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Normal Camp for Special Campers
All
children are special, but, when cancer strikes a child, that child and
his or her family have very special needs. The first thing a child with
cancer loses is the natural joy and optimism of childhood. At Camp
Ronald McDonald for Good Times, their job is to help restore some of
that magic. Their program, one of the oldest and largest in the country,
offers a full range of activities at both Summer and Winter Camps,
adventurous trips for teens and young adults, leadership development
programs, and family camps in both English and Spanish for families with
a cancer patient under the age of 7.
A cancer diagnosis
brings with it a terrifying interruption of childhood and the
experiences which lead to normal child development. Therefore, all of
the programming is designed to help their campers overcome the physical,
mental and emotional barriers posed by cancer, and develop the
self-confidence and social skills which they will need, not just to
survive, but to thrive. Campers serve as role models for one another and
begin to see themselves, often for the first time, not as victims, but
as strong and capable leaders.
Camp Ronald
McDonald for Good Times offers activities of a “normal” camp, adapted to
meet the special needs of the campers. Programs include all of the
traditional elements of a camp; swimming, horseback riding, hiking,
backpacking and sports which can be adapted, as needed, to ensure that
each person is able to participate, regardless of his or her level of
challenge. Campers can express their creativity with arts, crafts,
pottery, music, dancing, dramatics, computers and radio broadcasting.
They are given the opportunity to challenge themselves and gain valuable
communication skills at the adventure courage course and 50 ft. climbing
tower. Programs are intentionally designed to promote self-esteem,
confidence, friendships and teamwork in a camp environment that is
medically supervised and filled with support, understanding, fun and
laughter. Developing these skills can help them successfully meet the
challenges of treatment, school, work and family.
Nothing can
compensate for the anguish that childhood cancer inflicts, but Camp
Ronald McDonald for Good Times, with the dreams it inspires, comes
close. Campers find friends and counselors who understand their special
experiences, concerns and dreams. They experience a sense of freedom and
possibility of the great outdoors, and grow stronger and healthier each
day.
Every
child deserves the chance to experience this type of adventure! Just ask
the kids!!! |
