Camp Good Days

Project T.I.P.S.

Fri, 31 Dec 9999 23:59:59 EST

Gary Mervis, Chairman of the Project Exile Advisory Board, along with Rochester Police Chief, David Moore, and Reverend Marlowe Washington of the You Bet I Told Campaign, as well as numerous other community and law enforcement representatives, announced a new community initiative, Project T.I.P.S.

The groups will visit residents within the neighborhoods to create conversations about quality of life issues, as well as to hopefully obtain information about the crime and violence that has plagued the neighborhood, in an anonymous format for residents, and to provide residents with information and contacts they can use regarding services that range from health care issues (cancer, diabetes, heart disease) to reporting information for things such as crime, vandalism, and fire.

Project T.I.P.S. stands for Trust, Information, Programs & Services, and includes community agencies and law enforcement personnel working in selected neighborhoods to rebuild trust amongst residents and share information. Project T.I.P.S. kicked off on Wednesday, August 13, 2008 in the Dewey Avenue and Driving Park neighborhoods of Rochester, NY.

Project T.I.P.S. culminated with a community cookout and get together, at Dewey Avenue and Driving Park, where residents could obtain more information from service providers and law enforcement agencies, as well as have some hot dogs and hamburgers, and have the opportunity to visit with their neighbors that they know and meet some neighbors they may not know.

"There are many law-abiding citizens in our community who are tired of the crime and violence, yet may not know how to voice those concerns or are fearful of repercussions from reporting incidents," says Mervis."Project T.I.P.S. will provide residents and community members the opportunity to share issues they are facing, in a safe and anonymous format, while also giving them tools and information they can use in the future."

"The hope is that the initial Project T.I.P.S. effort and event will be the beginning of an on-going initiative in various neighborhoods throughout Greater Rochester during the year," says Mervis.

Project T.I.P.S. came about as a result of the efforts of Project Exile; a joint law enforcement and community initiative which works to remove illegal guns from the streets of our community.Since its inception, 10 years ago, Project Exile has been instrumental in assisting in the removal of more than 4000 crime guns from our streets; and the You Bet I Told Campaign, led by Reverend Washington. Project T.I.P.S. has quickly evolved into a community-wide effort with support and participation from the Rochester Police Department, Rochester Fire Department, New York State Police, New York State Parole, Pathways to Peace, Monroe County Probation, Monroe County Sheriff's Department, Monroe County Department of Human Services, and the Humane Society at Lollypop Farm, in addition to Project Exile and You Bet I Told.

For more information about Project Exile or Project T.I.P.S. please contact James R. McCauley, Jr. at the Partners Against Violence Everywhere (PAVE) Initiative, a program of Camp Good Days and Special Times, at 585-624-5555 or via email, jmccauley@campgooddays.org.

For more information about Project T.I.P.S. or the You Bet I Told Campaign., please contact Reverend Washington at Baber AME Church, 585-461-1395 or via email at rev.baberamechurch@frontiernet.net.

Camp Good Days Relocates Southern Tier Office to Ithaca

Fri, 31 Dec 9999 23:59:59 EST

Camp Good Days and Special Times' Chairman & Founder, Gary Mervis, has announced that the Southern Tier Office has been relocated to Ithaca, New York. The office is located at 179 Graham Road, Suite B, Ithaca, NY 14850. The Ithaca Office will be open Monday – Friday, from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM. The office phone number is 607-266-9180, fax number is 607-266-9181, and email, mkreydt@campgooddays.org.

Camp Good Days and Special Times is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, dedicated to improving the quality of life for children, adults, and families whose lives have been touched by cancer and other life challenges. Camp Good Days was founded 30 years ago, by Mervis, following the diagnosis of his youngest daughter, Teddi, with a malignant brain tumor. What was started to provide a residential camping experience for Teddi and 62 other children dealing with cancer, has grown to become one of the largest organizations of its kind in the country and many of the programs and services started by Camp Good Days have been used as models by other cancer treatment centers and organizations all over the world. Since its inception, Camp Good Days has had many campers, volunteers and supporters from the Ithaca and surrounding areas and over the past 30 years, Camp Good Days has served more than 41,000 campers from 22 states and 25 foreign countries.

So as not to place any additional financial burden on those families served, all of the programs and services provided by Camp Good Days are offered free of charge for the participants. This is only possible because of the generosity of so many individuals, organizations, and businesses, and the success of special fundraising events.

Camp Good Days maintains their Headquarters & Volunteer Training Center in Mendon, New York, and the Recreational Facility, where all of the residential camping programs take place, is located on the shores of Keuka Lake, in Branchport, New York. Camp Good Days also has office locations in Buffalo and Syracuse, New York.

While this is the first time that Camp Good Days has had an office in Ithaca, children and families from the Greater Ithaca area and throughout the entire Southern Tier Region have been a part of Camp Good Days' programs and services for the past 30 years.

The idea for opening a Camp Good Days' Office in the Ithaca area came about through discussions between Mervis and longtime volunteer and former staff member, Frank Towner. Towner, who is the Associate Executive Director for the YMCA of Ithaca and Tompkins County, has been a part of the Camp Good Days' family since its inception 30 years ago. Towner and his wife, Melanie, a Social Worker, met at Camp Good Days and now have three children and reside in Groton.

Most recently, as part of Camp Good Days' 30^th Anniversary Celebration, which is taking place throughout 2009, Mervis asked Towner to update the existing Camp Good Days' logo, as Towner does some commercial artwork. When Camp Good Days first began, the logo was a stick figure and following that first summer, Mervis asked a graphic designer, Sean McCormack, to create a new logo for the organization. McCormack, going through photos from that first camping session noticed that there was a clown in many of the photos and asked Mervis if he could build the logo around that clown. That clown, Crossroads, was Frank Towner, who at the time was a student at Monroe Community College and had volunteered to assist with that first program. Towner arrived at Camp Good Days, held then at Camp Eagle Cove on Fourth Lake in Inlet, New York, as Crossroads the Clown and quickly became a fixture at Camp Good Days and a favorite with the campers. McCormack created the Camp Good Days' logo, with three main elements: Crossroads the Clown; a brick wall; and balloons. Each element symbolizes an integral part of Camp Good Days. The balloons represent the ever-present hope that exists at Camp Good Days. The clown represents the campers, who never let go of that hope, and the brick wall represents the cancer each camper faces daily. At Camp Good Days, clinging to that hope and faith, campers surmount their "walls" and are able to celebrate life with others who have learned to appreciate it the most.

