Three generations of Vida family helping at Camp Noah

Camp Noah is coming to the McKenzie Valley in August, with week-long camps for elementary-aged children at McKenzie School and Walterville School, and, the admission is free.

Three generations of a long-time Vida family will be working at the McKenzie School day camp. Judy Gough attended McKenzie School, as did her daughter Kelly Shaw. In addition, Judy's granddaughter Kiana Woodard will also be volunteering at the camp.

Kelly, a mental health professional, said she recognizes, "The need for intergenerational connection, how important it is for our overall health and wellness. The young need the old and the old need the young."

Like many in the valley, this family says they want to help their neighbors. Several other valley residents are also volunteering at the camps.

Camp Noah is a nationally acclaimed program where children in communities impacted by disaster can enjoy a week of fun with a proven curriculum of creative activities, singing, theater, sports, nature science--and lots of play. Each child will receive gifts and a full backpack filled with disaster resiliency supplies.

The day camps are offered for 1st to 5th-grade students. The McKenzie School camp in Blue River will run from August 2nd to 6th, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The camp at Walterville Elementary School is set for August 16th to 20th, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Priority for Camp Noah is being given to survivors of the Holiday Farm Wildfire, including children evacuated or displaced, and families that lost their homes, as well as youngsters living near the fire-affected communities. The McKenzie Valley Long Term Recovery Group (MVLTRG) has obtained generous funding from The Eugene Rotary and United Way of Lane County, as well as other donors, to host the two camps in the McKenzie Valley.

COVID safety protocols will be observed, and breakfast, lunch, and snacks provided. A family BBQ will be held on the final Friday at each school outing. Every child will receive several items for disaster preparedness, as well as additional materials to help them feel strong and capable as they grow.

Register for camp at: http://app.campdoc.com/register/campnoah

High school students from the McKenzie Valley are encouraged to help the program as Junior Counselors and gain community service credits and stipends. Register at https://app.vomo.org/project/upper-mckenzie or http://www.https://app.vomo.org/project/lower-mckenzie

An overnight camp for middle-schoolers will be held from August 8th to 12th at Camp Lutherwood, about 15 miles east of Junction City, on Hwy. 36. For more information on that camp, go to: lutherwoodoregon.org.

For questions about Camp Noah, contact Lucy Zammarelli, by email at: [email protected] or by cell phone at 541-520-4702.