By Amy Warren
Program Director
Camp CARE
Picture this. It’s a normal day at summer camp. You can hear the splashes from the pool, countered only by the sounds of laughter. A group of kids are hopping on a van, headed to the lake for some tubing, and the craft cabin is full. There’s a new activity going on in there this afternoon. If you look closely though, you will see a golf cart, transporting a child with a prosthetic leg down to the zipline. And several of the kids are getting extra layers of sunscreen on their heads, because they don’t have any hair. You realize that this isn’t just a regular summer camp.
This is Camp CARE. A summer camp for kids with local kids with cancer. And it’s not just for the patients. They can bring a sibling as well. Because we understand that cancer effects everyone in the family. Not just the patient. It’s a chance to get away from the realities of living with cancer. A chance to share their thoughts with other children like themselves.
Camp CARE {Cancer Ain’t Really the End} was formed in 1985 by a group of health-care professionals. Staffed entirely by volunteers and funded by donations, we provide over 180 campers each year with a normal camping experience.
The philosophy of Camp CARE from the beginning has been that a child with cancer is, first of all, a child. A child, like all children, needs laughter, friends and fresh air. These are the very things Camp CARE can provide. In addition, Camp CARE provides other year activities for the family so that they are able to meet other families who have gone through or are going through similar experiences.
Camp CARE is a non-profit 501C(3) organization, which services both Levine Children’s Hospital and Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital, and relies entirely on donations. It costs nearly $600 to send one child to camp and families are never asked to pay to send their child to camp or participate in any Camp CARE Activity.
So how can the community help? Well, this weekend is a great opportunity. We will be hosting our annual PJ St. Martin & Zack Dobbin 5K Run/Walk.
The Camp CARE 5K Run/Walk is the biggest fundraising event of the year for Camp CARE. All proceeds go toward allowing more than 180 children with cancer and their siblings to come to a camp and enjoy fun activities like swimming, boating, crafts, music, dancing and most importantly, making new friends!
This year we’re expecting a great turnout, as Camp CARE hosts a 5K like no other in the Charlotte area!
How is this one different you ask?
– Like other run/walks our course is still 5 kilometers or 3.1 miles, but we go off the pavement and through the beautiful cross-country course of McAlpine Creek Park.
– We have hot dogs after the race! And they’re free! We suggest trying one with a little chili.
– A live DJ will be rocking tunes all morning.
– Your very own cheering section…or sections!
– Desserts!
– A balloon release to remember our friends and loved ones who couldn’t run with us.
– Dancing tends to break out spontaneously. And often.
– Plenty of venders who have graciously donated supplies, prizes, money and more will be on hand to give out even more goodies.
– There’s a serious rumor going around about a cotton candy machine!
– For the first year ever the CAMPERS have helped design our t-shirt and awards…and they look amazing!
Please join us THIS Saturday, September 7, 2013 at 9 a.m. at McAlpine Creek Park. You won’t just be running a race; you’ll be giving some amazing kids a lifetime of memories.
For more information, click here.
For a look at some of our amazing campers, check out this video:
