In this proposal I humbly ask the members of the Vrbs DAO to consider supporting our first philanthropic mission, by making a donation to Camp Dost – a camp for children with pediatric cancer – that is in need of additional funding to execute the program this July.
Background\
As a former camper (2001 – 2009) I can attest that Camp Dost shaped my life, my battle with Cancer, and helped define who I am today. The people at Dost are truly family. We are lucky enough to return 90%+ of fully volunteer staff year over year, creating a unique and supportive environment that has helped remind 1000s of kids that their disease does not define their future over the 40+ year history of Camp Dost.
I joined staff in 2011 and have had the privilege of being on the Administration Board since 2018. I’m currently serving my final year as the Director and leader of the Camp and am doing everything I can to leave the program in a better place then where I found it.
The Problem\
This year – we’ve been granted permission by our medical team to remove the vaccine requirements we’ve had since re-opening our doors post Covid in 2022. With this requirement lifted, we are expecting an influx of new campers, pushing the limits to full capacity for what the campground facilities safely allow. (around 30-40 more campers than last Summer).
Because we are expecting more overhead costs to accommodate the additional number of campers and support staff – our programming budget has taken a massive hit. This means that things like evening entertainment, activity equipment, camper gift packs, and the supplies required for our week long immersive, interactive team building story have all had to be scaled back in order to allow us to admit and serve as many children as possible.
The Request\
I believe this is the perfect opportunity for the DAO to support our first philanthropic mission – as this is not just donating to any charity. As a part of our culture of action – I find myself serving as a bridge between the DAO and the Camp - looking to continue enhancing the lives of these children as I have for the last 13 years, and where I plan to do so for the rest of my life.
As the Director, and a Vrbs DAO member – I find myself in this unique position to be able to lead by example and help directly shape and demonstrate the impact Vrbs can have in people’s lives. People who need uplifting the most - sick children.
I humbly ask for ~ $2500 USD to help support the Camp – which will allow us to scale the programming budget and accomplish our goals for the week.
In return, I will record and create a video featuring staff members who are willing to participate – thanking Vrbs – for the DAO to use in promotion and to show the good being brought to the world. (Note: I cannot feature any campers in this video).
I am available for any questions, and appreciate you taking the time to read and consider this proposal.
I hope that you will support the initiative with your votes for the proposal to move forward.
Cheers,\
Vetch
More About Camp Dost\
Camp Dost is held at Camp Victory, a special needs camping facility, located in Millville, PA. The program was conceived to give pediatric cancer patients the opportunity to enjoy a summer camp experience without worrying about medical care. Perhaps more important to children, there are no worries about "fitting in." At Camp Dost, they have more in common with their peers than any place else.
In the nurturing environment of Camp Dost, campers realize a new-found independence through personal growth. They learn to compromise, appreciate team work and become a self-advocate. Most importantly, they come to understand that they are not alone in their battle with cancer. Camp Dost provides a system of support like no other. It begins with the fact that each patient is permitted to invite one sibling to attend camp, add to that the volunteer counselors, many of whom are former campers themselves, and a medical staff of familiar faces. Either by personal or professional experience, all Camp Dost staff know the road our campers travel in dealing with cancer.
Camp Dost offers the excitement of an array of activities: rope climbing, swimming, arts & crafts, music, biking, fishing etc. What makes it different from most summer camps is a fully staffed facility known as the "Med Shed." Centrally located on the campgrounds, the Med Shed is staffed by a Pediatric Oncology Physician or Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner and a Certified Pediatric Oncology Nurse. An added resource is the many professionals who serve as volunteer counselors: pediatric physicians, pediatric psychologists, child life specialists, social workers and others.\
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https://rmhdanville.org/what-we-do/camp-dost/
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