On March 23 West Chester University fraternity and sorority members, in their continuing efforts to raise money for Camp Dreamcatcher, held the first ever “Camp in for Camp Dreamcatcher,” in the West Chester University South Campus Gym. The six-hour event brought Greek members together for an evening of food, fun, music and awareness. Moon bounces, dodge ball and basketball helped Greeks unwind after a long week of classes and gave them another chance to get to know each other.
Jason Gibson, Vice President of Programming for Sigma Phi Epsilon, said “I think it’s a great idea. It’s a great opportunity for Greeks to show their support for Camp Dreamcatcher.”
The event is just one small piece of a continuing effort by the WCU Greek community to raise money for Camp Dreamcatcher, a Kennet Square based camp for kids that have been diagnosed with, or have been affected by HIV/AIDS.
Knowing only one night is not nearly enough, West Chester Greeks raise over $2,000 per chapter for Camp Dreamcatcher, and annually raise over $30,000 for the camp. Additionally, some Greek members volunteer a week of their time every summer to be counselors at Camp Dreamcatcher.
Also on tap for the evening was a three-point contest featuring each chapter’s best basketball sharpshooter and a dodgeball tournament. Those just looking to have fun and act like a kid again tried the moon bounce and a few brave souls decided to try their hand at the Spider-Man Moon Bounce, where participants dressed up like Spider Man and jumped onto a Velcro wall.
The night also featured food donated by local eating establishments such as Chris’ Pizza, Amore’s Pizza, Culinary, Wawa and Subway. To keep the night going, a DJ was spinning tunes. Donations were also being accepted at the event.
“I think it’s a great way to raise money for Camp Dreamcatcher, and a great way to spend time with my sisters and other Greeks,” said Kimmy Balck, a member of Alpha Xi Delta Sorority.
For one week in August, children at Camp Dreamcatcher enjoy a week of swimming, hiking, arts and crafts, boating and a talent show. The mission of Camp Dreamcatcher is to provide safe and therapeutic services for children infected/affected by HIV/AIDS and their families.
If one would like to donate to Camp Dreamcatcher, keep abreast of Greek canning dates in and around West Chester, check out the InterGreek Council’s Web site at http://iws.wcupa.edu/wcugreeks/IGC.htm. I+f one wishes to donate directly to Camp Dreamcatcher, please visit their Web site at www.campdreamcatcher.org.