Southern Oregon Camp Kiwanis, aka “Camp S.O.C.K.” began as a Kiwanis-sponsored camp in July 2003.   In April of 2003, the camp was registered with the State of Oregon as “Southern Oregon Camp Kiwanis.” 

 

The 2003 camp provided a 4-day summer camping experience for 9 children, youth and young adults who have mobility impairments or handicapping conditions such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, etc.

 

Each year our camp has grown in participants.  Our planned 2010 will likely draw at least 30 campers, and possibly up to 40.  Each year we hope to increase in numbers of youth we serve.  

PLEASE NOTE:  this camp is for children, youth, and young adults with physical disabilities.  We do not have the appropriate staff to meet the needs of children and youth with emotional and behavioral challenges!  We reserve the right to determine which campers we will accept or reject.  Campers who require psychiatric medications to control their behavior should not apply to this camp.   Please check out Camp Kiwanilong, which is a camp in Oregon that specializes in the needs of kids with emotional and behavioral challenges, including autism:  http://www.campkiwanilong.org

 What:  Southern Oregon Camp Kiwanis provides a variety of recreational activities that have been safely adapted for children, youth, and young adults with handicapping conditions.  These activities include:  swimming, canoeing, horseback riding or buggy rides, archery, fishing, basketball, baseball, nature hikes, campfire activities, arts and crafts, dances, cookouts, and other recreational activities.

 Who:  The campers have already been described above.  The staff includes an all-volunteer corps of individuals, including Kiwanians, youth “peer” counselors”, life guards, medical staff, archery instructors, etc.  A Board of Directors oversees the business of the corporation, and these individuals are also 100% volunteer.  The campers, staff, peer counselors, and Board of Directors are principally residents of Southern Oregon.  However, it is not limited to individuals from this locality, and we do have participants from other areas of Oregon and outside of Oregon.

When:  The summer camp session is for 4 days during late July.  As the camp grows in popularity and demand, there is a possibility that additional sessions will be added.  The business of the Board is a year-round activity, with a minimum of four board meetings during the year.  The fiscal year runs from October 1 – September 30 every year.

 Where:  The camp location is at Bridge, Oregon, at a camp owned and operated by The United Church of the Brethren, called Camp Myrtlewood.  Southern Oregon Camp Kiwanis (S.O.C.K.) rents the camp from the church.  The church provides room and board for a per-person fee.

How does the activity further our tax exempt purposes?  Our tax exempt purpose is to provide a summer camp for kids with physical disabilities.  We do not profit from this venture, and no individual enjoys monetary gain from these activities.  However, all the campers with disabilities who attend camp receive full or partial scholarships in order to attend, and room and board is provided for all the volunteer staff and counselors in exchange for their service. 

 Time:  Southern Oregon Camp Kiwanis is currently operating a 4 day camp with a 1-2 days staff training prior to campers arriving.  As the camp grows in demand, these numbers could increase.  Board of Directors, who are all volunteer Kiwanians, also invest a number of hours, ranging from 2 to 20 hours monthly, in conducting the business of the organization or fundraising.  100% of the total time is allocated to this activity, Southern Oregon Camp Kiwanis.  There are no other outside endeavors connected to this organization.

 Costs:  The current estimated cost to meet the room and board, staff assistance, and other camping costs necessary to send one camper to camp is $600.  Volunteer counselors and staff are provided their room and board, free.

Funding:  All funds are procured through donations by Kiwanis clubs, charitable foundations, individual donations, camper fees, and fundraising.  The amount of money raised by the organization in a fiscal year determines how many campers can go to camp.  The organization does not borrow any money from any lending agency.