I joined this amazing organization a few years ago after hearing all of our UIDM kiddos talk about how much they love camp, and after attending I totally see why. With the end goal of being a pediatric hematology/oncology nurse, CHC seemed like a perfect fit.
My first year at camp was cancelled due to COVID, but for my official first year, I was on the Programs Team! Programs is responsible for bringing the hype, singing songs on stage as loud as we can, leading camp activities, and being a liasion to Aunt Fifi and Mortimer. That year was family style, so it was so fun to see parents get silly with us and really understand why camp is so magical. Watching all of the connections made between the kids and the parents was so so so special. I loved running all around camp and making sure everyone was having the best time ever. My Programs Director even awarded me the "Nomad Award" because every time he turned around, I was with a new family. I have attended both Family Camps and Day Camp since then, and this past summer I was a counselor for the bigs and the littles (teens and 5-8)! I had so much fun with my cabin of all newbies and my cabin of all returners and getting to be "mom for the week". You wouldn't catch me without sunscreen, bandaids, water, or a speaker! For this upcoming summer, I will be returning back to my littles as a 5-12 counselor and able to help out with any medical needs as I will have my RN license! This age group holds a special place in my heart and I am so excited to come back to my kiddos :)
I love getting to be right there experiencing the magic of camp and the sorrows of what cancer means to these kiddos. Camp is such a family and genuinely feels like a big group hug all week long, and I cannot wait to see what the future brings!
THANK YOU!
Camp Heart Connection is a safe place in which campers can bond with other campers who understand what they're going through, regardless of where they are in their journey. Once a camper comes to camp, they will forever be part of the CHC family. Any donation, no matter the size, makes such a difference. When you donate through my Campership Challenge page, you are helping ensure every camper can experience camp!
