BY KAREN BOSSICK
Blue Cross of Idaho has given $700,000 to Camp Rainbow Gold’s capital campaign to build a new camp at Hidden Paradise, the Camp Rainbow Gold property near Fairfield.
The donation is the first of three installments in a three-year, $2.1 million commitment to help build a new medical camp at the camp.
“This is incredibly exciting news for Idaho’s children battling cancer, their families and other organizations with a need for a medical camp,” said Elizabeth Lizberg, CEO and Executive Director of Camp Rainbow Gold. “Blue Cross of Idaho has recognized this camp is a need in our state and we are thankful for their vision and generosity.”
Charlene Maher, president and CEO of Blue Cross of Idaho, says the investment will help children with cancer have the opportunity to be kids amidst a time when their lives may be consumed with doctor’s visits and hospital stays.
“Camp Rainbow Gold has had one mission for its 37-year history: provide children with cancer and their families an escape from their illness. We are so pleased to partner with them over the next three years and beyond to build their new facility near Fairfield – which is the first medical camp in Idaho,” she added.
Camp Rainbow Gold held a virtual camp during the summer of 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic. The camp is accelerating its remodeling and construction plans this year in hopes of welcoming campers for smaller, modified camp sessions and outdoor activities in July 2021.
A backhoe arrived at camp just before the new year and will be used to remove snow, clear overgrowth, build roads and cut fire lines.
Camp Rainbow Gold offers oncology camps, sibling camps and family retreats, college scholarships and a teen support group. Its programs are sustained by community fundraising, private donations and volunteer efforts.
The camp provides services to more than 400 Idaho family members with the help of more than 300 volunteers from across the nation.