Towner graciously accepted Mervis' request and designed the updated logo, which features Crossroads, the brick wall and the balloons, but demonstrates that the campers have now kicked through that brick wall of cancer and are now becoming long-term survivors of their battle.

In addition, Mark & Marcie Kreydt have been instrumental in driving these efforts to open a Camp Good Days' Office in Ithaca. Kryedt, Vice President at Tompkins Insurance Agencies, Inc. is the former Head Football Coach at the University of Rochester and was one of the key people involved with the development of the Courage Bowl, the annual football game between St. John Fisher College and the University of Rochester, dedicated to the children of Camp Good Days. This coming fall, Courage Bowl V will be played on Saturday, September 19, 2009 at Growney Stadium on the campus of St. John Fisher College. Kreydt has also taken a week of his vacation time during the summer to volunteer at Camp Good Days' Recreational Facility for one of the residential camping programs for children with cancer. Kreydt, along with his wife, Marcie, and their three children relocated to the Ithaca area last year and have continued their support of and volunteer work with Camp Good Days.

"The thousands of volunteers who help us do all that we do, for so many children, adults and families dealing with cancer have been and continue to be the lifeline of Camp Good Days," says Mervis. "With both Cornell and Ithaca College, the students, faculty and staff at these educational institutions, as well as the vibrant community in Ithaca and Tompkins County made this decision an easy one." "We are all very excited to have the Ithaca Office of Camp Good Days open and hope to increase the support of many more volunteers to help us continue providing our programs and services for all those who need them in Ithaca and the Southern Tier Region."

Camp Good Days will host an Open House at the Ithaca Office on Sunday, March 1, 2009 from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM. The Open House will be informal, refreshments will be served, and attendees will have the opportunity to meet some of the staff members and volunteers, as well as to obtain more information about the many programs and services provided by Camp Good Days and learn about the different volunteer opportunities available. Those interested in attending the Camp Good Days' Open House should RSVP to Marcie Kreydt at 607-266-9180 or mkreydt@campgooddays.org.

For more information about any of the programs or services, to learn about volunteer opportunities or to make a tax-deductible donation, please call 585-624-5555 or 800-785-2135 or visit www.campgooddays.org. # # #

Project T.I.P.S.

Fri, 31 Dec 9999 23:59:59 EST

PROJECT T.I.P.S. – Dayton Street

Trust, Information, Programs & Services

Rochester, NY ~ Project T.I.P.S., which stands for Trust, Information, Programs & Services, and includes community agencies and law enforcement personnel working in selected neighborhoods to rebuild trust amongst residents and share information, was held this past Friday, February 20, 2009, in the Dayton Street neighborhood.

During Project T.I.P.S. groups visited residents within the neighborhood to create conversations about quality of life issues, as well as to obtain information about the crime and violence that has plagued the neighborhood, in an anonymous format for residents, and to provide residents with information and contacts they can use regarding services that range from health care issues (cancer, diabetes, heart disease) to reporting information for things such as crime, vandalism, and fire. Project T.I.P.S. also included a community cookout, on Dayton Street, where residents came to obtain more information from service provider and law enforcement agencies, as well as have some hot dogs and hamburgers, and have the opportunity to visit with their neighbors that they know and meet some neighbors they may not know. Project T.I.P.S. concluded with a special Prayer Service, led by Reverend Marlowe Washington, of Baber AME Church and the You Bet I Told campaign, in honor of Rochester Police Department Officer DiPonzio and members of law enforcement.

"There are many law-abiding citizens in our community who are tired of the crime and violence, yet may not know how to voice those concerns or are fearful of repercussions from reporting incidents," says Gary Mervis, Chairman of the Project Exile Advisory Board. "Project T.I.P.S. provides residents and community members the opportunity to share issues they are facing, in a safe and anonymous format, while also giving them tools and information they can use in the future."

Project T.I.P.S. came about as a result of the efforts of Project Exile; a joint law enforcement and community initiative, which works to remove illegal guns from the streets of our community, and the You Bet I Told Campaign. Project T.I.P.S. has quickly evolved into a community-wide effort with support and participation from the Rochester Police Department, Rochester Fire Department, New York State Police, New York State Parole, Pathways to Peace, Monroe County Probation, Monroe County Sheriff's Department, Monroe County Department of Human Services, and the Humane Society at Lollypop Farm, in addition to Project Exile and You Bet I Told.

The next Project T.I.P.S. event is scheduled for Thursday, April 16, 2009 in the Jefferson Avenue neighborhood.

For more information about Project T.I.P.S. or the You Bet I Told Campaign., please contact Reverend Washington at Baber AME Church, 585-461-1395 or via email at rev.baberamechurch@frontiernet.net.

PHOTO:

Left to Right: James R. McCauley, Jr., PAVE Coordinator at Camp Good Days; Tony Perez of the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services; Dr. John Klofas, Professor of Criminal Justice at RIT; Gary Mervis, Chairman & Founder of Camp Good Days and Chairman of the Project Exile Advisory Board; a Dayton Street resident and her daughter; Hanif Abdul-Wahid of Monroe County Department of Planning; Rochester Police Department Deputy Chief, Glenn Hoff; and Rochester Police Department Commander, Jeff Clark; pose in front of the new Project Exile billboards. The portable billboard was made available during Project T.I.P.S. on Dayton Street on Friday, February 20^th, by Lamar Outdoor Advertising. Fifteen of these new billboards are currently being posted throughout the City of Rochester.

