Our Mission
Camp CoHoLo's mission is to serve children between the ages of 6 and 17 who are impacted by cancer or blood disorders. Campers include children undergoing therapy and those who have completed treatment.
History
In 1984, Maureen Herrick, an Omaha housewife, viewed a national talk show's feature on a unique summer camp that hosted children with cancer and blood disorders. Because of their unique medical needs, the show's host noted that many children with cancer and blood disorders were deprived of the opportunity for a normal summer camp experience.
Maureen contacted Robyn Freeman, then the director of the Campfire USA Midlands Council, to see if a similar camp existed in Nebraska. Finding none, they contacted the head of the pediatric hematology/oncology department at Children's Hospital, sparking the birth of Camp CoHoLo. Camp CoHoLo held its first summer camp, a three-day event, in 1985 for 22 children.
CoHoLo is an acronym for Courage, Hope and Love, which is the name our the inaugural group of campers gave our camp in 1985.
Courage, Hope and Love are the guiding principles behind the formation of Camp CoHoLo. From its humble beginnings, Camp CoHoLo now hosts 170 to 190 children each July during two four-day camps.
The summer camp was previously held at the Eastern Nebraska 4-H Center near Gretna. Beginning in 2023 camp has moved to Camp Fontanelle, just north of Omaha.
In May 2005, Camp CoHoLo and its volunteers were awarded the Heartland Better Business Bureau Integrity Award for service to children in the region.
Board of Directors
With approximately 20 members, the Board of Directors (BOD) is responsible for maintaining the mission of Camp CoHoLo and overseeing the Operations Committee that organizes camp. The BOD meets in January, March, May, July and October. The BOD has subcommittees for public relations, fundraising and BOD member recruitment. Camp CoHoLo is always looking for prospective BOD members who love our mission and have the skills to improve our organization.
Vice President
Joe Wilkins
joe@wilkins.pro
CFO
Steve Roberts
Public Relations Director
Dan Fischer
dan.fischer@koleyjessen.com
Camp Director
Berta Ackerson
director@campcoholo.com
Medical Director
Melissa Acquazzino, M.D.
Members at Large
Rob Glorvick
Justin Veik
Berta Ackerson
Marsha Kubica
Corey Andrews
Amy Forsythe
Annette Clark