Golf Cart Dreams

We have a few updates for you here at Camp I Am Special.

First, thank you to everyone who shared our job postings!  Prayers have been answered and we are working on the steps towards hiring some great additions to our camp family.

Summer is rapidly approaching.  How is April almost over?!  We are working hard every day to get everything ready for this summer, and we need your help!

Each summer, we rely on golf carts to help our staff do their jobs.  They are used to haul materials from place to place, to allow staff to get from point A to point B more quickly than walking, to transport Campers long distances when needed, to help the nurses get to Campers and Buddies quicker, and MUCH more.

At December Mini-Camp, our trusty old donated golf cart finally drove it's last trip to the dumpster and it is currently in our garage, broken down and defeated, waiting to be sent to the "Great Garage in the Sky".  It worked valiantly, serving our camp for years, but it seems like its years of services are over.

Last year, we were blessed with additional golf carts.  For the first two weeks of camp, we had 3 functional golf carts, but that quickly became two when our donated cart (the white one in the picture below) broke down over the summer for the first time.  It was repaired in time for December Mini-Camp, but unfortunately the repair wasn't enough.

"The Fleet"

The two green carts in the picture were rentals that were graciously paid for by a donor last year.  They were a wonderful blessing to our staff.  We use the golf carts countless times through out the day.  Here are just a few of the tasks that are aided by the use of a golf cart:

1. Taking trash to the dumpster.  Taking heavy trash bags to the dumpster can be accomplished much quicker and much easier by loading up the golf cart and taking 1 trip instead of a dozen.  This allows our staff to spend more time playing with our Campers and helping our Buddies.

You know you hired a great staff when they are this excited to take out the trash!

2. Taking life jackets and fishing equipment to the dock and pool.  Each week we have the joy of fishing off the gorgeous dock up at Marywood.  This is over a quarter of a mile from our campsite where our life jackets and fishing equipment are stored.  Our staff can simply load the gear onto a golf cart and make one trip to get the dock set up for fishing.  The same goes for taking supplies like water coolers, ice, and snacks to the pool.

3. Transporting our Nurses.  Our nurses go where our Campers and Buddies go.  By taking a golf cart, they can quickly be wherever they are needed.  They can also take whatever gear they need with them, from our portable AED to our First Aide Kits.  This also allows them to quickly get back to camp if they need to!

4. Transporting staff to and from our office.  Our current office is located about a quarter mile from the campsite.  Staff must make FREQUENT trips to and from the office.  The golf cart saves a LOT of  time and helps reduce traffic on our streets by keeping our cars off the road.

 

5. Transporting Campers when needed.  Sometimes our Campers can get a little tired on the walk to and from the pool or dock.  Sometimes they just need an extra lift.  We also want to be able to rely on a golf cart if heaven forbid a Camper is injured and needs to be transported back to the cabins/dining hall, even if it's something as simple as a skinned knee.  

Catching a ride back from the pool.

And MUCH MORE!  The golf carts truly help us to run a smooth and efficient summer.

So here's where you can help:  Do you know anyone who is getting rid of a gently used golf cart?  Do you know a golf cart company who might give us a great deal on a golf cart?  OR Can you help us to offset the cost of a rental for the summer?  Please contact the office if you are able to help us out with this!
campiamspecial@ccbjax.org OR (904)230-7447

Please share with your friends or family.  I know it sounds like a somewhat silly request, but without the use of at least 1 good golf cart, our staff is going to have a much more difficult summer!