Pediatric Cardiology Picnic

Fri, 31 Dec 9999 23:59:59 EST

Pediatric Cardiology Patients & Families Enjoy a Day of Fun at Camp Good Days' Recreational Facility!

Branchport, NY ~ Pediatric Cardiology patients and their families, along with physicians and nurses from the Pediatric Cardiology Unit at Golisano Children's Hospital, were the special guests at Camp Good Days' Recreational Facility, on Sunday, July 12, 2009, for a day filled with fun and special activities.

The more than 200 visitors had the opportunity to spend the day at Camp Good Days' beautiful Recreational Facility, located on the shores of Keuka Lake, where they were treated to a cookout lunch and took part in many of the activities that makes Camp Good Days so special, including: Arts & Crafts, Boat Rides, the new Playground, and the Go-Kart Track.

This is the second year that Camp Good Days has hosted this special day for the Pediatric Cardiology patients and families. "We are so pleased to be able to provide this special day for the Pediatric Cardiology patients and families," says Gary Mervis, Chairman & Founder of Camp Good Days. "It provides them with the opportunity to spend a fun day with their families and the medical professionals who provide their care, outside of the sterile environment of the hospital."

Camp Good Days was founded 30 years ago, in Rochester, New York, by Mervis, following the diagnosis of his youngest daughter, Teddi, with a malignant brain tumor. What was started to provide a residential camping experience for Teddi and 62 other children dealing with cancer, has grown to become one of the largest organizations of its kind in the country and many of the programs and services started by Camp Good Days have been used as models by other cancer treatment centers and organizations all over the world. Since its inception, Camp Good Days has served more than 41,000 campers from 22 states and 25 foreign countries.

Camp Good Days and Special Times is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, dedicated to improving the quality of life for children, adults, and families whose lives have been touched by cancer and other life challenges. For more information about any of the programs or services, to learn about volunteer opportunities or to make a tax-deductible donation, please call 585-624-5555 or 800-785-2135 or visit our website at www.campgooddays.org. # # #

PLANS ANNOUNCED FOR COURAGE BOWL VI

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST

Annual Game to Move to Marina Auto Stadium – Downtown Rochester!

Mendon, NY ~ Gary Mervis, Chairman & Founder of Camp Good Days and Special Times, along with George VanderZwaag, Athletic Director at the University of Rochester, Bob Ward, Athletic Director at St. John Fisher College; Scott Greene, Head Football Coach at the University of Rochester; Paul Vosburgh, Head Football Coach at St. John Fisher College; and Pat Ercoli, General Manager of the Rochester Raging Rhinos, announced today that the Courage Bowl will move to Marina Auto Stadium in Downtown Rochester, for 2010 and 2011.

The Courage Bowl is the annual football game between the St. John Fisher College Cardinals and the University of Rochester Yellowjackets, dedicated to the children of Camp Good Days. The Inaugural Courage Bowl was played in September of 2005 at Growney Stadium on the campus of St. John Fisher College and has been played each September since that time at either Growney Stadium or Fauver Stadium on the campus of the University of Rochester.

On Saturday, September 18, 2010, Courage Bowl VI will be played at Marina Auto Stadium, 460 Oak Street, in Downtown Rochester. Courage Bowl VII, scheduled for September 2011, will also be played at Rhinos Stadium, granting each team a home game at the new venue.

"Moving the Courage Bowl game to Rhinos Stadium will provide an extra special atmosphere for all involved," says Mervis. "The players from both teams will have the opportunity to play on a neutral field, and we have the components in place to make the Courage Bowl a true community event, with two local institutions of higher education and Camp Good Days being a strong community organization that was founded right here in Rochester, 31 years ago." "This move will also provide the space for many more alumni from both schools and community members to attend the game, as the game has been sold out beyond capacity each year, at both school's stadiums."

"Beyond the game, the Courage Bowl has been an opportunity for our students to understand something about the challenges others face in life," says VanderZwaag. "They are privileged to have the opportunity to attend a great institution and play college football. I think their involvement with this cause helps them understand how much they have been given and provides them a meaningful way to give back. Moving the game downtown will build more community involvement and help further promote the great work of Camp Good Days and Special Times."

"For myself, the Courage Bowl is really more about hope, community and learning to live a balanced life than it is the football game," says Ward. "It gives all of us in the St. John Fisher College athletic department(players, coaches, staff, and parents) a chance to be part of something that is much bigger than the game and allows all involved chance to be reflective regarding what is most important in living one's life. Moving the contest downtown will allow the message to be heard by thousands more people."

In addition to moving the Courage Bowl to Rhinos Stadium, it was also announced that Camp Good Days will attempt to regain the Guinness World Record for Largest Kazoo Ensemble, during halftime of Courage Bowl VI on September 18, 2010. On December 31, 2006, Camp Good Days joined the City of Rochester for their New Year's Eve celebration and successfully broke the Guinness World Record for Largest Kazoo Ensemble with more than 2600 community members participating. In March 2009, a group from Sydney, Australia broke the record, with 3861 participants. Camp Good Days will seek to regain the record, with the help of attendees at the Courage Bowl game in September. Each attendee will receive a kazoo, in the colors of St. John Fisher College or the University of Rochester, and the record attempt will be made as part of the halftime entertainment.

As part of COURAGE BOWL VI, Camp Good Days will select six campers, three per team, who have all been battling cancer, to serve as this year's Honorary Coaches. The Honorary Coaches will be invited to a practice with their team during the week leading up to the game, where they will meet their fellow coaches and players. On game day, the Honorary Coaches will meet their teams on campus for the pre-game meal and preparations and travel with their team to Rhinos Stadium. All six of the Honorary Coaches will be in the locker room with their teams; lead their teams on to the field; and will be at mid field for the coin toss. They will spend the game on the sidelines with their fellow coaches.

