Locals Prepare to ‘Run, Walk, Waddle’ in Church Camp Fundraiser

has run Camp Ojibway in Eden Valley, MN since the summer of 1959, welcoming both young and old camp-goers to the 3.25-acre refuge.

From fishing and paddle boating to singing and skits, Camp Ojibway is a summer destination for many Hope Church members as well as many non-parishioners. And while the church underwrites the majority of the costs to put the camp on, a team of faithful members are organizing the third annual May 19 to raise more funds.

“[The camp] is really near and dear to my heart,” Shelly Nelson, CO5K organizer, told Richfield Patch. “I grew up going to the camp, I worked up there when I was in college and now my kids are going there.”

Nelson, a Richfield native and current resident, said those who have never run a 5K shouldn’t be discouraged from participating.

“People can run, walk or waddle,” Nelson said with a smile. “Camp Ojibway’s mascot is a penguin, that’s why we’ve included the ‘waddle.’”

All funds raised will go to general costs and programming needs at the camp, as well as a scholarship fund to help those who can’t afford to go.

“Fifty percent of the kids who attend the camp aren’t church members,” Nelson said. “And there are a lot of people inside the church who can’t afford to go. If people have the desire to go, we want to be able to get them there.”

To date, the annual event has raised nearly $30,000 for the camp.

Registration on the day of the race begins at 8 a.m. at the church. The kids run takes place from 8:30-8:45 a.m. and the 5K begins at 9 a.m. A map of the course can be seen in the photo box above.

For more information or to register for the events, go to hope-pc.org/camp. For more information on how to apply for a scholarship, contact denise@hope-pc.org. Scholarships to participate in the run itself may also be available for Richfield students. Contact Nelson at shellymarknelson@yahoo.com for more information.

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