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 Among
the many weekly activities that take place at Royal Harbor, there are
some that benefit not only the members themselves, but others as well...
One of these activities is the Royal Harbor Bear Club, a group of
residents who meet weekly to make teddy bears and afghans for children
at the nearby Boggy Creek Camp. The camp was fashioned after the
Hole-in-the-Wall Gang Camp in Connecticut, which was founded by Paul
Newman and Norman Schwarzkopf. Boggy Creek is located on 232 wooded
acres housing 44 cracker-style buildings, a dining hall, medical center,
and recreation centers. The camp helps critically ill children cope with
the challenges they face by bringing them together in a variety of
activities.
 The
first meeting of the Bear Club was in May 2002, when Harbor resident
Gwen Monnius proposed the idea to other residents. What began as a
12-member group has grown to about 40 members. With Pat Booth as
Chairperson, and Judy Fornnarino as Vice-Chairperson, members enjoy each
other's company while making teddy bears or crocheting afghans. Marilyn
Smailes is the club's Historian, Judith Baugher, Treasurer, and Carol
McClintock, Secretary. As of August, the club has donated over 700
bears, 350 afghans, and three quilts to Boggy Creek.
Since there are no dues, the club sponsors several activities to raise
funds for purchasing materials. The club sponsored the last New Year's
Eve party and plans on doing the same this year.
 On
occasion, they hold the "Sundae for Sunday" activity, where residents
make ice cream sundaes on a given Sunday.
"We all enjoy doing something for someone else besides just ourselves,"
said Judith. Many of the club's members are active in other service
groups in Royal Harbor.
Royal Harbor's Bear Club is just one of the many activities that take
place in all of the Pringle communities. Residents have the opportunity
to exhibit their skills in many ways to benefit others who are in need.
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