GUMI Camp hosts student volunteers and open house

On Friday, April 24, GUMI Camp USA at Cedar Creek hosted an open house in conjunction with a volunteer serve day, featuring gardening and general improvements around the camp, along with the opportunity to learn more about the camp or just experience the peaceful Ozarks setting for a while. 

Alongside some veterans and other community members who enjoy volunteering regularly, several students from Hollister High School were on hand to volunteer as part of the school’s regular Serve Day. Area nonprofits visit Hollister High School earlier in the semester to share their mission and needs, and students sign up for a service opportunity that matches their skills and interests. 

At GUMI Camp, the students worked hard in the Memorial Garden, which was started by the Daughters of the American Revolution and has continued through the efforts of Master Gardeners Fritz and Linda Oeser, also on hand Friday to interact with the young volunteers. In addition to digging and preparing planting and walkway areas, the students cleaned and oiled the garden’s outdoor wood furniture. 

Along with garden work, students helped fill backpacks with snacks and basic hygiene necessities. Coordinated by Angela Hadler, the backpacks are taken regularly to areas in and around Branson for distribution to homeless neighbors while looking for opportunities to engage with homeless veterans in need of resources.  

“I just really appreciate veterans,” said one Hollister student when asked why he chose the GUMI Camp opportunity for Serve Day. “This was a way to show thanks for everything they’ve done.” His statement underscores the mission of GUMI Camp, which is to equip, strengthen and encourage U.S. Veterans with educational, emotional and spiritual resources to understand and overcome deployment-related issues. The camp provides a physical place for connection and the opportunity to experience the outdoors, animals, etc., and veterans are directed to a variety of resources, counseling and other help. 

Learn more about GUMI Camp USA , including how to donate or volunteer, at the Facebook page or the website, https://gumicampusa.com; or call 417-294-5248 or email info.gumicampusa@gmail.com.