Marathon 2011

This last weekend Paivika participated in the annual AbilityFirst Marathon Campaign to raise money for our programs. AbilityFirst had roughly 1,000 participants and staff participate in the 5k at the Santa Anita Derby Day race at the Santa Anita Racetrack. It was a beautiful day and a wonderful event. The walk takes place through the arborietum and finished inside the racetrack where booths containing information, games, and food were set up. Afterwards, everyone was invited to stay and watch the races if they desired. Camp Paivika was joined by two of our campers, Reo and Laura, and many of our current, and even some former, staffers.

This year, Kelly and Laura participated in the 5k race with Laura coming in arounf 28 minutes, and Kelly finishing in about 35. Great job Kelly and Laura!



Children's Respite 2011

We have our children's respite group up for the weekend right now as well as the Palm Canyon volunteer group joining us. We've been busy all day in activities so be sure to check out the photos in the photo section to see what we've been up to!

Ski School 2011

The last few days have been busy here at Paivika. We just kicked off the 2011 camping season with our Ski School Trip! Nine participants came up on Sunday afternoon for a weekend of fun and excitment. Campers enjoyed bowling and pizza on Sunday afternoon, a trip to Big Bear's Snow Summit to participate in their adaptive ski program on Monday, and prepared for Valentines Day on Tuesday making Valentines before heading home. By the end of the trip everyone was exhausted and ready to go home!

A little update from Paivika

Hello Paivika friends! Its been a while since there has been a post so it's about time to fill you in on what's going on at Paivika!

So far, this winter has been a cold and snowy one! we got our first snowfall at Thanksgiving and then got another good snow on New Years. Here are a few pictures from the most recent snowfall.

Inbetween all the snow, we've been gearing up for the 2011 camping season. Applications have been coming in since November and we're on our way to filling up our winter and summer sessions! So far, we've got a great group of campers signed up for camp!

We've also been working very hard to reach our Marathon goal of $15,000 raised for the 2011 Marathon Campaign, consiting of the LA Marathon and the Santa Anita Derby Day! We only need about $7,000 more to reach our goal! Let us know if you want to join our team!

Our Mom's Getaway weekend is almost filled... only 4 spots left!

Marathon Campaign Raffle

Enter today for a chance to win!

Marathon Campaign 2011

Camp Paivika is looking for a few people to join our 2011 Marathon Campaign team! We need runners/walkers as well as individuals to help us in our effort to raise $15,000

Through two community events, the Los Angeles Marathon on Sunday, March 20, 2011 and the Santa Anita Derby Day 5K on Saturday, April 9, 2011, AbilityFirst hopes to raise $400,000 to support programs and services for people of all ages with physical and developmental disabilities (including autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, Down syndrome, and other neurological impairments).

Every day participants in AbilityFirst programs run the race to strive for their personal best and with daily inspiration and successes through the programs, they are winning their races.

There are many different ways to help support Camp Paivika in our efforts to raise $15,000:

• Camp Paivika gladly takes online donations as well as check or money orders (please make checks payable to AbilityFirst and mail to PO Box 3367 Crestline Ca 92325)
  
• We need team members to help us fundraise and join us at the Santa Anita Derby 5K. If you're interested in participating with Camp Paivika's Derby Team please contact Cassandra at (909) 338-1102 x102
• You can participate in our Marathon Campaign Opportunity Drawing by purchasing a raffle ticket. 1 ticket is $5, and 5 tickets are $20. The raffle prize is a cruise for two for up to 10 days on Holland America Line. To purchase a raffle ticket please contact Cassandra at (909) 338-1102 x102
• Contact your friends and companies to help us get corporate sponsors for the event.

Orange County Buddy Walk

This weekend Camp Paivika attended the Orange County Buddy Walk as one of the vendors for the resource fair. It was a great event hosted by the Down Syndrome Association of Orange County and had a great turn out. Along with meeting new potential campers and former Camp Joan Mier staffers, I got to meet the guest celebrity, Lauren Potter, from the hit show Glee where she plays Becky! Laren was kind enough to sign a picture to camp and take a picture with me!