In addition, Camp Good Days will also select four girls who have been battling cancer to serve as Honorary Cheerleaders, two with each school's Cheerleading Squad. The Honorary Cheerleaders will attend a practice during the week leading up to the game; meet their squads prior to the game to prepare for the game, travel to the game with their squads, and cheer from the sidelines during the game.

"Over the past five years, the Courage Bowl has truly become more than just a game for everyone involved and has become so special to all of us at Camp Good Days, particularly the Honorary Coaches and Honorary Cheerleaders," says Mervis. "Children with cancer are generally not able to participate in contact sports, due to their illness and as a result of their treatments, so for them to have the opportunity to be a real part of a college football team or cheerleading squad is so extraordinary for them and truly an once-in-a-lifetime experience that they will remember for all of their life." "In addition to providing this unique opportunity for the Honorary Coaches and Cheerleaders, the Courage Bowl also allows us to create more awareness about our programs and services as well as raise some of the necessary dollars to make those programs and services possible."

In the tradition of The Masters, it was determined that the previous game's winning school would host a luncheon the following year. The Courage Bowl Community Luncheon, hosted by President, Donald Bain and St. John Fisher College is scheduled to take place on Thursday, September 16, 2010 at St. John Fisher College, during which the six Honorary Coaches and four Honorary Cheerleaders will be announced and formally introduced.

At the conclusion of the Courage Bowl, the Teddi Trophy, named in memory of Teddi Mervis, Gary Mervis' daughter and the inspiration behind Camp Good Days, will be presented, which will later be inscribed with the date of the game, final score of the game, names of the six Honorary Coaches and the names of one player from each team who displays exceptional leadership and sportsmanship.

Over the past five years, the Courage Bowl game has been carried live on various local radio and television stations, including: WROC TV-8 / FOX Rochester; WYSL News 1040AM; SportsRadio 950 ESPN; and WHTK 1280 AM.

A variety of Sponsorship Opportunities will be available for Courage Bowl VI and more information about the Courage Bowl Game and Sponsorship Opportunities is available by contacting Laura Osborn at Camp Good Days, 585-624-5555 or losborn@campgooddays.org.

A NIGHT OF GRATITUDE!

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST

Honoring those who have given above and beyond to help
fulfill the mission of Camp Good Days & Special Times!

Friday, March 5, 2010 – Rochester Plaza Hotel

A Night of Gratitude is open to the public and tickets to attend this special event are $30.00 per person. Tickets may be purchased by contacting Laura Osborn at Camp Good Days, 585-624-5555 or losborn@campgooddays.org

or may be purchased online.

All ticket reservations must be made no later than Friday, February 26, 2010.

Mendon, NY ~ Camp Good Days and Special Times' Chairman & Founder, Gary Mervis, has announced that they will host the very special, A Night of Gratitude, honoring those who have given above and beyond to help fulfill the mission of Camp Good Days. A Night of Gratitude will be held on Friday, March 5, 2010 at the Rochester Plaza Hotel, 70 State Street. The event begins with a social gathering at 6:00 PM, followed by the dinner and ceremony at 6:45 PM.

During A Night of Gratitude, Camp Good Days will recognize and honor those who have been selected for induction into the Camp Good Days' Ring of Honor, as well as those who have been selected as recipients of the Camp Good Days' Teddi Award.

"We have been so blessed, here at Camp Good Days, to have had so many wonderful individuals and businesses help us in fulfilling our mission," says Mervis. "All of our programs are provided free of charge for the participants and the only reason we are able to do this is because of the generosity of so many, like all those we will be honoring at A Night of Gratitude." "We are thrilled to be able to recognize and honor some of our very special volunteers and supporters who have truly made it possible, through their love, dedication and support, for us to provide some good days and special times to all those we serve."

The Ring of Honor was established as part of Camp Good Days' 25^th Anniversary Celebration in 2004 and includes those who are selected for their outstanding dedication, commitment and support of the thousands of children and families served over the years. In addition to thier award, inductee's names will be included in the permanent Ring of Honor display, which is located at the Camp Good Days' Recreational Facility, in Branchport, NY, for all to see.

The inductees for the Ring of Honor, being recognized at A Night of Gratitude are:

Lyle Corey, Victor, NY
Eric Foster, Greece, NY
The Gayden / Pettway Family, Rochester, NY
David Korones, MD, Pittsford, NY
The Lederman Family, Williamsville, NY
Sande Macaluso, Rochester, NY
Lorraine & Hormoz Mansouri, Buffalo, NY
Sue Powers, Henrietta, NY
Carmen Ramos, Brighton, NY
TOPS Markets, Buffalo & Rochester, NY

The Teddi Award is one of the highest honors bestowed by Camp Good Days to those who have gone above and beyond in the past year (2009), in helping to fulfill the mission of improving the quality of life for children, adults, and families whose lives have been touched by cancer and other life challenges.

The recipients of the Teddi Award are:

John Brown, Frontline Advertising, Brighton, NY
Canandaigua National Bank & Trust
Lenny Craft, Hamlin, NY
Tony Gasparre, Irondequoit, NY
Judy & Merrill Greenstein, Hilton, NY
Dawn Hezel, Ellicottville, NY
JC Penney (Eastview Mall, Marketplace Mall, Greece Ridge Center Mall)
Tom Kelly, Prattsburgh, NY
Key Bank, Buffalo, NY
Dave O'Brien, Brighton, NY
Rochester Red Wings
Stacey & Chris Ruisi, West Henrietta, NY
Bill Steffan, Weston Mills, NY
Lynne & Randy Stiefler, West Henrietta, NY
Frank Towner, Groton, NY
Scott Vallow, Greece, NY

Camp Good Days to Offer Drum & Dance Classes for Women with Cancer at Bush Mango Drum & Dance

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EST

Rochester, N.Y. – Camp Good Days and Special Times will soon offer eight weeks of drumming and dancing classes for women with cancer at Bush Mango Drum & Dance. The classes are open to any woman dealing with any form of cancer, including those who are recently diagnosed and/or actively undergoing treatment and those who are in remission. This new program, as with all of the programs provided by Camp Good Days, is being offered free of charge for the participants.

