Camp Sundowner to go as scheduled

The Fraternal Order of Eagles in Carson City had planned to hold Camp Sundowner, a summer camp for speech- and hearing-impaired youth, at Clear Creek Camp in July.

After hearing rumors the camp would be closed because of state budget cuts, a 28-member volunteer group of Eagles sought another location.

Without receiving official notice from the Nevada Division of Buildings and Grounds, event organizer Frank "Pappy" Papaianni recently confirmed a new location for the summer camp -- Camp Galilee at Glenbrook.

"We don't want to disappoint the children," he said. "We're putting on the camp at no expense to them."

According to Mike Meizel, administrator of Nevada Division of Buildings and Grounds, the Clear Creek Camp property is in action under AB371 to be turned over to FFA. If the bill does not pass, the property will may be sold after July 1, at the request of Gov. Kenny Guinn.

"We would like to negotiate a long term lease with the FFA rather than have to sell it," said Meizel. "With budget cuts, we knew we couldn't continue to maintain the property."

Meizel said any bookings after May 1 will receive notice of cancellation.

The Eagles have held several fund-raisers and received monetary donations from area businesses and individuals. They have raised more than $14,000. With a change of venue, the cost of the camp has increased by about $3,000.

"We have no paid workers, and we're only able to hold camp for 4 1/2 days, but we're still going to have it. We could use more donations, and anything we get over the amount needed, will be used for a day camp for disabled children. That's a plan we have for the summer time -- to hold a day camp at the Eagles Lodge for disabled kids."

Camp Sundowner is open to children ages 8 to 14 who are speech- and hearing-impaired. Entries are limited to 30 youth, and space is still available.

Girls and boys are housed in separate dormitories with their own counselors, and a nurse will be on hand each day.

"Camp Galilee has one thing the Carson City location doesn't: a private beach on Lake Tahoe," Papaianni said.

"Jason Arnold, camp manager at Galilee, did everything he could to squeeze us in," he said. The camp is run by the Episcopal Diocese of Nevada.

Papaianni also is contacting schools in Lyon and Douglas counties to make them aware of the camp for eligible children. He said donations are tax deductible.

YOU CAN HELP

What: Camp Sundowner, FOE

Donations: P. O. Box 358, Carson City, 89702-0358

Call: 882-5774 or 883-1006

E-mail: frpjrp@aol.com