Division 17 2nd Annual Kiwanis Family "K" Day
by Betty J Gardiner

Montgomery County's Kiwanis Clubs, Keys Clubs and Builders Clubs work to get the Carol Jean Cancer Camp Friendship ready for County and State inspections.

Kiwanians of Division Seventeen, joined with their Kiwanis Key and Builders Clubs to make a difference in their local community. Last Saturday at 8:30 am over 125 members gathered at the camp to help finish the work project.

This was the 2nd Annual Kiwanis Family "K" Day at Camp Friendship, there were many jobs to be done, painting, staining, weeding, planting flowers, mulching, cleaning, sanding, getting the cabins ready and whatever needed to be done.

Camp Friendship is located in Laytonsville, Md. and is celebrating their 18th year. The camp was founded in memory of Carol Jean who was a teacher at the Parkland Middle School in Rockville; she died at the age of 34. The cancer camp has served 7200 children with cancer and each year 400 children attend camp for an 8 week period. The campers are in all stages of treatment. This is a time for them to "just enjoy and be themselves", said Beverly Gough, Director and Founder along with her family.

The Parkland Middle School Builders Club presented a check to Beverly Gough for the Carol Jean Cancer Foundation, Inc. they had raised through a fundraiser dance and yard sale. Florence Ng is the School Advisor and Karla Daly is the Kiwanis Advisor for the Builders Club and both met weekly with the club and work and plan many community service projects.

Pictured above left John Dondero, long time member of the Wheaton-Silver Spring Club goes goes to work like a "pro".

Pictured above right Director and Sister (named in memory) Carol Jean Camp Friendship Beverly Gough on left excepts heartfelt check from Parkland Middle School's Builders Club. Carol taught at Parkland for 22 years. Carol Jean was dedicated to teaching children that life offers opportunities for joy and hope even in the face of pain and illness.

Gough announced "The Deer" cabin will be named for the Kiwanis Clubs of Maryland, which have supported the camp since the beginning.

If you are interested in volunteering or sponsoring a child for camp, contact: CJCF at 301-774-0130 or www.CJCF4Kids.org .

If you are interesting in knowing more about Kiwanis or their Service Leadership Programs for young people contact: Past Lt. Governor Betty Gardiner, 301-831-0354 or bettygard@comcast.net. This is an annual event for Kiwanis and we could use your help next May.