Beginning Thursday, Feb. 11, 2010, women can join Bush Mango's drum class from 6 p.m. – 7 p.m., followed by a dance class from 7 p.m. – 8:15 p.m. In addition, women are encouraged to attend a Drum & Dance Information Night on Thursday, Feb. 4, 2010 from 6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. at Bush Mango to try out both classes and get more information.

Women interested in attending the Information Session and the eight week long program must register by contacting Tamara Federico at Camp Good Days, 585-624-5555 or tfederico@campgooddays.org. Women can sign up for one or both of the classes for the eight week period.

The Drum & Dance Program is one activity making up the year-round support and recreational activities that the Camp Good Days' Women's Oncology Program offers. Other activities have included fly-fishing/tying, cooking, Japanese sword-fighting, rowing and more. The program gives women the opportunity to meet other women who have undergone similar experiences dealing with cancer. Designed by women, for women, these programs address the risks, fears and barriers of everyday life that most women face during and after treatment. All of the programs strive to help women strengthen and rebuild their physical and emotional well-being.

"As with all of the Women's Oncology Program sessions and activities, the Drum & Dance program will be a unique and fun activity, helping the women dealing with or recovering from cancer, develop a healthy and strong body, mind, and spirit," says Wendy Bleier-Mervis, Executive Director at Camp Good Days.

"Drumming and dancing are truly soul-nourishing activities that encourage people to face their fears, embrace their instincts and be joyful," said Colleen Hendrick. "Research backs this up, too: those who drum and dance have been shown to improved immune systems and healing process."

Calendar Recap:

What:

Eight weeks of free drumming and dancing classes at Bush Mango for women dealing with any form of cancer, including those who are recently diagnosed and/or actively undergoing treatment and those who are in remission. Offered through Camp Good Days and Special Times' Women's Oncology Program.

When:

Eight weeks of classes begin Thursday, Feb. 11. Drum class is held from 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. and dance class is held from 7 p.m. – 8:15 p.m. Women can sign up for one or both classes throughout the session. Women can learn more and try out the classes at a Drum & Dance Information Night on Thursday, Feb. 4, 2010 from 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Registration:

Registration for the eight week session and the information night is required by contacting Tamara Federico at Camp Good Days, 585-624-5555 or at tfederico@campgooddays.org.

Where:

Bush Mango Drum & Dance, 34 Elton St., Rochester, N.Y.

ABOUT:

Bush Mango Drum and Dance promotes the depth and power of traditional West African dance and drumming by engaging the young and old, rich and poor – the full human family of all colors – through dynamic programming and performances. The company recognizes the racial, socio-economic and cultural differences of people and realizes that the ancient music, dance, and song it embraces can transcend one's background and life circumstances. The company offers learning experiences for students at all levels. For more information on Bush Mango, visit www.bushmango.org or call 585-235-3960

Kazoo Fest 2009 - Calling All Volunteers!

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EST

Mendon, NY ~ Gary Mervis, Chairman & Founder of Camp Good Days and Special Times has announced that the Annual Joe Benet Memorial Kazoo Fest, a long-standing holiday tradition, will take place this Holiday Season, from Friday, November 27, 2009 through Wednesday, December 23, 2009 at local malls. All of the proceeds from the Annual Joe Benet Memorial Kazoo Fest benefit the many programs and services provided by Camp Good Days to children, adults and families whose lives have been touched by cancer and other life threatening challenges.Camp Good Days is looking for volunteers to help with the Annual Kazoo Fest! If you can help, please download, print and return the volunteer form for the area location nearest you, or contact the Camp Good Days Office in your area.

The Kazoo Fest was started more than 60 years ago by Joe Benet outside the Toy Department of the Sibley's store on Main Street in downtown Rochester and has since become one of the major and most successful fundraising events to benefit the many programs and services provided by Camp Good Days. Following Joe Benet's death from cancer, his son, former Monroe County Legislator, Bill Benet, contacted Mervis to see if the Kazoo Fest tradition could be continued, staffed by volunteers, with proceeds benefiting the programs and services at Camp Good Days. Since 1984, Camp Good Days, with help and support from various retail locations and thousands of volunteers, has continued the Kazoo Fest.

Those interested in volunteering in the Rochester area may contact Shannon Grieve at Camp Good Days, 585-624-5555 or email sgrieve@campgooddays.org. Previous volunteer experience is not necessary!

Download Rochester Volunteer Form (pdf File)

For those interested in volunteering in the Buffalo area, the Kazoo Fest table will be located outside of the Lord & Taylor mall entrance, second floor, in the Walden Galleria. Please contact Lillian Villari at 716-206-0709 or email lvillari@campgooddays.org for additional information.

Download Buffalo Volunteer Form (pdf File)

The Syracuse region Kazoo Fest will be held at the Best Buy location in the Carousel Mall. For additional information, please contact Jessica Mayer at 315.434.9477 or email jmayer@campgooddays.org

Download Syracuse Volunteer Form (pdf File)

The Ithaca Kazoo Fest will be held at theSears location in The Shops at Ithaca. For information on volunteer opportunities in the Ithaca area, please contact Marcie Kreydt at 607.266.9180 or email mkreydt@campgooddays.org.

Download Ithaca Volunteer Form (pdf File)

All of the programs and services provided by Camp Good Days are free of charge to the participants. Camp Good Days relies on individual contributions and special fundraising events such as the Kazoo Fest. It is only through these contributions that Camp Good Days is able to continue providing some good days and special times to so many special children and families in our community

The Good News

Fri, 31 Dec 9999 23:59:59 EST

Camp Good Days' Chairman & Founder, Gary Mervis, receives a donation of $5000 from Dennis Sugumele of Dominion Foundation, to support the Teddi's Team residential camping program. Teddi's Team is open to children, ages 8-12, who are dealing with cancer or sickle cell anemia. These children will spend the week of Monday, July 16th – Friday, July 20th at the Camp Good Days' Recreational Facility, on the shores of Keuka Lake.

