Vance makes difference at Camp Tomahawk

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Mary Davis
  • Public Affairs
Vance Air Force Base, Okla. --  Team Vance members are reaching out to 30 local underprivileged youth during this year's Camp Tomahawk, a two-week event providing character building and socialization skills in an outdoor setting June 12 to 23.
"The purpose of the camp is to have fun and give the kids opportunities to participate in exciting activities they might not otherwise be afforded," said 1st Lt. Sarah Dauer, officer in charge of the 71st Operations Group commander support staff.
2006 marks the 32nd year Vance and Enid co-sponsored the event and is definitely a win/win/win situation for Vance, Enid and the children, said Lieutenant Dauer a native of Evansville, Ind.
"The Enid Chamber of Commerce sponsors the camp activities and food for both weeks," said Lieutenant Dauer, who served as Camp Tomahawk director for the past two years. "The children camp at the base park, which becomes their home away from home. We set up a tent and cots for the kids and provide the counselors who provide supervision and guidance."
The children will tour the base, visit the fire department, participate in simulator rides, swim at the base pool, go roller skating, play miniature golf and watch a movie at the 8th Flying Training Squadron auditorium. Counselors and children will also visit the Oklahoma City Memorial and attend a minor-league baseball game as well as visit theme parks in the area.
First Lt. Chad Rogers, assistant flight commander for "I" Flight of the 25th Flying Training Squadron, said he had a great experience working with the children at Camp Tomahawk last year.
"These are good kids," said Lieutenant Rogers, a native of Youngstown, Ohio. "I noticed some of them were pretty down on themselves or their lives, and some lacked direction. I tried to be a good role model and provide positive messages."
As a former member of the Big Brothers, Big Sisters program in Ohio, Lieutenant Rogers had experience working with disadvantaged youth and used his understanding and patience to his advantage at last year's Camp Tomahawk.
"We had a lot of fun. We went to a baseball game in Oklahoma City, a water park and an amusement park," he said. "We dug for sand crystals at the Great Salt Plains, and we also hung out at the camp site on base and roasted marshmallows and told ghost stories. It was a good time."
He was glad to make a difference in the children's lives last year, and hopes to make an impact this year as well.
"It was very rewarding to work with the kids and get a positive message across to them," he said. "I hope to have a good time with the kids this year and instill in them to work hard in school and in life."
Volunteers play an integral role in the camp, Lieutenant Dauer said.
"In the time you spend as a volunteer, you will absolutely walk away with a feeling like you've done something," she said.
Volunteer counselors are still needed for this year's camp, Lieutenant Dauer said.
"We can always use volunteers -- the more the better! It's a great opportunity for anyone who is able to join us," she said.
To become a Camp Tomahawk counselor, call Lieutenant Dauer at 5701.