After 41 years, Wisconsin Badger Camp will be losing its additional funds raised during the annual Badger Camp Telethon hosted by the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.

This year will be the last year that Media Technology Services will host the telethon.

“I’m sad about it because it’s a huge chunk of money to benefit the campers,” Kayla Leibfried, Badger Camp Development Director said.

The telethon has been beneficial in helping to raise money for Badger Camp since 1974 and has helped those with financial need attend the weeklong camp.

“We are so very grateful to the university for having it for so many years,” Brent Bauer, Badger Camp Executive Director, said.

After this year, the telethon will no longer assist in funding scholarships for the campers.

“The telethon is a big part of Wisconsin Badger Camp,” Leibfried said. “It’ll be a challenge [without the additional funds], but we’ll figure it out.”

The average cost for each camper is $900 but Badger Camp only charges $700, Leibfried explained.

Daubert helps with the telethon, sending out newsletters and fliers throughout the Platteville area.

“I help collect items throughout the community,” Mitch Daubert, Badger Camp Development Assistant, said.

Auction items range from various children’s toys to waterpark passes.

“We are in charge of all of the auction items [during the telethon],” Bauers said. “We also fill in where necessary.”

Preparations for the telethon will take place the week leading up to the telethon, with Media Technology Services setting up the event.

“We are just focusing on making it the best year,” Leibfried said.

The telethon will air from noon-10 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6.

For more information about the telethon, see the Nov. 6 edition of the Exponent.