Clintonville couple organize camp for disabled
By Jeff C. Hoffman
For the first time, the Heroes this year is actually recipients.
At the Oct. 16 annual fundraiser event for the Clintonville Area Foundation, Dan Olk awarded the 2021 Community Heroes award to a Clintonville couple, Doug and Cindy Carrick.
The Carricks were honored for their many community efforts over the years, but one in particular stands out.
According to Olk, “Perhaps their most prominent activity is the Keller’s Lake Day Camp, a week-long event for the developmentally disabled of Waupaca County.”
This event is attended annually by on average 100 campers and up to 100 volunteer staffers. The camp allows guests a week of fun activities, including fishing, boating, arts and crafts, basketball, volleyball and communal noon meals.
The camp was started in 1965. Cindy joined the camp in 1966 as a Girl Scout and Doug joined four years later as a Boy Scout. Cindy has served as the camp director since 1979.
In his youth, Olk volunteered as a staffer at the camp for parts of two years.
“I can attest to the high level of organization at the camp. The activities kept flowing all day, every day, while staffers were paired with campers at all times,” Olk said.
Noting that Cindy has served the Waupaca ARC on their board for more than 40 years, including more than 30 as president, Olk said, “Several staffers have been inspired by the camp to go onto careers in special education.”
Community involvement
The Carricks have been involved in the Clintonville Historical Society, Special Olympics, Christus Church, served on church council and helped in the kitchen with soup suppers.
Doug is active with the local food pantry, serving as vice president of the board. He has been a Cub Scout leader, Little League coach and Junior Bowling League coach. He joined the Moose Lodge in 1996 and Cindy joined the Women of the Moose four years later.
Doug co-founded and was president of the local Optimist Club, which Cindy also joined. Cindy worked in the travel industry for 30 years, when she was active in the Rotary Club and the Clintonville Chamber of Commerce.
“Forty plus years leading a camp that enriches the lives of citizens across the county, they have dedicated years of service to a diverse list of local organizations,” said Olk.
He closed with a quote from the person who suggested the Carricks for the award, “Doug and Cindy have truly and graciously lived their lives being Community Heroes.”
Community Heroes was founded by Olk and became part of the Foundation event in 2011. It comes with a $2,000 award which is to be donated to local non-profits.
The Carricks opted to give $1,000 each to the Keller’s Lake Day Camp and the Clintonville Area Food Pantry.