The Better Business Bureau of Omaha recently awarded Camp CoHoLo, Children’s Cancer Camps of Nebraska, one of the 2005 Integrity Awards in the charitable/not-for-profit category.
“The Better Business Bureau had to give Camp CoHoLo this award,” said Margo Riekes, communications director for the Better Business Bureau. “The camp uses only volunteers, and, unlike many other charities, every penny raised goes to their cause. It blew the judges’ minds.”
Camp CoHoLo, which stands for courage, hope and love, exists to provide a recreational experience for children with cancer and blood-related illnesses. With support from UNMC and Children’s Hospital, the camp allows 6- to 17-year-olds an opportunity to participate in activities.
Camp activities are designed and adjusted based on the medical needs of each child. A day at camp might include a high-wire obstacle course, water slides, team-building exercises, crafts, games, songs and a camp fire – all directed towards building character and confidence.
“The backbone of Camp CoHoLo is the support we receive from volunteers, and particularly volunteers associated with UNMC and Children’s Hospital,” said Jay Slagle, public relations chair for the camp. “The doctors and nurses involved in the pediatric hematology/oncology departments are exceptional, particularly at camp when providing medical care and comforting homesick children, and it is clear that their emotional investment in the kids goes well beyond the clinic.”
Founded in 1985, Camp CoHoLo is staffed entirely by volunteers who donate more than 12,000 hours of their time each year. The volunteer staff includes pediatric hematology/oncology physicians and nurses from UNMC and Children’s Hospital who maintain strict medication schedules and monitor the health of all campers.
“It’s amazing to see doctors and physicians giving of their time,” Riekes said. “They go above and beyond.”
Slagle noted that the hematology and oncology departments are not the only volunteers. “In the past few years, UNMC and Children’s volunteers also have come from, among others, the child life, physical therapy, administration, pharmacy, residency and med/surg nursing departments. Camp CoHoLo could not survive without the support of the employees from these two great institutions.”
Each July, Camp CoHoLo hosts 160 to 180 children over nine days at the Eastern Nebraska 4-H Center near Gretna. In 2004, 130 children attended one of the two four- or five-day overnight sessions.
After an emotionally-moving video about the camp, Camp CoHoLo Board Chairman Bill Lastovica accepted the Better Business Bureau Integrity Award in front of a standing ovation from nearly 800 ceremony attendees at the Holiday Inn Convention Centre on May 11.
“The Integrity Award, presented in front of local business leaders, will hopefully allow Camp CoHoLo to identify more campers, volunteers and supporters,” Slagle said.
Presented annually since 1995, the Integrity Awards were designed to promote the importance of ethical business practices. The award recipients in both the for-profit and not-for-profit category demonstrate exceedingly high standards of behavior toward their customers, employees, and shareholders, adherence to truthful sales practices and an earned reputation for noteworthy contributions to their industries and the community.
“The Better Business Bureau is so very proud to have been able to give Camp CoHoLo this award,” Riekes said. “This organization received the award because of its mission.”
Individuals interested in volunteering for or supporting Camp CoHoLo should visit Camp CoHoLo’s Web site at www.campcoholo.com or contact Bill Lastovica at 402-625-2261.