Camp Whitley preparing for Tinkham's 5K, breakfast fundraisers next Saturday
(Photos contributed) Mason and Dalton VanHouten, above, give it their best as they participated in the first annual Tinkham's 5K at Camp Whitley last year. Below, Ashley Cearbaugh is triumphant in completing the run. Volunteers are busy planning the details of the 5K run and a fundraising breakfast at Camp Whitley next Saturday, May 17.
By Jennifer Zartman Romano
Eager to learn archery, take early morning swims in Troy Cedar Lake and participate in the shenanigans every young boy and girl experiences at camp, the 80th season of campers will soon pack their bags for Camp Whitley, a long-held tradition and rite of passage for young ones in the community. 
As they gear up for the season, a series of weekend of fundraisers is being planned at Camp Whitley in Etna Troy Township next weekend.
The event kicks off early Saturday morning at 8 a.m. with a 5K run. The event, coordinated by Brian Bills, a volunteer and longtime supporter of the camp, is one of the newest events to be held annually in support of the camp.
“To brag on him a bit, (he) single-handedly organized the run last year, which has prbably been one of the most re-invigorating events for us at Camp in a very long time,” writes camp director Tara Brandon.
Called Tinkham’s 5K, participants may choose to run or walk. Awards will be presented to the top male and top female finishers as well as the top three in each age category. Families are encouraged to participate in addition to individual runners or walkers.
The entry fee is $20 per person or a maximum $50 per family. Registration will be held from 7-7:45 a.m. on Saturday.
A pancake, sausage and egg breakfast will also be held that morning from 7-10 a.m. with proceeds raised also supporting Camp Whitley.
“It was a huge success for us last year and a lot of fun,” stated Brandon. “We hope the same will happen again this year!”
Later this summer, on June 28 from 1-4 p.m., the community is invited to visit Camp Whitley in honor of the 80th year for celebration event.
For additional information about the Tinkham’s 5K, contact Brian Bills at 248-2930 or via e-mail at bbills@hoosierlink.net or Paula Langeloh at 248-8733. Also, visit the website at www.campwhitley.com