The “Special Camps Easter Party” was held at the DuPage County Fairgrounds on 4/13/25.
This event was run by Colleen McDonald,
and her brother (and our Brother Sir Knight) Kevin Callahan.
Note: this was *not* a Knights of Columbus event. It was a Special Camps event, with support from a few Knights councils.
Colleen and Kevin gathered the volunteers into a circle for Prayer,
and event assignments.
The Guests were treated to a great lunch by District Deputy Bruce Kleckler. Joliet Chapter Webmaster Robert Pellegrini took a lot of photos.
The DuPage County Fairgrounds Meeting room was well decorated.
Volunteers were ready to help with Wood Working Skills.
The special carpenters received some great training.
The Arts and Crafts volunteer team were ready for “Artists”.
The Special Artists were very talented.
Many guests and their families came to the Easter Party.
The Lunch Room filled up quickly.
Our first group were ready for a Hayride.
Our Guests and their families were brought out to an area for the “Easter Egg Hunt“.
Our first group of Guests and their families soon filled their bags with Easter Eggs.
A very talented team of volunteers then restocked the Easter Eggs.
On the way back to the petting zoo area on the hayride; I met a “Super Special” young lady and her mother who were from “Our Lady of Mercy“, the goats did not want to pose for a photo for your Joliet Chapter Webmaster.
However, our new Joliet Chapter Photographer; “Ronald Miranda” had much better luck getting the goat,
and the chicken to pose for pictures.
Back inside the volunteers had a “Toss a Bunny into a Bucket“; game.
This event’s lunch was made possible by some great Knights; from Father McGivney Council #8002 in Winfield, who were awesome cooks.
and of course, their Supervisor.
The greatest saying of the day was “We are “SPECIAL” in God’s Eyes“!!
Of course an Easter Party would not be a Party without the “Easter Bunny“!
District Deputy Bruce Kleckler posed inside with Knights from West Chicago Council #1555.
and St. Irene Council # 6710.
One of my favorite events was the live entertainment which included Singing, Dancing and Jokes.
The very talented Master of Ceremonies (MC) kept the entertainment going.
The audience really enjoyed the Entertainment.
Bishop Blanchette Assembly #3044 Captain Bruce Kleckler and Faithful Navigator Robert Pellegrini were very proud of “All the Knights and Special Camps Volunteers that made this “Special” Event Possible”.
More information on “Special Camps” and their future events can be fount at their webpage: