Community of the Heart

THE BEAT NEWSLETTER FOR FRIENDS OF CAMP ODAYIN

2013

When we first received the news that our newborn son had a heart defect, we went into overdrive thinking of all

the ways he would still be “normal.” We didn’t want his diagnosis, and then later, pacemaker, to define him. And

in this day in age with medical advances and unbelievable technology that is almost possible. But then you find

that something is missing. What is missing is that acknowledgement that your child is different, and special in his

or her own way.

In October, we spent our first weekend at Camp Odayin’s Family Camp. To say we were

affected would be an understatement. Here was a place kids and parents could come

together and celebrate what they have in common – special hearts! Together we all

have a common bond of watching our exceptional children navigate their world trying to

be as normal as possible. But in reality they aren’t. Their diagnosis and even their

scars set them apart. And in some situations that setting apart isn’t always

positive. At Family Camp these kids with special hearts could come together and share

their uniqueness with others like them. We participated in activities and games that

fostered family time and friendship building. We met and played with so many amazing individuals, each of whom

are heroes in their own rights. Never once were there feelings of not belonging. On the contrary, we all felt like

one big community of the heart.

Camp Odayin does a phenomenal job of creating these safe spaces for heart children and families to go and be

normal. But we also know that it is because of the generous support of donors and grants that truly allow this to

happen. Camp Odayin helps our children to feel more confident, more normal, and more accepting of their special

hearts. Thanks so much to all who support Camp Odayin for giving us this experience!

- Betsy, mother of Will – 3 year old with an ASD repair, dual chamber pacemaker, and heterotaxy

Out of this Universe

In November, Miss Minnesota, Siri Freeh, threw Camp

Odayin campers an amazing party at the Mall of America.

Siri, who volunteered as a counselor in 2011, hosted 200

members of our Camp Odayin family for a thrill-filled day

at Nickelodeon Universe. Thanks to the Waterpark of

America, Boston Scientific and the Mall of America,

families enjoyed unlimited ride wristbands, a pizza dinner,

and generous goodie bags. Adults and kids alike braved

adventures on the ‘Splat-O-Sphere’, the ‘Avatar

Airbender’, and the ‘Orange Streak’, (with the approval of

their cardiologists, of course)! Siri shared of Camp

Odayin campers, “These kids have touched my heart in a

significant way...by the energy and light they shine with

their special hearts.” The smiles on campers’ faces made

it clear that admiration is mutual. Miss Minnesota has a

pretty special heart as well.

Heart & Sole Fun Run / Walk On September 29th, walkers and runners woke up early

to sweat for a good cause at the Heart & Sole. There

were so many things to be grateful for at the tenth

annual event...the beautiful sunny morning, our

friendship with emcee Dez of KS95, and especially the

760 participants who raised nearly $29,00! Save the

date to get your heart pumping on September 21, 2013.

Off to the Races

Congratulations to nine year old

camper, Emma! She put a whole

lot of heart into her Girl Scout

pinewood derby contest. Thanks

to Emma’s hard work, her Camp

Odayin decorated derby car won

first place!

To Charity, Gene, Dillon, and Micah we say thank you

for sharing how Family Camp affected their crew.

After the Dr. Seuss themed weekend was through,

we had a hard time quitting the rhyming too!

While at Family Camp you shared with us some rhyme.

So we decided to try it too, to tell you about our time.

At Camp Wapo we stayed in a cabin, our family of four,

and each day we anticipated walking through the door.

Every time, we were met with volunteers galore,

as we planted ourselves on the Cross Fire floor.

There we were entertained, we laughed ‘til we cried.

At the end of the long day we happily sighed

and said to ourselves, that was so great!

We better now get to bed, it is getting late.

The next morning we rose to green eggs and ham,

just like the Dr. Seuss book with Sam I am.

Then off to our activity rotations we did head,

until lunch time when we were thoroughly fed.

With tummies full and hearts filled too,

the children went off to see what they would do.

My hubby and I went to meet with the doc

and we enjoyed listening to heart families talk.

Again the tears flowed as we heard others share,

but that’s what we do, because heart families care.

More fun and games followed that night

and seeing the Whoville outfits was quite a sight!

The movie was funny, the s’mores a great treat,

and then we headed to bed; I was feeling beat!

In the morning at the talent show, I laughed so hard.

I needed a tissue as I was totally caught off guard.

Then it was time to sing that special camp song.

We made a big circle and everyone sang along.

Hugs and goodbyes and of course more tears.

