Stretched out on 103 beautiful acres of land in South Hero is Camp Ta-Kum-Ta, a place where children with cancer and their families can find hope, healing and reasons to smile.

Founded in 1984, the camp is an independent 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization whose programs and services are financed completely through private donations and fund raising, making it possible to accept children and family members without cost.

In 1986, the St. John Vianney Knights of Columbus Council #7525 began its support of Camp TKT. Since then, especially during the past 34 years, “the council has raised more than $1 million with their Super Bingo fund raiser,” said Father Timothy Naples, pastor of St. John Vianney Parish in South Burlington, who has served as chaplain for Council #7525 for the past four years.

According to the Camp TKT Facebook page, Super Bingo is one of the biggest fundraisers to support the camp during the year.

“We at Camp Ta-Kum-Ta could not be more grateful for the support Super Bingo has created for our programs over the years,” said Morgan Vasseur, Camp TKT events coordinator and program assistant. “The camp’s year-round programs for local families impacted by childhood cancer would not have been possible without the amazing efforts of the Knights of Colombus and the incredible community surrounding Super Bingo. Each year this event takes tremendous preparation culminating in one spectacular day of bingo bringing people together to support our campers.”

Vasseur continued, “Camp Ta-Kum-Ta provides challenging, extraordinary experiences in a safe and loving environment for children who have or have had cancer and their families. Camp TKT exists for Vermont and Northern New York children (including other out-of-state children who are treated in Vermont), at no cost to their families … and serves an average of 90 families a year.”

The council’s next Super Bingo is scheduled for April 21, 2024, at the Doubletree in South Burlington.

For more information about Camp Ta-Kum-Ta visit takumta.org.

For more information about the South Burlington Knights of Columbus Council #7535 contact sbknights7525@gmail.com.

—Mary Morrell

Editor’s note: In addition, a $6,319.10 grant was awarded from the Knights of Columbus Catholic Ministries Donor Advised Fund in the Vermont Catholic Community Foundation to support two projects. Delegates from several councils met to review proposals from the diocese and awarded $3,000 to support the Totus Tuus high school meals last summer at 12 parishes that hosted five high school Totus Tuus nights for teens, impacting 120-180 young people throughout the Diocese of Burlington. Another $4,068, which included additional donations from members of the Knights of Columbus, funded a confirmation video project that used local pastors and lay leaders to create age-appropriate videos due to the age change in the Sacrament of Confirmation.

—Originally published in the Winter 2023 issue of Vermont Catholic magazine.