| Camp MITIOG |
   Summer camp is a memorable place for kids - and that's especially true at this camp!
Camp MITIOG is a week-long summer camp in Excelsior Springs, MO devoted exclusively to providing a summer camp experience for children living with Spina Bifida. Most of the children who attend the camp are unable to walk and are often seen as 'different' in their everyday life. Camp MITIOG provides them an opportunity to spend quality time with peers they can relate to, while enjoying the summer camp experience that every child is entitled to. In 2007, Atom Stevens was retained to design and maintain a website for the camp, with the main goal of attracting volunteer counselors, and providing the possibility for an online counselor application (all applications were handled by mail in the past). Volunteer counselors are very important to the camp, as they have the closest interactions with campers on a day to day basis - and it is always a challenge to get the word out about this important need. The first version of the website was very effective, and the camp was fully staffed for 2008. In 2009, Atom gave the camp's website a major overhaul in the interest of making the role of the website much greater. Detailed information about the camp and its history were added, the online application process was improved and an event calendar brought online. The website was given a whole new look, including a large amount of photography and a new 'brand' for the camp. Most importantly, another greatly needed feature was added - an appeal for donations. The camp is entirely run by volunteers - and everyone who gives their time and talents to the camp (including Atom) does so for no compensation. Moreover, the camp does not charge campers to attend - as a result, it is necessary for the camp to raise $30k for every year it operates. Since putting their charity appeal online, the camp has seen a large increase in donations, especially from individuals - and is seen amongst the Kansas City camp community as a model for how to raise funds online. Despite the challenging economy, the camp is expected to meet, and perhaps even exceed its fundraising need for 2009. |