Two-week camp offers fun, education to local youth

Published Nov. 29, 2006
By Staff Sgt. Amanda Mills
Public Affairs

Vance Air Force Base, Okla. -- The 31st annual Camp Tomahawk is June 6-10 for boys and June 13-17 for girls.
The two-week on-base camp offers 40 local underprivileged children the chance to participate in several on and off-base activities with mentors and volunteers.
The 9- to 11-year olds will take a base tour, watch a security forces dog demonstration, receive simulator rides and visit the base pool, according to 1st Lt. Russell Badowski, 25th Flying Training Squadron and camp co-director. They'll also take trips to Splash Zone, Adventure Quest, a Redhawks game, Frontier City and the Salt Lake plains.
"Camp Tomahawk gives these kids the opportunity to do things they may not otherwise get to do," said 2nd Lt. Sarah Dauer, 71st Mission Support Squadron and camp co-director. "It's a fun, educational camp that also gives them information on future opportunities they may have."
Camp Tomahawk is funded through donations from the Enid Chamber of Commerce and is completely free for those attending.
Volunteer counselors also help make Camp Tomahawk successful because of their positive impact.
"Being a volunteer counselor gives the kids someone to look up to," said Capt. Craig Keiter, 25th FTS and camp counselor. "I enjoy the interaction with them and the chance to help the future of the community."
Volunteer counselors, especially females, are still needed for the respective camps. Those interested can call Lieutenant Dauer at 7748 or e-mail sarah.dauer@vance.af.mil.