Rock, Paper, Scissors, CAMP!

By Lauren Kraft

The Urbana Park District’s summer camp programs are an important part of a child’s summer of fun, learning and socializing. Unfortunately, many families cannot afford to send their child to summer camp. A group of students at the University of Illinois recognized this need and formed the Illini Summer Opportunities Organization in 2007. Their annual Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament is coming up next month. The Urbana and Champaign Park Districts are recipients of money raised and UPD is grateful for their efforts to give children the chance to participate in Urbana Park District programs.

The ISOO Rock, Paper, Scissors 2010 tournament will be held Oct 10 from 4:30-7:30pm on the South Quad at the University of Illinois. Anyone can participate for $10. You begin by facing-off in a single-elimination tournament. Winners get great prizes and the knowledge that you are helping send many more children to summer camp. Last year saw more than 2,000 participants and ISOO is hoping for continued success and support.

This year’s ISOO Vice President, Brandon Palmer, explains that his motivation to get involved in this great event comes from his own experiences in camp as a child and as a counselor. “Summer camp is a great opportunity for children to learn social skills, make many new friends and learn other valuable attributes such as respect, honesty, leadership and helpfulness.”

The Rock, Paper, Scissor tournament would not be possible without the help of the entire C-U community and in these economic times, help can be even harder for students to come by. President Dustin Massel encourages the community to get involved in three ways:

1. Be a sponsor. Community businesses can support the cause and gain great exposure through t-shirts, fliers, TV spots and more.

2. Play in the tournament. ISOO is always looking to expand the tournament and would love to see more community members this year.

3. Make a donation. Raffle prizes, sponsoring a day on the quad, or donations towards the final goal would all be appreciated.

To contribute and help the Urbana Park District Scholarship Fund or learn more contact Massel at massel1@illinois.edu or visit the ISOO website at http://www.isooonline.org/.