Kids Kamp keeps rolling along

The 12th annual Kids Kamp, sponsored by the Lake Viking Lions Club, was held June 6-11, at Lake Viking. Kids Kamp welcomed 10 kampers and 11 kounselors for a total of 21 Kampers this year.

Kids Kamp is a six day resident camp for visually impaired children from all over the state of Missouri, ages six to 16. Kampers arrived from as far away as Hallsville and checked in on Sunday.

“I drove a plane yesterday,” said an excited Zach Smith. “Like a bird!”

On Monday Zach and the rest of the Kampers went flying with the Young Eagles. The pilots from Angel Flight in Kansas City came with their planes to provide the “wings.” Dick Gooch, Mike Krehbiel and Chris. St. Germain were at the controls. Lion Terry Jarboe made the arrangements for the plane activity and the other events for the week long camp.

Friday evening the Mic-A-Say dancers entertained.

Tuesday found the Kids back down to earth — on the banks of a pond fishing. Zach said he caught 12 fish, but Kid’s Kamp director Linda Barnhill winked and said he was telling a whopper. Still the Kids had a fairly successful day of fishing. Katie Berrey probably held the record number of bluegill caught with 11 at last count. Breanna Weber caught a pan-sized catfish. That evening the Kids were going to have “motorcycle guests.” Harley-Davidson riders were expected to roll in.

This is the first year for Linda Barnhill as Kids Kamp director. A teacher in the middle school at Cameron, Linda said, “I’ve attended camps myself, but this is the first time I’ve been in charge.”

She had already formed a deep respect for the youth. “These are brave kids,” she said. “It takes a lot of courage to spend a week away from home trying something new.”

Linda is assisted by kamp kounselors and a host of Lion volunteers from District 26F. Linda said the Lake Viking Lions and Lions from the surrounding area make it all possible. “They work so hard. And they have so many fun activities for the kids. They’ve put together a great camp.”

Those activities include FFA animals, bucket truck, fire truck, hayride and wiener roast and ice cream on Wednesday. Taffy pulling, lighthouse lady and a D.J. dance on Thursday. Race car, Blinky and a visit from the sheriff followed by dinner and then a talent show on Friday. Kampers will leave for home Friday evening.

Zach spoke for all the kampers when asked what his favorite activities were: “Swimming and splashing!” he said. “I got Linda all wet!”

Every day, the Kids swim and boat and go tube riding.

Teenage Kounselors act as the Kampers constant companions and guides.

“Our Kounselors do a wonderful job,” said Linda. “They stick with their Kamper 24 hours a day, down to making sure they get in their p.j.’s and brush their teeth, and tucking them into bed.”

All of the meals at Kids Kamp were planned, prepared and served by members of the Lake Viking Lions Club. Three balanced meals were served each day with additional snacks.

Dr. James Neely and Dr. Larry Dickinson of Gallatin volunteered to provide at-camp medical counseling and service. An infirmary staffed by registered nurses was on site. Gallatin Community Ambulance Service and emergency medical personnel were on the alert. At night, Lions Club members patrolled the camp to ensure safety.

Kampers attending this year were Mikah Heckenbach, Carolyn McGhee, Brandy Graham, Warren Logan, Zach Smith, Jessica Pitzer, Katie Berrey, Breck Campbell, Breanna Weber, Briana Brewer.

Kounselors were David Wybel, Kelly Thompson, Kathy Walker, Lucas Burns, Andrew Cooksey, Dani Wiechman, Kelly Cornett, Tiffany Hamilton, Nicki Klinginsmith, Hannah Barker, Will Jarbo.