Paper-chain pledges
Elise Tolley staples a few paper strips to the end of one column during the Pledge to Remember fundraiser.
POLSON - Paper chains aren't just for Christmas time.
Young campers created a paper-chain flag as part of a fundraising effort for their summer camp last Saturday and Monday outside of Walmart.
Girls from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Polson sold strips of red, white and blue paper in honor of fallen soldiers. White stars were also for sale. On each strip and star, the name of one of the 36 fallen Montana soldiers was written or the buyer was able to provide their own soldier.
"We wanted to do something in honor of the soldiers who have given their lives," Camp Director Chere Tolley said.
When the flag is completed, it will hang in the post office during the month of June.
The campers are raising money for their annual camping trip in July to the Foust Farms in Charlo. Girls from different chapters of the church in the Northwestern part of Montana make the trek, totaling about 300 campers.
Activities include fire certification, hiking, constellation lessons and cooking over a fire. At night, a bonfire provides entertainment with singing.
"It's for the girls to learn to enjoy the outdoors," Tolley said.
With that many girls in small proximity, the one thing Tolley makes sure she packs is ear plugs.
"Trying to get them to go to bed, that's a challenge," Tolley said. "I just put those in and go to sleep."
The group fundraising is just part of the challenge. Each camper has to come up with the funds for half of her trip. This teaches each a responsibility when it comes to money.
"We want them to learn a certain work ethic," Tolley said.
The rainy weather on Memorial Day didn't spoil the fun as enough funds were raised by 2 p.m., a full four hours ahead of their ending time.