CHAMP Camp 2016

July 28, 2016 By

Our campers and counselors had an exciting week this year. 2016 is one for the books. Our theme this year was a circus/carnival theme “Come one… Come all!”

As our campers arrived at camp, they were each individually greeted with enthusiastic cheers and welcoming hugs!  For our first evening activity at camp, the Bongo Boy Music School provided each camper with their own drum and all of the campers and counselors formed a big drum circle.  The leaders led everyone with drumming patterns that were copied by the campers.  Everyone was encouraged to be enthusiastic with their drums and make music!

Daytime activities at camp include typical summer camp experiences!  Each day, every camper participated in two activities a day – whether it was zip-lining, creative arts, swimming, fishing, boat riding, or Carnivalalpine tower climbing!  Campers got to experience activities they would have not been able to experience otherwise.

On our second evening at camp, as part of our circus theme, we held a carnival for our campers and counselors. We had a clown, face painter, caricature artist, photo booth and fun games for everyone!  Johnson’s BBQ Shack food truck provided an amazing dinner at the carnival, and Gigi’s Cupcake food truck provided yummy dessert!!  Everyone enjoyed their night!

The following evening, the campers and counselors got all dressed up to attend the CHAMP Camp “Come one… Come all!” dance. Most of the campers and counselors went along with the theme and went all out in circus clothing. We brought in make up artists for the girls at camp, and had them smiling, ready to show off at the dance.

Camper turned clownThe last evening at camp each year is a very special evening… it is our closing ceremony complete with awards for each of the campers, and a graduation ceremony for campers who have reached the age of 18.  This year, we had one graduating camper…. Thomas.  We have watched Thomas expand his horizons over the past four summers and try a new activity each summer.  Though we are sad that this was his last summer of CHAMP Camp, we are excited that he will be attending college this fall.  It was a night full of love and laughter -and some tears. Maddie and Gracie gave wonderful speeches about overcoming their fears and being confident in who they are. Their speech to the entire camp validated, once again, why camp is a meaningful place to be -everyone here is part of the forever CHAMP Camp family.

CHAMP Camp would not be possible without the generosity of all our donors and sponsors, and all of our camp counselors comprised of nurses, physicians, respiratory therapists, child life specialists, OTs, PTs,  students, teachers, and so many others involved in camp. Thank YOU for making this a wonderful year for our campers. And thank you to our campers for making all the hard work worth it, by being able to make this a great week for you!

Filed Under: