Play ball!

In June, Camp Courageous announced the $1.5 million purchase of Pictured Rocks Methodist Camp, located directly across the street. 

Now, Camp Courageous has plans for a portion of their addition. 

During Camp’s annual Pineapple Gala on Aug. 16, it was announced that they wanted to build a multi-purpose ball field on the newly acquired Pitlik-Beckwith-Johnson land (formerly Pictured Rocks). Each of these families gave half a million to assist in the purchase of Pictured Rocks. 

The field would encompass roughly 10,000 to 15,000 square feet, at a cost of about $250,000. 

The ball got rolling that night when Bud Johnson of Monticello, a supporter of Camp Courageous, appeared on stage wearing a Norway, Iowa, high school baseball jersey. (Johnson’s wife, Georgia, is sister to Jim Van Scoyoc, former baseball coach in Norway.) The Johnsons pledged to match the first $25,000 that was raised for this project. The amount was exceeded within minutes, raising over $50,000 for the multi-purpose ball field. 

In addition, the family of Camp’s Honorary Board Member Ralph Palmer, pledged that each family member would fund a Grand Slam, or $1,000. Palmer loved baseball and Camp Courageous. 

“There was a lot of giving that night,” said Johnson. “The general public was very receptive.” 

Charlie Becker, director of Camp Courageous, said the idea of multi-purpose field is to offer campers more opportunities. They can use the field to play kickball, softball, all varieties of field sports. 

“Bud came to me with the idea,” explained Becker. 

Johnson said he got the idea after visiting a sports complex in Linn County in May of this year. 

“It was handicapped accessible. Rubber turf. No grass to mow. This was great!” Johnson said of building something similar at Camp Courageous. He said it would require less maintenance. 

“A lime field doesn’t work well for people in a walker or wheelchair,” added Johnson. “You need something maintenance free.” 

Becker said the Gala was the perfect opportunity to publicize the fundraiser and get people excited about the venture. 

“The audience was psyched up,” recalled Becker. “Bud gave a speech from the heart. It was very inspirational,” he said of Johnson and Jeff Palmer sharing their stories. 

Johnson said for the last several years, the Gala helped to raise money for infrastructure at Camp. This was the first time in four years that they chose to raise money for a new project. 

Camp Courageous already has a multi-purpose building it uses as a gymnasium, why not building a multi-purpose ball field? 

Becker said the field would cut down on busing campers and staff to other facilities outside of Jones County. 

“It’s a great concept,” he praised. 

“They could utilize their own field for campers and school groups,” added Johnson who has a love of baseball, dating back to his youth when he played little league. “I wanted to give back what I enjoyed so much.” 

The field would include a concrete base, a rubber turf, and a cushioned surface that’s meant for wheelchair/handicapped accessibility. Becker said multi-purpose fields like this are specifically meant for use by those with a disability. 

“It will resemble a baseball field,” he said. “Campers can use it every day; it’s meant for constant use.” 

While building a field is the first phase, down the line, Camp plans to add bleachers and more to enhance the field. 

“Those are all possibilities to explore,” he said as funding becomes available. “We’ll start with a field and grow from there.” 

Becker said it was amazing to see so many people who believe in this project pledge money during the Gala. 

This winter, blueprints will be put together for the project. Becker said the hope is to also develop a master plan over the winter for the new site (Pictured Rocks). 

“It’s our opportunity to dream,” he said. 

Then, in the spring, construction will hopefully start on the new multi-purpose ball field. 

Johnson said there’s not only the opportunity to donate monetarily, but in-kind as well when it comes to grading and materials for the field. 

“We just appreciate what Camp means to Eastern Iowa and beyond,” praised Johnson. “People come from all around to Monticello because of this fine facility.” 

Johnson also applauded Becker for his passion for Camp Courageous. 

“We owe a lot to Charlie. His leadership and inspiration made us want to help and donate. He’s a huge part of the whole deal.” 

To donate toward the multi-purpose field project, contact Camp Courageous at 319-465-5916.