Camp returns this week for children battling cancer
Originally published August 11, 2016
Camp Quality of Illinois is again providing a fun-filled program for children with cancer.
The weeklong program, which started Sunday, is at Camp Manitoqua, 8122 Sauk Trail in Frankfort.
For 22 years, the camp has provided to children suffering with cancer a variety of activities, including arts, crafts, and outdoor play, said Carol Oostman, a public relations coordinator for the program.
This year’s theme is “Dr. Seuss on the Loose.” The fun includes a costume contest, a wacky scavenger hunt and a green egg toss.
The program, which receives volunteer efforts from businesses and organizations, has helped many children throughout the years.
Each camper is paired with a counselor for companionship. Participants 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.
Youngsters who attended Camp Quality often return to help out with the program after they turn 18.
For example, Peter Rodriguez, of Orland Park, now helps with the program. He was a camper from age 8 to 15.
Diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in 1999 at the age of 4; the 2014 Carl Sandburg graduate has been cancer free since 2001. This is his first year serving as a companion to a youngster.
When asked why he wanted to return, Rodriguez said, “I would like to give a camper the experience I had; and I want to give back.”
Rodriguez said there was never a boring moment when he attended the program. He said some campers were like family members. Some campers are still his friends. One friend, Emily Lewis, shared helicopter rides and other adventures during camp.
“Once I got to camp, I didn’t feel like I was around sick kids,” Rodriguez said. “Definitely Camp has been a second home. I grew up with the kids with cancer. Cancer is not part of me, but it is who I am. Cancer doesn’t have to be something unbeatable. I overcame it. I beat it. I would like to share my experiences with other campers.”
Rodriguez is now a pre-med student at University of Illinois Chicago. His dream is to end cancer.
Camp program director Mary Lockton said she likes being involved with the camp.
“I love that we are able to offer all we do to campers and their families throughout the year, completely free of charge,” Lockton said. “We are blessed to have the support of the surrounding communities and our volunteers and donors who give so much of their time, talents, and treasures to our kids. Like Peter said, Camp Quality feels like a second family. I can’t imagine my life without all the wonderful people Camp Quality has brought into it.”
To donate to Camp Quality Illinois; send donations to: P.O. Box 641, Lansing, IL 60438.
For more information, call (708) 895-8311 or visit the group’s website at: www.campqualityusa.org/il