The Simoneau Award is given each year in memory and honor of Dick and Florence Simoneau who served faithfully at Camp Good News for over 10 years. Dick went home to be with the Lord in the winter of 2001, and we will always remember Uncle Dick wearing his cowboy hat while working on the camp property. Since his home going in 2001, the Simoneau Award has been given to 10 couples or groups of people that have demonstrated the same self-sacrificial giving of Uncle Dick and Aunt Florence.
On Thursday, April 5, 2012, the 2011 Simoneau Award was given to a mother-daughter team at Center Point in Concord, NH. Together, Aunt Sarah Lougee and Aunt Elaine Welch have volunteered for over a quarter of a century. Each summer one or, most often, both would come to Camp Good News for a week or two to volunteer in some capacity. Together they have done just about every job at camp – except camp director.
Aunt Sarah has taught Bible lessons, served in the Craft Barn, the Camp Store, the kitchen, worked child care and cleaned dirty laundry.
Aunt Elaine has served as a nurse, Bible teacher, Store helper, Craft Barn helper, office assistant as well as in the kitchen. One of their greatest services to camp comes from their concern to see children come to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. They are prayer warriors for camp as well. Praying hands and a Bible were wood burned into the plaques given to each them to commemorate their years of service. It was a delight to recognize their selfless giving of time, energy, finances and self for so many years in front of Aunt Sarah’s Bible study group. Aunt Elaine shared with us what an honor and privilege it was to be recognized. However, we, the staff of Camp Good News, have been blessed by the faithful service of Aunt Sarah and Aunt Elaine. Aunt Elaine’s children and Aunt Sarah’s grandchildren have been campers as well as served at camp in some capacity over the past few years as well. They hope to have a fourth generation join them one day soon! May God continue to bless their lives with fruitful labor for His kingdom.
