Camp Magic

In my early 20s my friends used to poke fun that most of my stories started with "This one time at summer camp," in part a nod to American Pie but more the ridiculous joy that my summer camp memories brought me.  I spent 7 whole or partial summers as a camp counselor (with an unaffiliated camp organization) to help pay forward the positive, empowering, life altering experience that summer camp was for me as a teenager.

Counselors talk about "Camp Magic" as both a whimsical feeling and an experience of controlled chaos. Camp is where the most ridiculous scenarios come true with seeming spontaneity. Whether it be pancakes for dinner or unraveling a Scooby Doo who-done-it mystery, around every corner is a surprise that is thoughtfully orchestrated and creates an air of camp magic. Everything is punctuated by enthusiasm and creativity without crossing into genuine chaos. Dinner may erupt into a full choreographed and costumed musical production. A nature walk to the swamp may turn into mud gushing like Swamp Thing. Canoeing the lake may become a winner-takes-all game of battle boats. Face painting may lead to Capture the Flag and full-on sword fern camouflage. The pouring rain can be a great time to slip'n'slide. Adventures and misadventures alike are character building, foster teamwork, creativity, empowerment, build self-esteem and most of all, sheer joy.
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Summer camp is a place where a kid gets to be a kid, where they can forget about all the troubles that wait for them in the muggle world. Often nobody "knows" the camper's outside life and the child is able to blossom into who-they-really-are, rather than who society tells them they are or ought to be. Nobody knows about that embarrassing time at school that "......." happened or that mean nickname that s/he is relentlessly called on the playground. Each child arrives with a blank slate to a crew of camp counselors who believe and show that child that s/he is the absolute coolest. Kids have more stress in their lives than we give them credit for. They carry the weight of their parents' stress as well as their own, and we live in a world that can be cruel at times.  Most kids who come to camp are able to leave these troubles behind for the most part.

The kids who come to Camp Korey share the growing pains of other kids but are also facing battles that other kids (and even adults) often just can't understand or fully appreciate. These kids live lives that are often dictated by doctor appointments, awkward medical equipment, physical limitations and self-doubt (or doubt imposed by others) about abilities, uncomfortable side-effects of medication, and their families' daunting medical bills. Kids with serious medical issues can feel like they are a burden to their families or peers. Middle school is already characterized by painful self-consciousness, and society has a way of noticing people who are different in a way that reminds a person that they are indeed "different" and it is not kind. Kids with life altering medical conditions cannot hide their wheelchair or oxygen tank or head bald from chemo. At Camp Korey every child has the same life altering affliction. They don't have to spend their time educating people on their condition. They are not seen as defined by their diagnosis. They are just like everyone else and starting their week of magic with a clean slate with camp counselors who believe and show them that they are the absolute coolest. They know that they are safe in a medically supportive environment so they can relax, have fun just being kids, and not feel "different."

I believe with my whole heart that Camp Korey will provide these young people with a strength that will carry them not only into the school year and their awkward teenage years but through-out their entire lives. This is why I am attempting the most difficult, scary & strenuous task of my life, climbing Mt. Rainier, to give this amazing life transforming gift to kids who truly deserve a vacation from their problems.

Please consider donating to Sally's Camp Korey Fundraising page. Sally has committed to raising $5,000 of LOVE before August 2014.