How did you get involved in Camp CARE?

What year?

Why are you still involved and what it means to you?

How did you get involved in Camp CARE?

I was introduced to Camp CARE in 2007 by Amy Warren who was my child life specialist at the time. My older sister came with me in the first year and my younger brother joined a few years later but I have attended for most years by myself.

What year did you become involved?

This summer marks my 15th year with camp having spent 7 years as a camper, and this summer being 8 years as staff member.

Why are you still involved and what does it mean to you? 

I am still involved with Camp CARE because it is the one place on earth that I feel completely seen. My battle with cancer has been on and off for the last 20 years.  I was diagnosed at 8 years old and just 6 months ago had my second bone marrow transplant to hopefully cure the disease. 

Camp CARE is a place where people have been through similar situations and can empathize, and even joke, about the situation in ways that people who have never experienced it cannot. These people who come back year after year have become family and are people, I know I can call when times get tough. Aside from the people, Camp CARE is just SO FUN!! All the activities that our planning staff put together make the week unforgettable!

I am so thankful for the relationships Camp CARE has fostered and for the memories I have made as both camper and staff, and I hope that as a counselor I am able to help make those memories for my campers!

How did you get involved in Camp CARE?

While I was very inpatient at LCH, Ms. Carrie - who is the executive director for CampCare also worked at Levine Children’s Hospital. When I came off treatment, she caught up with me and my mom at one of my appointments to see if I was going to Camp that year. My mom didn’t know exactly what she was talking about so she sent her all the information and asked me if I wanted to go and what sibling I wanted to take and my mom signed me up. 

What year did you become involved?

I became involved in 2011, I attended every single year as a camper and have been part of camp ever since and this will be my 3rd year as a counselor and I’m super duper excited to spread the love and have TONS of fun at camp this year!

Why are you still involved and what does it mean to you? 

I’m still involved because of the meaning and mission that CAMP Care provides, How Cancer isn’t really the end and this camp truly is the happiest place on earth where everyone is surrounded by so much love and kids that have or had cancer can embrace each other and enjoy each others company and make new friendships during the week.

Camp means more than I can put in words or sing in a song, I’ve grown to be a better person and learn to really care for the person next to me and really be able to interact on a personal level with every single beautiful soul at this camp.