To the editor:

On Aug. 2 and 3 Camp 911 held its 18th emergency preparedness camp, hosting 80 children. Our camp is successful because of the many spirited, and dedicated volunteers who make it both educational and fun (not an easy feat at times).

Because the camp is free, its survival is dependent upon generous donations from individual, business and organizational contributors. Camp 911 offers sincere appreciation to: U.P. Health – Portage and Aspirus Keweenaw hospitals as well as Mercy EMS, our three major sponsors, for providing the foundation upon which to build.

Additional thanks to; Portage Health Foundation, Superior Equipment and Events, U.P Marquette Trauma, Dr. Kirk Klemme, Ed’s Used Parts, Big T’s Towing, Valley Med Flight, and Superior Graphics, for their infrastructure support.

Many hard-working volunteers contributed to the success of this year’s Camp 911. A heartfelt thank you to: Mercy EMS providers, Portage Health and Aspirus Keweenaw’s food service and marketing staffs, Calumet Township Fire and Rescue, Hurontown Fire and Rescue, Bootjack Fire and Rescue, Michigan State Police, Houghton County Sheriff, Marquette County Sheriff, Houghton City Police;

Houghton County Airport crew, Michigan Tech EMS, Dial Help, UP Health – Portage and Aspirus Keweenaw community medical/emergency educators, MDOT/YDMP Houghton/L’Anse counselors and last but not least the “long-timers” Sam and Rhys.

Every camp hits us with a few glitches to ensure our “end of the day” appreciation of a job well done. This year was no exception. Special thanks to Chris from Big T’s Towing and Rhys from Michigan Tech for dropping all and coming to the rescue, as well as to Jerry from Mercy EMS for cleaning up the delayed challenges that arose. Judy Pruner, Camp 911 would not happen without you.

To the volunteers, my sincere gratitude for your willingness, energy and time. The effort you have put into the camp will actively live on for many tomorrows. You have left many valuable footprints!

Ann Clancy

Chassell