Flamingos flock to Rose's lawn
By Colleen Pettie, contributing writer
Posted on April 20, 2006

The service fraternity Alpha Phi Omega is working with  Camp Unali this weekend to raise money for children who have survived cancer and those who have sickle cell anemia.

The two organizations will put pink lawn flamingos in JMU President Linwood Rose’s yard April 21, and the decorations and will remain there all weekend. A donation of $5 for students and $10 for faculty will put a flamingo in Rose’s yard.

When asked why he chose to help with this particular project, Rose said, “Several students came to see me, told me about their fund raising efforts to support children attending Camp Unali, and their approach seemed like a fun idea. Why not? I am sure the neighborhood will enjoy it.”

Jason Smith, an APO alumnus who graduated in December, started Camp Unali in memory of his father, John Smith, who died of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma at age 49. Smith spent his life helping others through volunteer work and the younger Smith wanted to carry on in his father’s footsteps. Unali, which means his/her friends in Cherokee, gives children an opportunity to be social.

“Some of the kids may be behind socially due [due to home-schooling and being sick for so long],.” Smith said. “It’s important for them to make friends and meet other kids.”

The goal for flamingo flocking is to raise $1,200. This will send two children to camp, as well as create awareness and recognition within JMU and the community, according to Smith.  Most kids wouldn’t be able to attend if it weren’t free because of medical bills and other expenses. Their siblings can also attend. 

Smith believes it is also important to have families of cancer survivors and children with sickle cell anemia involved in camp activities. The camp has year-round events such as family weekend, bowling, matinee Sunday movies, pizza social and trips to Redskins home games and meeting the players afterward. All the events are free for the children and their families. On average, about 40 to 50 people participate in these events.

“Everything is free,” Smith said. “That’s why things like this [fund raiser] are so important. APO has been very helpful. Without volunteers like this, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do.”

The next summer camp will be July 2 to 8 for ages 7 to 16. The children can participate in activities such as canoeing, fishing, swimming, horseback riding, arts and crafts, volleyball and more.

“They have the opportunity to participate in camp activities and travel,” Smith said. “It’s good for them. They have been through a lot.”

APO and Camp Unali are working together on many projects throughout the year.  There is a dodgeball tournament this Saturday to continue fund raising efforts.

“We love to help out any way we can with this amazing camp,” said Lauren Russell, head of APO fund raising. 

“It’s a great cause and Jason and many other members of the camp’s staff have put in so much time and effort to put this camp together for these kids,” Russell said.

 “Camp Unali is just amazing and will hopefully continue to grow, as long as we can continue to raise money each year for it.”

“When you’re passionate about something you don’t care what you have to do to make it happen,” Smith said. “When you see the kids having a great time, all the work that went into planning has paid off.”

Contact Jason Smith at 433-2474 for more information about Camp Unali or how to make a donation for a pink flamingo to be placed in Dr. Rose’s yard.