The Camp Sertoma of South Carolina Golf Tournament was held at Woodside Country Club in Aiken, SC, on Monday, October 11. The tournament had a turnout of approx. 130 golfers and 40 volunteers! In its thirteenth year, the tournament uses two golf courses to fit the large group in attendance. The tournament, once a June event, has permanently moved to October.
The tournament is co-hosted by the Aiken Sertoma Club and the Camp Sertoma Board of Trustees. Donald Bartelmay spoke about the early obstacles the Camp faced, stating, "I volunteered to find a tournament in the Fall of 2008. During that time, with the economy in trouble, our endowments not making money, Clemson University had cut much of its support; we were so concerned that we would not be able to give a first-class camping experience. I started the tournament as a project for my Sandhills District, eventually getting the Aiken Sertoma Club involved (my club) after year three as my District did not have 501(c) 3 status". Since then the tournament has raised over $200,000 for the children of South Carolina.
Overcoming those obstacles has allowed Camp Sertoma to host six sessions every summer, 40 kids per session. The Camp sits on beautiful Lake Hartwell and is where kids can be free without communication barriers. Campers come from all parts of South Carolina and are sponsored by local Sertoma Clubs. The Camp is a once-a-year opportunity for many kids to be with others who have similar experiences and become one with nature.
"My favorite part is knowing that what we do can be part of a life-changing experience for many of these kids, you ought to see the look in the eyes and on the faces of these kids after a week at Camp, and you know why we do it." -Donald Bartelmay.
This tournament is part of the glue that binds the Sertoma Clubs of South Carolina together, as Camp Sertoma is a statewide project. Notably, since the beginning, Camp Sertoma has been able to serve over 10,000 children!
Interested in learning more about Camp Sertoma visit: campsertoma.com