History
 In
1982, two men who had enjoyed the great outdoors of the Pacific Northwest
were helping two boys with disabilities fish, boat, and enjoy the wilderness.
The idea struck; why not find a place to help those who are physically
less fortunate learn about the outdoors and experience nature at its best?
Three years later, the two men joined with others to form a task force
which studied, planned, and established a framework for a recreational
facility for terminally/seriously ill or disabled children and their families.
Their vision was not for a “specialized” camp, but rather
a facility that could be a “setting” for individuals and their
families to enjoy the beauty of the mountains.
In 1986, Prime Time was incorporated to establish and direct a camp facility.
The group obtained an existing unused camp near Clear Lake in the beautiful
Wenatchee National Forest. The camp is approximately seven miles east
of White Pass, Washington, on Highway 12. The Prime Time staff and volunteers
continue to remodel, update, and maintain the facility so that it can
accommodate these special families.
Board Members
Dick Haapala, President
Yakima, Washington
Agricultural Engineer and Project Manager for CH2M HILL, Yakima, WA.
Dick specializes in evaluation, design, and construction management of
municipal, industrial, and agricultural water and wastewater projects
in the Northwest and overseas. Member of the American Society of Agricultural
Engineers. Past Scoutmaster for Boy Scouts of America. U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers with service in U.S. and Vietnam. President of the Maribee
Acres Water Company.
Ed Dirkes, Vice President
Federal Way, Washington
Ed resides in Western Washington and has worked for Clipper Express in
Seattle for the past 20 years. Ed participated as a camper at Prime Time
with his family beginning in 1989. For the past 18 years, he has been
providing volunteer support by way of his musical talents at the campfire
program on Saturday nights.
Diane Gamache, Treasurer
Redmond, Washington
Diane is a Certified Public Accountant who has more than 20 years of
experience in accounting and financial reporting. She has worked in the
public accounting industry, as well as in private industry, for mid-sized
privately owned to large public companies. She currently owns a consulting
practice serving private and public companies providing accounting, financial
reporting, and internal audit services. Diane has served on other not-for-profit
boards ranging from business industry groups to homeowner’s associations
and has also volunteered with local soup kitchens. Diane joined Camp Prime
Time’s board of directors in 2004, providing financial expertise
as well compassion, commitment, and a wide range of experience as a board
member.
David Berthon Sr., Secretary
Yakima, Washington
Dave is a charter member of the Prime Time board of directors. He retired
from his position as a Sales Representative for Van Well Nursery in Yakima.
Dave is Past President of the Naches Recreation Association, affiliated
with the Red Cross Blood Service, regional and national, and past member
of the board of directors, of Northwest Counseling Services (alcohol and
drug treatment agency in Yakima).
Ralph Berthon, Member at Large
Yakima, Washington
Ralph is a charter member of the Prime Time board of directors. He is
currently the Community Corrections Office Supervisor for the Washington
State Department of Corrections in Yakima and has been active in the field
of corrections for over 30 years. Ralph is the immediate Past President
of the Sun Country Four-Wheel Drive Club (three terms as president), an
active volunteer in maintenance for Camp Fife (Boy Scout Camp) and has
served six years as a member of St. Paul's school board, as President
for two years. He is a Rotary member and sits on the Sunrise Rotary board.
Mike Burnam, Board Member
Yakima, Washington
Mike has been a cabin sponsor and dedicated volunteer since 1996. He
is a Yakima native and works locally in the jewelry industry. Mike is
knowledgeable about all aspects of Camp Prime Time and is committed to
engaging new volunteers to join in the Prime Time family.
Gale Benoit, Board Member
Yakima, Washington
Gale is from Yakima, where he was the coordinator of the “New Vision”
economic development fund drive for Yakima County. He retired from Cascade
Truss, which he owned and operated. Previously, he was Business Manager
of J.M. Perry Technical Institute and President of Northwest Wines of
Tacoma. Gale is a member of Yakima Rotary and has served on several civic
leadership committees.
Timothy Morris, Board Member
Yakima, Washington
Tim is the Vice-President/Chief Operating Officer for the Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences. He has provided consulting services and held administrative positions within Fortune 500 hospital facilities while operating a successful consulting company. As a former Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Internal Revenue Service, he has extensive experience examining financial statements, creating effective organizational systems, preparing strategic plans, and ensuring sound organizational development. Tim is currently attending Gonzaga University in pursuit of his Ph.D. After volunteering at Camp Prime Time, Tim joined Prime Time's board of directors in 2007.
Cyndi Furstenau, Board Member
Naches, Washington
Cyndi lives in the Naches community and is self-employed in the area of interior design. She has successfully improved and sold several residential properties. As a consultant, she has been very successful in helping others prepare their houses for the market. She volunteers countless hours at Camp Prime Time bringing an artistic eye, fresh ideas, a strong business sense, and a belief in the future of the organization.
Key Staff
Diane Eilmes, Executive Director
Cowiche, Washington
Diane came to Prime Time in August of 2006. Previously, she served as
Administrative Vice President of Programs for the Greater Yakima Chamber
of Commerce. She is a member of the Yakima Rotary, Zonta Club, and serves as a volunteer
in her church.
Shirley Thietje, Camp Manager
Naches, Washington
Shirley is the Prime Time Camp Manager, which is a seasonal part-time
position. Before assuming the position, she served as a volunteer for
Camp Prime Time for many years.
Camp Prime Time Newsletters
Winter 2008 Newsletter [
PDF 520 KB]
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6 S. 2nd Street, Suite 802
Yakima, Washington 98901
Tel. (509) 248-2854 (Office)
Fax (509) 248-5505
Email primetime@nwinfo.net |
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