KATS Fall Sessions

Fri, 31 Dec 9999 23:59:59 EST

The Kids Adjusting Through Support (KATS) Program, a program of Camp Good Days and Special Times, will be offering a Fall Session of the KATS Coping Support Group.

The KATS Coping Support Groups are open to children, ages 5-18, and their families, who are experiencing serious illness or bereavement within the family. KATS helps families make the transition from grieving, to coping, to moving forward over time. Whether families are dealing with a serious illness or are trying to cope with the death of a loved one, the KATS Program gives families the opportunity to share feelings in an open and supportive environment. The Coping Support Groups feature focused activities and guided instruction, with flexible options to meet each group's requirements. Separate peer groups for children and parents are held concurrently.

The KATS Coping Support Group Sessions will be held at Bethel Christian Fellowship, 321 East Avenue, in Rochester, and will take place on Monday evenings from 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM. The dates for the Coping Support Groups will be: October 19^th, October 26^th, November 2^nd, November 9^th, November 16^th and November 23^rd. Participants are expected to attend all of the sessions.

The KATS Coping Support Group, as with all of Camp Good Days' programs and services, are provided free of charge for the participants. Pre-registration is required for participation in the program. Registration Forms may be obtained by contacting Stephanie D'Amico-Constantino, at Camp Good Days, 585-624-5555 or sdamico@campgooddays.org.

KATS is still in need of volunteers to help with the Coping Support Group Sessions. Volunteers are needed to help facilitate the various groups of children. Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older and previous experience is not necessary. There will be a mandatory Volunteer Information & Training Session on Monday, October 5, 2009 at 6:00 PM, also at Bethel Christian Fellowship. For more information about volunteering with the KATS Coping Support Groups, please contact Stephanie D'Amico-Constantino at Camp Good Days, 585-624-5555 or sdamico@campgooddays.org.

KATS provides free, compassionate support and educational services to children and families coping with loss or serious illness. KATS diverse array of services includes Coping Support Groups, Family Camping Retreats and a wide variety of community services including, group presentation services, speaking engagements and volunteer opportunities.

Camp Good Days and Special Times was founded 30 years ago, in Rochester, New York, by Gary Mervis, following the diagnosis of his youngest daughter, Teddi, with a malignant brain tumor. What was started to provide a residential camping experience for Teddi and 62 other children dealing with cancer, has grown to become one of the largest organizations of its kind in the country and many of the programs and services started by Camp Good Days have been used as models by other cancer treatment centers and organizations all over the world. Since its inception, Camp Good Days has served more than 41,000 campers from 22 states and 25 foreign countries.

Camp Good Days and Special Times is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, dedicated to improving the quality of life for children, adults, and families whose lives have been touched by cancer and other life challenges. For more information about any of the programs or services, to learn about volunteer opportunities or to make a tax-deductible donation, please call 585-624-5555 or 800-785-2135 or visit our website at www.campgooddays.org.

Remembering Ramon Santiago

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EST

A special reception, Remember Ramon, took place on Sunday, January 10, 2010 at the Palladoro Lounge in the Nazareth Arts Center at Nazareth College, to announce plans for enhancing the Arts & Crafts Program at Camp Good Days and Special Times, in honor and memory of renowned artist and longtime friend to the children and families of Camp Good Days, Ramon Santiago.

A group of Ramon Santiago's close friends, along with Camp Good Days, hosted the Remember Ramon Reception and during the Remember Ramon Reception, concepts were shared with guests about the planned enhancements to the Arts & Crafts Program at Camp Good Days. In addition, Gap Mangione was on hand to provide guests with musical entertainment and copies of his latest CD were available.

The event was sponsored by: 123 Shoes, ALA Architects, Frank Argento, Gap Mangione, Bob St. George, Kitchens Plus, MCM Stone, Naples Creek Leather, New Energy Works, Phoenix Graphics, Ramon Santiago Gallery, Shear Ego, and Springwaters, Inc.

Those interested in learning more about these exciting plans should contact Joelle Cain at Camp Good Days, 585-624-5555 or jcain@campgooddays.org.

Camp Good Days Launches The Buy-A-Brick Campaign!

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

In the last 30 years, Camp Good Days and Special Times has been the guiding light in the lives of children and families whose world has been interrupted by cancer, as well as other life challenges. Now is your chance to help support the magic and spirit that is Camp Good Days, by becoming a permanent part of our beautiful Recreational Facility. Purchase a brick, with your personal inscription emblazoned upon its surface and you will be helping to provide good days and special times for the future!

Donor Levels:

• Individual Brick Paver: Purchase a 4" x 8" tribute brick for $100. Your brick will be personalized with your grout -filled message of up to three lines with a maximum of 16 characters per line.

• Family Brick Paver: Purchase an 8" x 8" tribute brick for $250. Your brick will be personalized with your grout -filled message of up to six lines with a maximum 16 characters per line.

• Corporate Brick Paver: Purchase an 8" x 8" tribute brick for $350. Your brick will be personalized with your grout -filled Company Logo and message of up to two lines with a maximum of 16 characters per line.

*Note: a character equals a letter, number, punctuation mark, and/or a space.

For more information or to order your brick today, please contact James McCauley, Jr. at Camp Good Days. Phone: 800-785-2135 or 585-624-5555, Email: jmccauley@campgooddays.org

Camp Good Days hosts The Brain Tumor Family Retreat

Sat, 15 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EST

Camp Good Days and Special Times hosted a NEW program, Friday, August 14, 2009 through Sunday, August 16, 2009, for families who are dealing with the diagnosis of a brain tumor. The weekend retreat program was open to those children and adults dealing with a brain tumor, as well as their families, and will take place at Camp Good Days' beautiful Recreational Facility, located on the shores of Keuka Lake, in Branchport, New York.