We will be back, Odayin, for many more years! Great Minnesota Give Together Camp Odayin supporters responded to the call to Give

to the Max with overwhelming generosity on November

15th. On the annual day of charitable giving, a $10,000

challenge match provided by an anonymous donor was

rapidly met and surpassed. The day’s proceeds were

nearly double the amount raised on Give to the Max

Day in 2011. Over 115 supporters donated $18,138; add

the $10,000 match and the total was a staggering

$28,138! From the bottom of our hearts, thank you!

Anytime Fitness Granite City Food & Brewery

New Horizon Academy

SPONSORS

MEDIA PARTNERS

TITLE SPONSOR

KS95 ♥ Minnesota Monthly

Lizzie Rogaskie Heavy hearted, we share the passing of former

camper, Lizzie. Lizzie attended the very first

session of Camp Odayin at age eight and never

missed a summer until she ’graduated’ in 2011.

Nurse Lynn shared, “Lizzie was such an amazingly

courageous young woman with an unlimited amount

of love for others and a lust for life. One year I

was encouraging her to wait longer than the first

day of camp to ask a boy to the camp dance. She

said, ‘I don't know how long I will live and so I don't

have time to wait for what I want.’ I was trying to

teach her patience and instead she taught me an

important lesson about not waiting to reach for the

moon. I can imagine her dancing in peace now.”

Lizzie was vibrant, kind, gentle, and a loyal friend.

We will always hold her in our hearts.

Thank You! Heartfelt thanks to the following

companies, foundations, and fundraisers

for generously providing support

this past quarter...

CentraCare Health Foundation

Fred Hoiboar

Hardenbergh Foundation

Kyle Rymiszewski Foundation

Margaret Rivers Fund

Medtronic Foundation

Mend a Heart Foundation

Robert S. Starr Foundation

Soup It Up for Kids

Speedy and Honey Altman Memorial Foundation

St. Jude Medical Foundation

Tapestry neighborhood bake sale

Team Strong Heart / Silent Sports Foundation

Wal-Mart Foundation

Did you know? Six of the campers who attended Camp Odayin last summer were

recipients of live-saving heart transplants. LifeSource is the

federally-designated organization that manages organ and tissue

donation in the Upper Midwest. Below are three of their top ten

facts about organ and tissue donation. Please visit

www.life-source.org to see the complete list and learn more!

One Life Can Save Up to 60

One person can save and heal up to 60 lives through organ and tissue

donation!

Everyone Has the Potential to be an Organ and Tissue Donor

Your age or health should not prevent you from registering to be an

organ or tissue donor. Most health conditions do not prevent

donation and age is not a factor – the oldest organ donor was 92!

Registering is Easy

Registering to become an organ and tissue donor is simple!

Visit the LifeSource website to learn how to register online.

“Everyone shares the gift of life.” - LifeSource

Thanks to the generous donors who fund our camper scholarships, Camp Odayin awards

a staff scholarship each year. The honor goes to a summer staff volunteer who is

pursuing a degree as a nurse, doctor, or pharmacist. Congratulations to future doctor,

Jake Wessels (the birthday boy in the photo), our 2012 recipient. Before joining the

Odayin staff, Jake was part of the Camp Knutson crew, so he’s known and cared for

our campers since 2010. Jake is a super counselor, adored by Odayin kids and staff!

Staff Scholarship

info@campodayin.org

Camp Odayin

PO Box 2068

Stillwater, MN 55082

651.351.9185

651.351.9187—fax

Camp Odayin, P.O. Box 2068, Stillwater, MN 55082

Phone: 651.351.9185 Fax: 651.351.9187 www.campodayin.org If you would prefer to receive the newsletter electronically or to add or remove names from our mailing list,

please contact us at info@campodayin.org.

The Have a Heart Benefit It’s nothing new for the Have a Heart Benefit to

change venues annually. This year, the big, newsworthy

move is the date! Traditionally in February, the

benefit, presented by Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of

Minnesota, will be hosted on April 20th. The

“glamping” (a.k.a. glamorous camping) themed event, will

be held at the elegantly modern Graves 601 in

Minneapolis. Save the date for an enchanted evening of

fantastic food, creative cocktails, and magical music.

2013 Odayin Happenings

February 16-18: Winter Camp (ages 8-17)

March 1: Camper & Staff Applications Available

March 17: Family Bowling Party / Camp Kick Off

April 20: Have a Heart Benefit

May 1: Camp Application Deadline

June 17: Whole Heart Golf Tournament

July 15-19: Flambeau Resident Camp (ages 14-15)

July 22-26: Namekagon Resident Camp (ages 16-17)

July 29-August 2: Gitche Gumee Day Camp (ages 6-7)

August 5-9: Nokasippi Resident Camp (ages 12-13)

August 12-16: Chippewa Resident Camp (ages 8-11)

September 21: Heart & Sole Fun Run

October 18-20: Family Camp (all ages)

November 14: Give to the Max Day