Frankfort camp offers fun to kids with cancer

Originally published September 10, 2015

Camp Quality Illinois again provided a fun-filled experience for children with cancer. The program, which has been in operation since 1995, ran its 21st camp Aug. 2 to 8 at Camp Manitoqua, 8122 Sauk Trail, Frankfort.

Public relations coordinator Carol Oostman provided information about the camp. Oostman began her association with the camp 20 years ago, when she first read about the camp in a newspaper. She now relies on the newspaper to get the word out about the camp, as advertising budgets for not-for-profit organizations are non-existent.

Camp Quality provides a weeklong marathon of arts, crafts, activities, adventures, outdoor play and just plain fun for kids with cancer. Local businesses and organizations volunteer their time and activities for the campers — from motorcycle rides to a visit from the South Suburban Emergency Response Team.

Safety for the campers is provided, and Camp Quality has pediatric oncology doctors and nurses on-site and on-call 24/7. Campers are paired with a companion (think camp counselor) to supply care and companionship. Campers and companions are from Chicago, surrounding suburbs and Northwest Indiana. Children ages 5 to 17 with a cancer diagnosis may apply to attend camp at no charge.

“We can accommodate 84 children; each year we say we are at maximum, and, again this year, we have a full house,” Oostman said.

The theme this year, “Under the Big Top,” was a circus theme. The camp featured a clown costume contest and carnival games. A camel was giving rides to willing campers, companions and staff when I visited.

Companion coordinator Beverly Bonnema-Ream gave me a tour of the camp. The busy kids were running between activities, playing GaGa ball (a modified version of dodge ball) and making crafts in the air-conditioned craft room.

On our walk, we met Orland Junior High student Shea Jones and her companion, Evergreen Park resident Jolyne Piet. Last year, we spoke with Shea, now 13, who has attended the camp for seven years. She was diagnosed with ALL (acute lymphoblastic leukemia) when she was 5 and today is five years treatment free. Attending again this year, Shea was looking forward to the Adventure Zone, which is a series of ropes up in the trees, which one must navigate. She was just coming from riding a camel, and explained, “The higher on the hump you ride, the bumpier it is!”

Bonnema-Ream paused to greet another counselor, Phoebe Velazquez, who once was a camper, and Bonnema-Ream was her counselor. Velazquez and her camper, Kathryn DeJong, were just headed to the craft room.

Another camper we were able to visit with was Cole Schlusemann (or, as he likes to be called, “Cole Slaw”), 15, of Homer Glen, a Lockport High School student. He has attended camp for seven years, and things have changed during that time. His favorite things to do now are the Adventure Zone and playing a “full” game of Monopoly, which can last for hours. In the past, he enjoyed archery, hatchet throwing and a tepee in which campers could sleep.

Cole’s companion, Mike Rossetto of Frankfort, is a Notre Dame student. He previously was a lifeguard at the camp and decided to volunteer for Camp Quality this year.

Hosting Camp Quality takes volunteers, donations and fundraisers. Staff is all volunteer, and funding or donations are always appreciated. Information regarding attending camp or donating online is available at http://www.campqualityusa.org/il. Click “Donate” and designate Camp Quality Illinois; or call (708) 895-8311; extension 1 to attend; extension 4 or 7 to donate.

There are some upcoming fundraising opportunities:

Tag Days will be hosted Sept. 11 and 12 in Frankfort, so look for them around town.

Hometown Hoedown will be from 6 to 11 p.m. Sept. 17 at CD&ME, 23320 LaGrange Road, Frankfort. This event is open to the public and raises funds for cancer organizations. Camp Quality has been a big beneficiary. This is a fun night of music, dancing, food and raffles.

There are other upcoming activities as well, according to Oostman.

“Camp Quality is not just one week,” she said. “It’s a support system for families, with activities planned throughout the year. This year, we are planning a field trip on Sept. 19 to Cosley Zoo, Wheaton, for campers and their families. On Nov. 27, we will host a reunion at Gaelic Park, Oak Forest, for campers and their families.”

A reunion is especially poignant, as Oostman points out. “Earlier this year, we lost (to cancer) two former female campers; and, sadly, in July, one of our previous male campers lost his battle.”

Camp Quality’s motto is “Letting kids with cancer be kids again.”

Save the date

From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 26, an open house will be held by the Orland Fire Protection District at its training facility, 10728 163rd Place. Demonstrations of a side-by-side burn, helicopter (weather permitting), car extrication and fire response will be presented. There will also be a fashion show. Betsy Dine, public education coordinator, explained that OFPD personnel will be modeling their dive, cart, hazmat and Class “A” and “B” gear for attendees. Visit www.orlandfire.org or call (708) 349-0074 for more information.