CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – In just two days, February 20-21, the community stepped up and opened their hearts to the children of Camp Rainbow. Hearing story after story, filled with nearly every emotion imaginable, the Camp Rainbow Radiothon raised over $68,500 to send these deserving kids to a camp that makes their reality take pause.
In 1983, Mary Woodall and Diane Miner only dreamed of the possibilities that Camp Rainbow would one day become. Now, more than three decades later Jereme Miner, Diane’s son, and a crew of servant-minded community members continue to turn Camp Rainbow into a reality. The goal is simple: create a week long camp specially suited to meet the needs of seriously ill, disabled, or terminally ill children who would otherwise not be afforded a summer camp opportunity.
Each camper has their own counselor, so they have someone to assist them at all times. Premier Medical Group sends a doctor and team of nurses to be on call the entire week. Hundreds of volunteers donated their time to crafts, talent shows, arranging for ‘guest appearances’, sporting and fishing activities, and more. The children have the freedom to choose whatever activity they would like to do, creating many ‘mini camps’ in one big camp experience.
Each summer the camp accepts an average of 40 campers. On average, each camper costs roughly $3,000 per summer. The donations and money raised throughout the year ensure the camp is 100-percent free to the families. All donations and money received through Camp Rainbow go directly to the camp experience.
The Beaver 100.3 Camp Rainbow Radiothon began in 2009. The Beaver team takes to the airwaves for two days every February. They share stories of camp memories with children, parents, and counselors. Children can share their first hand account of why camp changes their lives. For many camp is the one week each year they are no longer defined by their illness or limitations.
For the parents, it’s a chance to let their child be carefree. The worry, struggle, and anxiety melt away as they see a team of volunteers wrap up their son or daughter in love. Many times it gives the parents a chance to re-energize themselves. “We both come back to each other renewed,” said one parent. “When you’re in it day after day, illness becomes your life. But Camp [Rainbow] gives us both the time to recharge. It’s the biggest blessing.”
Over the past 11 years, the Camp Rainbow Radiothon has raised over $675,000 for Camp Rainbow. “It’s our passion,” said Katie Gambill, general manager of 5 Star Media Group, which includes Beaver 100.3. “We love being a part of this community and are passionate about serving. I couldn’t be more proud of the Beaver team for what they do.”
While it may seem an easy task, talking for 15 hours straight, two days in a row, it is not easy. The Beaver team, Fletch, Jai, Monica, Mo, and Scott, connect with campers, take calls, and keep the entire event flowing. “Every year I’m overwhelmed with joy,” said Fletch, who has been with the radiothon since the early years. “These kids are such an inspiration. And seeing how the community pours out their heart each year. It’s a beautiful thing.”
If you have a child who may qualify for camp, read more here.
Are you or your organization interested in volunteering at camp? Learn about the opportunities available.
Beaver 100.3 and the 5 Star family would like to thank the community businesses who made the event possible: Toyota of Hopkinsville, First Command Financial Center, Wyatt Johnson, Appleton Harley Davidson, Kathryn Minniehan, Screaming Eagle Ready Mix, AR Stoneworks, A1 Heating and Cooling, Jodi’s Cabinet Sales, Grace Dental, Active Solutions, Once Upon a Child, Expert Concrete, Altra Federal Credit Union, Schmitt Dental, Alexis Goines AllState Agent, Wicked Good Sandwiches, Bojangles, Micheal’s Pizza, Doug’s Auto Sales, Eden Day Spa, Androw’s Flooring, Screaming Eagle Car Wash, Harris Psychological Services, Lanier Lawn and Landscaping.
