53rd Barry County Youth Camp to begin May 29
May 2, 2018
Charlea Estes-Jones
This summer will mark the 53rd year for a special camp that is for Barry County’s at-risk youth. The Barry County Youth Camp will be May 29 through June 1, and the committee members are seeking donations to help make the camp possible.
Each year, the Barry County Youth camp provides an opportunity for at-risk youth to attend summer camp who otherwise wouldn’t be able to attend due to their family situations.
In order to put on the camp, the committee relies on donations and community support to ensure they can offer the camp to kids free of charge. They receive no federal funding and rely completely on community support.
Jane Jaymes, co-chair for the event, said, “We rely on the generous donations of our local communities.” Jaymes chairs the event with Gail Ellis.
The camp was idealized 53 years ago when a group of community members realized the need for one. Since then, they’ve taken kids camping every year, typically focusing on the seven to ten year old age range.
This year, the camp’s theme will be “Sail Away to Barry County Youth Camp.” As with prior years, the camp is for children ages seven to ten, and campers are recommended by their school counselors to attend the camp. This year, the final day will feature a carnival for the kids to participate in and will feature games like ring toss, balloon pop, a shooting gallery and more.
Each year, the committee makes multiple requests to ensure all of the campers have a great experience. This year, they are requesting clothing, such as shorts, lightweight sweaters and jackets, summer fun wear, swim suits and swim trunks.
James said, “Some children come to camp ill-prepared for the activities we have planned. We always try to send campers home with a new pair of shoes.”
In all, it costs the committee around $150 for each camper. They host around 100 campers each year due to space constraints at Camp Smokey at Roaring River State Park where they hold the camp each year.
All of the activities and needs are filled by volunteers from cooks to nurses or activity leaders. This year, Greg Davis, Melvin Casper, Bob Mareth, Josh Osterloh and Greg Martin are cooking meals for the campers. Craft activities are to be led by Kami Willis and Kim Hall, and the camp directors are Sarah Pfitzner and Summer Sullivan. Pfitzner is also the nurse during the camp.
The Barry County Youth Camp committee members are: Kayren Bremer, Effie Collins, Nancy Foulke, Russ Hartin, Trinity Hartin, Ike Hemphill, Judy Hemphill, Barbara Henson, Margaret Holle, Louellen Honeycutt, Marlene Mareth, Cynthia Martin, Claudia Nolan, Raegan Nolan, Barbara Oekter, Cara Osterloh, Kaden Propps and John Verstraete.
To donate to the Barry County Youth Camp, contact Jane Jaymes at (417) 235-3580 or mail to: Barry County Youth Camp, P.O. Box 254, Monett, MO, 65708.
Charlea Estes-Jones
This summer will mark the 53rd year for a special camp that is for Barry County’s at-risk youth. The Barry County Youth Camp will be May 29 through June 1, and the committee members are seeking donations to help make the camp possible.
Each year, the Barry County Youth camp provides an opportunity for at-risk youth to attend summer camp who otherwise wouldn’t be able to attend due to their family situations.
In order to put on the camp, the committee relies on donations and community support to ensure they can offer the camp to kids free of charge. They receive no federal funding and rely completely on community support.
Jane Jaymes, co-chair for the event, said, “We rely on the generous donations of our local communities.” Jaymes chairs the event with Gail Ellis.
The camp was idealized 53 years ago when a group of community members realized the need for one. Since then, they’ve taken kids camping every year, typically focusing on the seven to ten year old age range.
This year, the camp’s theme will be “Sail Away to Barry County Youth Camp.” As with prior years, the camp is for children ages seven to ten, and campers are recommended by their school counselors to attend the camp. This year, the final day will feature a carnival for the kids to participate in and will feature games like ring toss, balloon pop, a shooting gallery and more.
Each year, the committee makes multiple requests to ensure all of the campers have a great experience. This year, they are requesting clothing, such as shorts, lightweight sweaters and jackets, summer fun wear, swim suits and swim trunks.
James said, “Some children come to camp ill-prepared for the activities we have planned. We always try to send campers home with a new pair of shoes.”
In all, it costs the committee around $150 for each camper. They host around 100 campers each year due to space constraints at Camp Smokey at Roaring River State Park where they hold the camp each year.
All of the activities and needs are filled by volunteers from cooks to nurses or activity leaders. This year, Greg Davis, Melvin Casper, Bob Mareth, Josh Osterloh and Greg Martin are cooking meals for the campers. Craft activities are to be led by Kami Willis and Kim Hall, and the camp directors are Sarah Pfitzner and Summer Sullivan. Pfitzner is also the nurse during the camp.
The Barry County Youth Camp committee members are: Kayren Bremer, Effie Collins, Nancy Foulke, Russ Hartin, Trinity Hartin, Ike Hemphill, Judy Hemphill, Barbara Henson, Margaret Holle, Louellen Honeycutt, Marlene Mareth, Cynthia Martin, Claudia Nolan, Raegan Nolan, Barbara Oekter, Cara Osterloh, Kaden Propps and John Verstraete.
To donate to the Barry County Youth Camp, contact Jane Jaymes at (417) 235-3580 or mail to: Barry County Youth Camp, P.O. Box 254, Monett, MO, 65708.