The families arrived at Camp Good Days around 6:00 PM on Friday, August 14, 2009, and got settled into their cabins, met their fellow campers, and had dinner. At 7:30 PM, there was a special performance by an ensemble from the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, followed by a Camp Fire. On Saturday, August 15, 2009, the families had the opportunity to take part in all that makes Camp Good Days so special including: fishing, swimming, arts & crafts, nature, woodworking, computers, sports & games, and more. There was be a tie-dying project in the afternoon, as well as beach activities and the Project Adventure Ropes Course. Following dinner, the participants had a Pool Party and were able to utilize the Indoor Climbing Wall. Sunday morning consisted of fishing and swimming and breakfast.

"We were thrilled to be able to provide this new and exciting program," says Gary Mervis, Chairman & Founder of Camp Good Days. "As with all of our programs here at Camp Good Days, this weekend retreat provided the participants, who are all facing similar situations and challenges, to come together in a beautiful and supportive setting, outside the sterile environment of the hospital, with others who can truly understand what they are going through." "As I know, from my personal experience with my daughter, Teddi, those diagnosed with malignant brain tumors often face challenges beyond the treatment. It is not only the fact that they are dealing with a malignancy, but additional neurological issues often arise, and I am so pleased that we were able to provide a special retreat for these families this summer. In addition, we were so grateful to have Dr. David Korones, Associate Professor of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at the University of Rochester Medical Center, join us for the weekend."

The Brain Tumor Family Retreat, as with all of Camp Good Days' programs and services, is being provided free of charge for the participants. The program is being made possible, in part, through funding from Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. Additional funding for Camp Good Days' programs and services is generated through the success of special fundraising events and donations from numerous businesses, organizations and individuals.

The 2009 Bill Coffey Memorial Golf Classic for KATS

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EST

The Bill Coffey Memorial Golf Classic, sponsored by LeChase Construction and WBEE 92.5, was held on Monday, June 15, 2009 at Penfield Country Club, 1784 Jackson Road. The Bill Coffey Memorial Golf Classic benefits the Kids Adjusting Through Support (KATS) Program at Camp Good Days and Special Times. The Bill Coffey Memorial Golf Classic is held in memory of long time friend and KATS supporter, Bill Coffey, former host of 92.5 WBEE's Coffey in the Morning Show.

The Bill Coffey Memorial Golf Classic followed a scramble format and included 18 holes of golf with a cart; golfer gift and snack bag; lunch; refreshments on the course; driving range and locker room privileges; hole-in-one contest on each par 3; longest drive and closet to the pin contests; and dinner and awards.

Kids Adjusting Through Support, a program of Camp Good Days, is dedicated to helping children and families cope with loss, serious illness or death, by intervening with a group support and educational process. For more information about the KATS Program, please call 585-624-5555 or check out www.campgooddays.org.

Camp Good Days Honors Teddi Awards & Ring of Honor Recipients at Annual Holiday Party!

Sun, 07 Dec 2008 00:00:00 EST

Those being inducted into the Camp Good Days' Ring of Honor, pictured (left to right): Annie Williams of Fairport; Gary Mervis, Chairman & Founder of Camp Good Days; Melinda Andrus of Pittsford; Eileen Hammond of Rochester; Linda and Mike Spino of South Wales, NY; Laura and Jeff Wormuth of Franklin, MA; and Joe Paglia of Rochester; at the Camp Good Days' Annual Holiday Party, held on Sunday, December 7, 2008.

Recipients of the 2008 Teddi Awards, who were able to attend the Camp Good Days' Annual Holiday Party on Sunday, December 7, 2008 are pictured with Gary Mervis (far left), Chairman & Founder of Camp Good Days.

View More Images From The 2008 Holiday Party

Mendon, NY ~ Camp Good Days and Special Times' Chairman & Founder, Gary Mervis, presented the recipients of the 2008 Teddi Awards as well as those who are being inducted into the Camp Good Days' Ring of Honor at their 29^th Annual Holiday Party, on Sunday, December 7, 2008. The Camp Good Days' Holiday Party is for all those campers and volunteers who participated in the various residential camping programs this past summer and are able to attend the party.

The Teddi Award is an honor that Camp Good Days bestows upon individuals from the community who, through their continued efforts, have gone above and beyond over the past year to help improve the quality of life for children and families whose lives have been touched by cancer and other life threatening challenges.

The following were recipients of the 2008 Teddi Awards:

Nick & Kathy Cretekos, Victor
Stacey & Chris Ruisi, West Henrietta
Bob August, Pittsford
John & Karen Sullivan, Honeoye Falls
Steve Mancini, Victor
St. Luke's Church, Branchport
Larry & Joyce Trippodo, Rochester
Eric Foster, Rochester
Jean Bartholomew, Rochester
Marc & Tricia Rosenthal, Williamsville
St. Philip's Church, Cheektowaga
Kenmore Volunteer Firemen, Kenmore
Strate Welding, Buffalo
Tiffany Sayers, Williamsville
Becca Hester, Rochester
Liz Wilson, Rochester

The Ring of Honor was established as part of Camp Good Days' 25^th Anniversary Celebration in 2004 and includes those who are selected for their outstanding dedication, commitment and support of the thousands of children and families Camp Good Days has served over the years. In addition to their award, inductee's names will be included in the permanent Ring of Honor Area, which is located at the Camp Good Days' Recreational Facility, in Branchport, NY, for all to see.

