they had a great time playing in the snow and learning about winter sports, survival and nature. We also had a lively group of women for Creative Memories Camp Crop a Lot this past weekend. Our groups are varied and a lot of fun! Plus the funds they paid for the rental go right back into the camp's budget. While we will never make enough in our rentals to cover summer camp (it barely covers 1/4 of our expenses) it is a great way to expose people to the Wisconsin Lions Camp and allows us to keep some staff we may not be able to afford otherwise. PR value is priceless after all!

4. Just a reminder that this week is showcasing a push by Lions to inform the public of the great things they do for their communities. If you haven't thought about Lions or being a part of a club, what's stopping you? I think I qualify for the level of insanely busy but Lions only takes up a few hours of my time a month and helps so many! With some really difficult days going on in this state - serving others is a powerful reminder that I am very blessed and fortunate to be able to help those in need.

5. I'm a star?! Wow....I was one of five Lions featured in the recent Lions International Magazine this month. It was about people who have been served by Lions becoming Lions and serving others. A neat article and one I am very proud of. You can find the article by going to the Lions International home page at www. lionsclubs.org and click on the "news and events" page - then click on magazine. It will show you a virtual magazine - I am on page 26. Of course, while it talks about me, I am very fortunate to have a great team to work with that supports me and all that I do to keep Camp rolling. I am this good because I work with good people!

6. Next week Jamie, Peter and I are taking our summer administrative staff with us to the Mid-states Camping Conference - in my opinion the best in the nation - to network, learn new things and get energized for Camp. It's a wonderful time to learn and plan for summer camp. Paula got to go to San Diego to take part in the Nursing Association for Camp Nurses - and she is beginning to take an active role in that organization - another way Wisconsin Lions Camp is being a leader in the field of camping.

7. Oh! The Admirals game. We closed registration - they are graciously donating 351 free tickets to campers and their families. Way to go Milwaukee Admirals!!!! So appreciate the support. I can't wait to see the game at the end of the month.

That's the report from Camp this time - I hope everyone has a great week!