The following testimonials were submitted by camps supported by KOA Care Camps:

 

 

Submitted by a physician volunteer:

“Children with cancer suffer an incredible assault on their self-esteem due to the disease and its treatment. At the same time, they may feel isolated from their friends and ‘different’ from other kids because cancer has struck them. Camp provides a place where they can take part in  ‘normal’ activities in a supportive environment that gives them back that self-esteem. By sharing this experience with other kids and even some counselors who are facing or have faced the same threat of cancer and it's impact, they realize that they are not alone and that there are others like them with whom they can share their experiences, fears and pain without being embarrassed or uncomfortable in doing so. It is the effect of these wonderful experiences that happen naturally at Camp that often leads to parents remarking to us that their child was a ‘different’ person when they came back from Camp.”

Camp Special Love

"When she came home from Fantastic Winter Weekend, she was again, a happy excited kid, with a happy outlook! I am grateful for the opportunity the kids have to share with one another, and that she has the opportunity to be a part.  Each and every Special Love event is an important event in her life."

Camp Quality

"When I was nine years old I was diagnosed with a rare form of pediatric liver cancer. Over a period of eight months I was given intense treatments of chemotherapy, and I went through an eleven hour surgery in which my surgeon removed 83% of my liver and a softball sized tumor. After being in remission for a year I was told about a local camp for cancer patients where you could just get away, be yourself, and spend time with other kids that had been in the same situation. My first year at Camp Quality of Greater Kansas City was in 2002, I was eleven. I had so much fun during that week that I swore I would come back every year that I possibly could! I met so many people just like me, and I made so many friends. There were so many activities and fun things to do, it was like an endless carnival! I returned to Camp as a camper for six more years after that. Then when I turned eighteen I kept my promise and returned to camp again, but this time I traded places and became a Companion. I had the chance to see the Camp from a brand new point of view. I realized the work thats put in by all the staff to make sure that all the campers have a wonderful time all week long. I realized what an amazing and important thing CQGKC is doing, and has been doing for years now. There is no way I could ever leave the Camp now. I've become family. Everyone who has ever been a part of it, has become family!"

 

 

Camp Hope

"To volunteer at Camp Hope is to witness the power of positive thinking in action. While medical advances continually show the road to a cure, the energy and commitment for 'those last few miles home' are paved through the hearts and courage of the Camp Hope campers."

"Camp Hope rocks because you'll make friends that last a lifetime! I still have friends from camp that I met over 19 years ago. We still send each other emails and talk on the phone throughout the year. The week at camp is jam-packed with fun from the moment the campers arrive! I start looking forward to the next camp the week after the current one ends. Well, maybe there's a day or two buffer, but I still get excited soon after it's over!"

"This was my first year at Camp Hope and I have to say that it is one of the most magical places I have been. The combination of the wonderful kids, the energetic and caring staff, and the support of the entire community all make the camp the special place that it is. Thanks to the incredible line up of activities and the positive energy of the staff and volunteers, camp is fun and upbeat, from the singing at the breakfast table to the campers' late-night chats and giggles with their bunk-mates. I am already looking forward to next year!"

Camp Okizu

“…all I know is that (Camp) has given me a certain confidence that is visible. I walk different, I am a lot more social… I am at peace at camp, I’m not worried about anything, and I’m not scared of anything… To see what camp does, look at the children’s faces…you don’t see the scars, you don’t see the pain… you see complete contentment…”

“The thing I liked best at camp was getting dropped off by my dad and seeing all of the counselors run up to greet you and then you felt right at home.”

Sky High Hope Camp

"the best thing about having cancer is going to Sky High Hope Camp..."

Camp Hobe'

"The most amazing kids in the world are here and I get to feel like one of them. That’s really special to me!"

Special Love

"One of my favorite memories is of our daughter getting off the bus...she was smiling so big and her teeth were purple from all the grape juice, her hair was a mess and 90% of her clothes were still pack unused in her suitcase.  What a wonderful time!"

One Step At A Time

"Throughout my life - since I was diagnosed with a brain tumor at 23 months - I've had numerous surgeries, treatments, therapies and hospital stays.  I can't help but seem different just because of what I've been through.  But there's one place I feel like any other kid.  One Step At A Time Camp lets kids with cancer escape it all.  It's a place where we can all just be ourselves.  And when we're at camp, we know we're not alone."

Camp Goodtimes East

"Making new friends, trying activities I normally would not be able to do, being a LIT (leader-in-training) this year has helped me mature and be more responsible."  "Meeting new friends and having a fun and stress-free week!" 

Camp Sunshine, Maine

"Thank you for a great week at Camp Sunshine! My favorite thing was playing with toys in the 'Tot Lot.'"  "Thank you! My favorite part of camp was the masquerade ball.  I had a great time."

Camp Rap-A-Hope, Alabama

"Thank you for everything you've done. I had such a great time and can't wait to go back next year!!! Thank you so much for helping me out my first year here."

Camp Goodtimes, Spokane, Washington

"To be with other kids that have been through the same thing my daughter has and to learn, get different perspectives, mature and be responsible."  "Building new relationships and creating life-long memories."  "Meeting new friends and having a fun and stress-free week."  "Going through this has opened our eyes.  Good things can come from bad experiences."  "It showed my son that he can be out on his own and be ok - that other people other than his own family are there for him."  "Our cabin had gummy bear fights!!!!"  "I love that I was able to climb to the top of the tower twice!"