The following were selected for the Ring of Honor:

Bronx-Manhattan North Association of Realtors, Bronx
Eileen Hammond, Rochester
Judy Immoesote, Farmington
Mike & Linda Spino, South Wales, NY
Annie Williams, Fairport
Melinda Andrus, Pittsford
Joe Paglia, Rochester
Jeff & Laura Wormuth, Franklin, MA
Margaret "Muggs" Register Ellise (posthumously)

The Camp Good Days' Annual Holiday Party provides an opportunity for the campers and volunteers to come together and see old friends as well as new friends they made this past summer and rekindle those relationships. Often times, many of the children who attend Camp Good Days' programs may be the only child touched by cancer or another challenge in their school, neighborhood, church or synagogue and this is one of the only times throughout the year that they are able to be with the only other people in the world who truly understand – other children facing the same situations.

Buffalo Sabre Paul Gaustad - Plays For Kids!

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 00:00:00 EST

See Paul Gaustad in a Street Hockey Game with the Campers!

When Camp Good Days approached Paul Gaustad to preside as the Honorary Chair at a Camp Good Days a fundraiser, he replied with a grin, "Let's see…when I played street hockey with the Camp kids, they beat me up pretty good, then when I baked cookies with them, they covered me in flour…I hope I can get through this event in one piece!!"

That enthusiasm and humor is what makes Paul Gaustad a perfect match for Camp Good Days!

Gaustad's interaction with the Camp Good Days organization has increased steadily since he first joined up with the group in 2007. His first introduction to the Camp children was during our Annual Street Hockey Game in August of 2007. And, while yes, the kids sort of beat him up…he had a great time playing with the kids and was sold on Camp's mission immediately. "It's inspiring and moving to see first hand how much Camp Good Days improves the quality of life for these kids," he said. " In the midst of their illness they are always laughing and having a great time!"

Since then, Paul has taken time out of his busy schedule to visit campers in the hospital, or if he were on the road, he would call some of our Camp Good Days kids who were having a rough time just to chat. During the 2007 holiday season he got us into trouble by starting a flour-fight while baking cookies (the kids got him good though!) in the Spring of 2007, he convinced the Sabres organization to honor a camper's memory during a Sabres Game, and in 2008 the Camp kids beat him again at Street Hockey!

It is because of all these reasons and so many more that we are proud to call Paul Gaustad a member of the Camp Good Days family. His compassion towards our campers is immeasurable. We are grateful to Paul for all his support and for helping to provide so many "good days and special times" to kids dealing with cancer in WNY.

Young Adult Program - Special Times For All!

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST

See More Images In The Photo Gallery

In the summer of 2007, Camp Good Days held the first Young Adult Retreat, for those 18-29 dealing with cancer. Camp Good Days saw that there was a need for reaching this population as oftentimes they fall between the cracks. They are too young to be grouped with adult oncology participants and too old to be placed within the childhood cancer segment. With this in mind, Camp Good Days decided to offer a program specifically geared towards those young adults dealing with cancer, with activities and programs that would benefit them in terms of the issues and challenges they were facing. The goal of the Young Adult Program was to provide the participants an opportunity to be in a beautiful and safe environment, with the only people in the world who truly understand what they are going through…other young adults with cancer.

The Young Adult Retreat was an overnight camping experience that was held at Camp Good Days' Recreational Facility, located on the shores of Keuka Lake in Branchport, New York. A group of young adults from as far away as Minnesota, spent their time at Camp Good Days getting to know one another and participating in activities and discussions centered around issues pertinent to their age bracket, such as entering the workforce; health insurance; relationships and other social factors; college transitions; and the rights of advocates for cancer patients. They also had the opportunity to take part in a stress reduction workshop, as well as a camp fire and coffee house.

The inaugural Young Adult Retreat was an overwhelming success. "It's nice just to talk with people who have been through what you've been through," says one participant. Another participant says, "I'm 21 and I have cancer…this is definitely a great opportunity. It's just a way to get away and be normal for the weekend."

This past January, Camp Good Days invited some of these young adults to join younger campers on the Annual Florida Trip, during which Camp Good Days takes a group of campers to Central Florida to visit the many theme parks and attractions. During this trip, the group visited Daytona International Speedway; the ocean; Universal Studios; and Walt Disney World's Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom.

Over the weekend of June 13-15, 2008, Camp Good Days again offered the Young Adult Program, this year as a full weekend program. As with all of Camp Good Days' programs and services, there is no charge for the participants to attend the program. Camp Good Days does not charge participants to attend any of the programs or services, so as not to place any additional financial burden on those served. Funding for the many programs and services is provided through the generosity of so many individuals, businesses, and organizations, as well as successful special fundraising events held throughout the year.

This year's Young Adult Program included activities such as Arts & Crafts; Adventure Ropes Course and Indoor Climbing Wall; Coffee House; Boating & Aquatics; and Seminars and Workshops regarding topics of interest to the participants.

Previous Young Adult Program participants were asked to complete an online survey regarding their thoughts and suggestions for program frequency, themes, workshops, and guest speakers. 81.8% of survey respondents indicated they would like to have two residential camping retreats at Camp Good Days during the year. 100% of respondents were most interested in Adventure themed programs and Rest & Relaxation themed programs. Top selections for year-round activities and events included: Sporting Events; Concerts; Dinner Groups; and Practical Workshops.

"We are all so thrilled that the Young Adult Program was such a great success last year," says Mervis. "Our program staff worked hard to make this year's residential camping experience even better and incorporated many of the suggestions from our survey, to make this program as useful and beneficial as possible for the participants."

Anyone interested in obtaining more information about the Young Adult Program at Camp Good Days, or any of the various programs or services; learning about Volunteer Opportunities; or making a tax deductible donation, should contact the Camp Good Days' Headquarters at 585-624-5555 or 800-785-2135 or email

Please Also Visit These Sites

Mon, 03 Dec 2007 00:00:00 EST

New York State Senator Jim Alesi has been a long time supporter of the programs and the families that are served by Camp Good Days. www.SenatorAlesi.com

KOA Campgrounds have long since been sponsors of camps for children and adults with cancer and Camp Good Days and Special Times. www.koa.com

Each year the New York Academy Of Dance in Rochester, NY puts on a dance recital with their students that benefits Camp Good Days. www.nyadance.com