Camp Quality 2014
Originally published August 3, 2014 (Submission copy)
Camp Quality Illinois will hold its 20th summer camp for children with cancer from August 3 to 9 at Camp Manitoqua in Frankfort, with 84 children ages 5-17 expected to attend.
Carol Oostman the public relations coordinator for Camp Quality, said the children can participate in activities “similar to any other summer camp. Campers make crafts, swim, take inflatable boats on the pond, take motorcycle rides and more. The difference is that Camp Quality has pediatric oncology doctors and nurses on site and on call 24/7.”
At Camp Quality, each child is paired with a companion to supply care and companionship. Oostman said that the theme this summer’s camp is “20 years
of Camp Quality Super Heroes”, referring to the campers as they bravely battle cancer.
Kathleen (Katie) Tayor, a 2011 Sandburg Graduate and Illinois State University student, majoring in elementary education, is serving as companion for an 8-year-old at the upcoming camp. Taylor has worked previously at the Orland Park Buddies Camp, a summer camp for kids in the first through third grades.
She found out about Camp Quality when she looked at her calendar, and discovered she would miss the Buddies camp this year. She saw a magazine article describing Camp Quality (which has locations across the US), found one was held annually at Camp Manitoqua and applied to be a companion.
Taylor said she’s excited about helping out at Camp Quality and had a nice telephone conversation with her camper and the family in a “get to know you” meeting.
As one of only a few new people this year, Taylor went through training on what to expect physically and emotionally with the children of varying ages who have cancer. The process included a discussion of the skill set that she has and the age group with which she would be most comfortable.
Meghan Wise, 11, of Orland Park is a High Point School student who has attended Camp Quality for six years, since she was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. She is now in full remission, and considered cured.
Meghan’s mom, Susan Wise, said that the relationships that her daughter developed with the companions at the camp have been a big part of the successful fight against the disease. ”
“When you are sick, and first diagnosed, you lose your hair and may feel different, Wise said. “This camp puts kids with cancer around other children going through the same thing, so this is a place where kids with cancer can be themselves, away from the clinics, shots, and their other obligations.”
Megan said her favorite things to do at the camp are “tree climbing, swimming, arts and crafts.” She said one of her prior companions, Courteney was “the most awesomest companion ever” and told of how Courteney and Ben, another companion, got engaged at the final night dance a last year!
Another child who has attended Camp Quality is Shea Jones, a 12-year-old Orland Junior High student, who also has attended the camp for six years. At age five, she also was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) and today is treatment free for four years.
Her mom, Kim Jones, said she’s happy that the camp “allows children who are in remission, treatment free, or cured, as they are great mentors to the other campers who may be at different points in their treatment.”
Shea said at the camp “you are NEVER bored. There is always something to do with seven activities a day, field trips, and motorcycle rides!” Shealso said she enjoys the dance at the end of the camp, which sounds prom, with campers and companions getting dressed up, and volunteers helping the children with make-up, hairstyling, and generally getting ready for the big dance.
Shea and Meghan said they keep in contact with some of the friends they made at the camp and hope to become companions when they are old enough.
For more information on Camp Quality, visit www.campqualityusa.org or call (708) 895-8311.