Arizona Camp Sunrise

"My son has gained so very much from the camps:  social skills, self-esteems, an adventurous spirit."  "Did not want to come home - had a great time! A little tired, but that is a sign of a great experience!"  "Meeting other campers who are techno-savvy, who love the outdoors, who like different music and games.  My son especially has broadened his experience with camping and being part of a unified group.  The classes have taught him how to make musical instruments and how to hike safely and ride horses..."

Camp Ukandu, Portland, Oregon

"One of my best memories is our last campfire."  "The challenge course-that I was in control of what I was doing-my life in my hands was the best ever."  "I got a standing ovation when I performed my song at the last campfire."  "The best thing for me and I will always remember was when at the campfire they handed out candles and said that this light was the hope that will burn inside of you always.  (Will always be within you). That reminded me that I have hope they will find a cure for cancer so my sister's tumor will go away.  And for everyone to not be sad or sick and in pain."

 

Special Days Camp, Portage Michigan

"Camp is the greatest! All the memories will stay with me forever."
"I am just sooo happy when I come to camp." 
"Everyone here is going through the same thing and it is incredibly comforting to know there are people who feel the same as you."

Camp Rainbow, Augusta, Georgia

Camp Rainbow 2001 was awesome! We had great weather and tons of fun. The numbers of campers came up and we had a staff that rocked! Camp Rainbow is lucky to have supporters like KOA Care Camps.  We got to do some extra special things this year like have scuba divers coming to camp to teach scuba in our Olympic size pool.  We also took an off-site trip to Six Flags.  The entire camp got to go and it has been the talk around here still.  The kids really enjoyed it.  Some have never been and may not ever have the opportunity again.  I have families stop me all of the time to share how their child talks about camp all year.  What is even more special is to hear from families who have lost their child to cancer say that Camp Rainbow is one week that really made a difference in their life.

 

"I would like to take a minute to thank you for all that you do. My nine year old son Robert has attended your camp for the last three years and it has been a life-changing experience for him. He has been so very blessed to have been able to join you and the campers every summer."

Camper Robert's Mom

"I just wanted to personally thank everyone for George being able to attend Camp Qualityagain this year. He told us that he had a wonderful time. He also told us about some of the things he had the opportunity to do while at camp. I do know that he seemed to be much better about leaving us for camp. And THANK YOU to Camp Quality's companions, Dr. Appel, and the nurses that got up so early to make sure George has his 5am meds and the staff for all of their efforts to make this a wonderful week for these children and giving them the chance to be kids"

Camper Georges Mom

"What a wonderful organization Camp Quality is and what an incredible experience it has been for Christina.  She has such an amazing sense of "belonging" with all of the other campers (both patients and companions!)"

Camper Christina’s Mom

"Please accept my whole family's deep appreciation for giving my daughter Sarah an opportunity to attend your camp at the end of June. She always mentions this and tells us about the unforgettable days! For all of this and the help received from her great companion, Kristen, our feeling is beyond words."

Camper Sarah’s Daddy

I just wanted to thank you for the wonderful time that Claire had at Camp Quality at the end of June.  Not a day goes by where she doesn’t talk about something that happened there or someone she met there, and she is already talking about what she’ll do there next year!  I still can’t believe that a 6 year old went off so easily – your selection of Melissa as a companion was ideal! 

Doris, mother of Camper Claire

I want to begin by thanking you for picking such a great companion for Christopher. Kyle Lennon was a perfect match for Christopher's personality.  He talked about him all the way home.
Thank you to you and everyone involved in Camp Quality for giving him such wonderful memories.

Lina, Mother of camper Chris A.

Although some time has passed since camp, I wanted to take time to sincerely thank you for giving Nicole the opportunity to return to camp this year. This year, Nicole was no longer on treatment and feeling better than last year. She took advantage of more things this year (namely the Zip Line) and she really had a fabulous time!! She met her new companion and we kept in touch with her ever since. What a wonderful relationship they have formed!
It is so wonderful that you and everyone at Camp Quality give of your time so that children like Nicole have something to look forward to each year. Thank you so much again.

Jennifer, Mother of Camper Nicole

 “My first trip to Camp convinced me that it was a place for growth of all the participants—staff, volunteers and campers. Some patients are eager to go the minute they are invited—others need to be coaxed or even tempted: ‘You get to go swimming and ride horses!’ Some parents are harder to convince than the children. Almost universally, however, the campers return with a new excitement and sense of self-confidence...proud of their achievements, whether it was simply making a new friend, getting to ride a horse, climbing the tower or making a craft for their mother.  The parents often tell me that their child came back from Camp more like the child they knew before the cancer was diagnosed, which makes the parent very happy. ‘Camp’ expresses a respect and acceptance of many different levels of ability and talent, and fosters a climate in which each person can explore his/her own gifts, which sometimes had gone unnoticed or under-developed. All children deserve such experiences, but children who have been robbed of their innocence by the experience of a cancer diagnosis and its treatment perhaps even more so.”

Physician Volunteer