Vance preparing to host Camp Tomahawk in June

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Frank Casciotta
  • 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Camp Tomahawk is scheduled to kick off here June 18.

The camp is a free program for underprivileged children in the Enid, Okla., area. This will mark the 38th year Vance Air Force Base has hosted the camp.

Camp Tomahawk is funded by donations from the Enid community, and run by Team Vance volunteers.

"I think it's great that we are holding on to this tradition," said Capt. Sherri Ginger, an instructor pilot with the 32nd Flying Training Squadron, and director of Camp Tomahawk this year.

Normally, the children set up tents for the camp but coordinators decided to have the campers sleep in the Community Chapel Activity Center this year to keep them out of the heat, said Ginger.

"Some of the kids have been through the camp before, so we changed up the events a little to keep it interesting," said Ginger. "One thing added to the schedule this year is the kids will get to meet Enid's mayor.

"I've been working closely with the Enid Chamber of Commerce on this event and it's a great relationship" said Ginger, who graduated from JSUPT in 2008. "They have coordinated the off-base activities for us."

Ginger says she needs approximately 70 volunteers to help with the camp. Opportunities from cooking to shifts monitoring the campers overnight are available for those who wish to volunteer.

"I want to have at least one counselor for every three kids," said Ginger. "Since we are going outside the base for some events, we need enough volunteers so that no children are left unaccompanied. I want to make sure they are safe."

Col. Russ Mack, the commander of the 71st Flying Training Wing, has designated Camp Tomahawk as an alternate duty location for government civilian and military personnel to allow Team Vance members the opportunity to volunteer for the camp.

People interested in volunteering should contact Ginger by email at Sherri.Ginger@us.af.mil.

Those who wish to donate to Camp Tomahawk should contact Susan Burcham with the Enid Chamber of Commerce, 237-2494.