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Bringing hope to sick children at Camp Sunshine
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When the word ‘camp’ comes to mind, one conjures up images of kids frolicking at a lake, engaging in endless arts & crafts activities, playing sports and making long-lasting friendships. At Camp Sunshine, based in Casco, Maine, those visuals are plentiful except there is one main difference – the kids at this camp are fighting life-threatening illnesses.
Founded in 1984, Camp Sunshine is a year-round retreat that provides sick kids and their families with the chance to bring joy, hope, support and a sense of normalcy to their lives which are otherwise consumed with hospital stays and doctors visits. What’s most amazing about this camp is it is completely free of charge to all families. Since its inception, Camp Sunshine has brought rays of hope and joy to more than 30,000 individuals, and is happy to be celebrating its 25th year.
I was inspired by this organization, not only by the brave children who attend the camp, but by the thousands of people who selflessly volunteer their time and energy all year to make it a place that brings comfort to so many. I recently had the opportunity to find out more about Camp Sunshine from Matt Hoildal, Executive Director.
What is the mission of Camp Sunshine?
Camp Sunshine is a year-round retreat, which provides respite, support, joy and hope to children with life-threatening illnesses and their immediate families through various stages of a child’s illness. The program is free of charge to all families, and includes 24-hour onsite medical and psychosocial support.
Bereavement groups are also offered for families who have lost a child to an illness.
Is the entire camp funded through donations?
Yes. Funders include individuals, corporations, foundations, civic groups, schools, churches, fundraisers and special events.
What kinds of activities do the kids enjoy while there?
Camp Sunshine offers a wide range of activities for the kids and their families to enjoy. We have a climbing wall, high/low ropes course, archery range, soccer field, 18-hole mini-golf course, 9-hole Frisbee golf course, volleyball court, playgrounds, shuffleboard, waterfront for swimming and boating, indoor pool, skiing at Shawnee Peak in the winter, ice-skating, snowshoeing, sledding, just to name a few activities! We also have extensive indoor activities as well like swimming, arts and crafts, game rooms, computer center, etc.
What does this kind of camp do for the children? How are they impacted by being there?
Camp Sunshine is for the entire family and not just the sick child. We offer these families recreation and relaxation in a pristine lakeside environment. We also offer support groups for families and other activities to help them connect with others they can identify with.
At home, these kids and their families are all-consumed with their illnesses. By being at the camp, they finally have an opportunity to let go of some of that weight, have fun and just be kids which is what they so desperately need and deserve. And also having an opportunity to meet other kids in similar situations makes them feel like they’re part of a much larger and stronger support system than they have at home. All these kids want is to lead a normal life and Camp Sunshine gives them that, even if it’s for a short period of time.
I'm sure there are so many amazing stories that come out of the camp on a regular basis, any in particular you can share?
The Toth family story is one that comes to mind. When Jennifer Toth was discovered to have a cancerous mass on her liver at the age of 3, the whole family was turned upside down. She underwent intensive chemotherapy and surgery to remove the mass and part of her liver. A week after her diagnosis, the entire family visited Camp Sunshine for the first time and it had a life-altering effect. Luckily, Jennifer survived this ordeal and is now a happy and healthy 16-year old. The experience and the lasting effects of Camp Sunshine are evidenced by the fact that the entire family has come back to volunteer every year since their first visit.
The Toth family has even sponsored events in their state of Virginia to raise money for Camp Sunshine, including local polar dips where participants had to dive into icy waters of Lake Anne. In total, the family has raised almost $25,000 to send kids and families in the D.C. area to Camp Sunshine.
This is an inspiring story about an inspiring family and there are so many others like them.
What can people do to get involved with Camp Sunshine?
Anyone looking to get involved can volunteer at Camp Sunshine. We typically need approximately 70-80 volunteers for each week-long session. In 2009, we hope to offer 25 sessions. Volunteer roles range from helping out in the kitchen, to working with kids in the tot lot or helping out down at the waterfront. There are a multitude of other volunteer positions available.
And for those who don’t live in the area, we also welcome any and all donations. It is through the support of these generous donors that we have been able to keep the camp up and running for 25 years.
For more information on Camp Sunshine, please visit the organization’s Web site at www.campsunshine.org where you can also make a donation to help support this important cause.
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