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.
Mike Burnam, Vice President
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.
Diane Morris, 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 co-founder of Camp Prime Time and charter member of the Prime Time board of directors. He has over 30 years of experience working with non profits in his community. He has served as president of a four wheel drive recreational club, been an active volunteer in the maintenance of Camp Fife (Boy Scout Camp) for over twenty years, served six years as a member of St. Paul's school board, and two of the six years as President of the Board. He is presently an active member of Yakima Sunrise Rotary and serves on various Sunrise Rotary boards and committees. He has been a member of the Knights of Columbus for over 30 years. Ralph is an accomplished musician, having played for church programs, helped with music at Camp Prime Time, and occasionally for some private functions. Ralph has been employed in the field of corrections for over 39 years and is currently a Field Administrator for the Division of Community Corrections which is part of the Washington State Department of Corrections.
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.
John Mahaney, Board Member
Yakima, Washington
John lives in Yakima with his son, Mark, who has special needs and is a motivating factor regarding John’s involvement with developmental disability organizations at both local and state levels. John became involved with Camp Prime Time first as a camper, later as a weekend volunteer, and subsequently as a cabin sponsor with the Washington State Father’s Network and Parent to Parent. John has served on various boards and committees, both local and state wide, dealing with developmental disabilities issues. Those organizations include Washington State ARC Board of Directors, Washington State Developmental Disabilities Advisory committee, Washington State Father’s Network, appointment by Governor Gregoire to RHC/Community Placement Feasibility Study, ARC of Yakima County, Friends of Yakima Valley School, and many more.
Betty Jo Murray, Board Member
Selah, Washington
Betty Jo is a bank vice-President and a commercial loan officer with 25 years of experience in the banking industry. She also has served as an office manager and controller. Betty Jo is currently a board member for Yakima Specialties, Inc., a sheltered workshop for adults with special needs. She is an active member of Yakima Downtown Rotary and serves on various Rotary committees. Betty Jo is a member of St. John Church in Naches and works on the Parish Council and Finance Committee. She is a chair for United Way Allocations and has served United Way in several capacities. Betty Jo is an active member of the community and has volunteered to use her talents with Camp Prime Time’s auction and fund raising. She joined the Prime Time Board of Directors in 2010.
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. |
| |
Debbie Armstrong,
Office Assistant
Yakima, Washington |
| |
Jackie Hertel,
Bookkeeper
Yakima, Washington |
Camp Prime Time Newsletters
Spring 2010 Newsletter[
10.83 MB]
Spring 2009 Newsletter [ 9.77 MB]
Fall 2008 Newsletter [ 3.06 MB]
Summer 2008 Newsletter [ 2.66 MB]
Spring 2008 Newsletter [ 779 KB]
Winter 2008 Newsletter [ 521 KB]
