River float to benefit Camp Courageous

INDEPENDENCE – An overnight 5-inch cloudburst along the Wapsipinicon River watershed did not stop more than 60 paddlers from heading downstream this morning on the inaugural Wapsi River Poker Float.

“There were some tense moments worrying about how fast and how high the river would rise,” said Jim Klever of Independence, one of the event's organizers.

When the rain finally stopped about 7 a.m. and the skies cleared, the organizers were relieved to find the river had risen less than a foot and would be in great shape for the 14-mile voyage from Independence to Quasqueton.

More than 100 people had registered for the event, which will benefit Camp Courageous, said organizer Andy Crump, proprietor of Wapsie River Rentals.

“This is what runs the camp – money raised and donated by supporters,” said Aaron Cook of Winthrop, president of the Camp Courageous Board of Directors.

Cook said the proceeds would be used help fund construction of a lake at the Monticello recreation and respite camp for people with disabilities.

Adam Schmit and Brett Zuck, both of Jesup, regular visitors to Camp Courageous, made part of Saturday's voyage to demonstrate their appreciation of the camp and their commitment to helping it improve its facilities.

“We love Camp Courageous,” the men said.

Most of the camp's water sports have been conducted on the nearby Maquoketa River, which can often be too high for safe recreational use, Cook said.

The new lake, which is under construction, will provide a safe, controlled environment for campers to enjoy fishing, swimming and canoeing, he said.

Klever, who operates the River Timber Camp on the Wapsipinicon, said participants would receive a playing card at each of five checkpoints along the route.

The one with the best poker hand will win a canoe that had been donated to Camp Courageous by Hy-Vee food stores, Cook said.