This dispatch was added by one of our Nonprofit Neighbors. It does not represent the editorial voice of The Rapidian or Community Media Center.
From left to right: Jeff, daughters Holly, Kristina, Katelyn, and wife, Patti Cousins.
From left to right: Dave Emenheiser (ED), Mark Schaafsma, Lee Scott, Becky Reed-Missad, Jeff Cousins, and Patti Cousins.
Gordon Jousma, owner of Alaska Excavating.
Spring has arrived and preparations are underway to get Camp O’Malley ready for a fun-filled summer of campers. Camp O’Malley is growing and must keep up by building a new cabin to bring the camp up to capacity. Generous donors Jeff and Patti Cousins, along with their family, have pitched in to make this possible with a donation of $9,000. The Cousins are owners of the 21 year-old company, Kraft Business Systems in Kentwood.
“It’s great seeing our whole family get excited about this great cause,” said donor Patti Cousins.
Camp O’Malley, located on the beautiful banks of the Thornapple River in Alto, is a program of Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids. The Camp serves youth from West Michigan with its overnight residential camp experience. The goal of the camp is to make sure that every child, regardless of income, is able to experience camp. Scholarships are offered to anyone who needs it, and no one is turned away because they cannot afford to pay. Campers enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, archery, canoeing, climbing wall, high and low ropes, team-building, swimming, arts & crafts, sports, nature exploration, camp fires, games and singing.
The cabin has been made possible by a collaborative effort of business owners in West Michigan. Isaac Norris from Isaac V. Norris & Associates P.C. donated their services to draw up the design of the cabin. Mark Schaafsma owner of Design Build Construction Services and friends from Go the Distance Ministries have volunteered to build the cabin as a part of their ministry. Randy and Gordon Jousma, long-time Camp O’Malley supporters and owners of Alaska Excavating donated their excavating services. Lee Scott, owner of LEED Source and Camp O’Malley Advisory Board member, has coordinated much of the project and lined up donors and volunteers for the project.
“Every child deserves to experience going to camp and all that it has to offer,” said donor Jeff Cousins. “We are so proud to make sure that is a reality for even more kids from the community by adding this cabin.”
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids Youth Commonwealth and Camp O’Malley
In every community, boys and girls are left to find their own recreation and companionship in the streets. An increasing number of children are at home with no adult care or supervision. Young people need to know that someone cares about them. Founded in 1938 by Grand Rapids Superintendent of Police Frank O’Malley, Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids Youth Commonwealth engages youth in building positive and meaningful relationships with police officers, staff and adults through programs in the areas of recreation, education, leadership development, healthy life skills, arts, education and positive community services. Boys & Girls Clubs offer programs and services that promote and enhance development by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and influence. For more information about Grand Rapids Boys & Girls Clubs visit www.bgcgrandrapids.org.
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