Camp Courageous is shocked by the passing of Kenneth Penzkover, 32, of Madison, Wisconsin.  Ken was a long time Program Specialist and Arts and Craft Specialist here at Camp.  All the campers and staff loved Ken, with his eye for creativity and dedication to the campers. Ken graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in 2015 and studied elementary and special education at the University of Iowa. He spent most of his career helping others, working, and forming lifelong bonds with people of all ages with disabilities.  Ken was known for his extraordinary kindness and compassion for others. To be known by Ken was to be loved by him. He always remembered someone’s favorite things and didn’t mind hearing all about them. He knew exactly how to make one smile, with a quick, intelligent humor full of inside jokes tailored just for that special person. He had a special place in each person’s heart and a connection that is irreplaceable.  He had a love of all animals (except bees and wasps); he was a dedicated vegetarian (later vegan) for most of his life, and the favorite human of many childhood pets. In addition to having fostered kittens and volunteered at animal shelters, Ken was father to the happiest, most spoiled cat in existence, Princess Sparkle.  Ken had a strong belief in justice and human rights; he was an unwavering advocate for those who are less fortunate or discriminated against, and a proponent of equality, freedom of speech, and workers’ rights. Ken was a one-of-a-kind person who touched so many lives.  His passing is a huge loss…