Indain Summer Camp For Child Cancer Victims

Indian Summer Camp

Taking a vacation from cancer

by Jenny Ison

Publication Date: July 1997

What are your fondest memories of summer camp? Let me share one of mine with you...Indian Summer Camp. Indian Summer Camp is a unique summer camp--not because of the special activities it provides--but because of its purpose.

Taking a vacation from cancer is what Indian Summer Camp is all about. The camp is exclusively for children with leukemia and other forms of cancer. The camp offers a vacation from cancer...a chance to have fun. Fun is exactly what these campers were experiencing the day Extremz staff visited. Indian Summer Camp gives children's ages' 7-17, who have or have had cancer, the chance to get away and just have a good time. The children can meet others who understand what they are going through, so they realize they are not alone. They make friends, laugh a lot and learn how to be a kid again. American Red Cross certified instructors supervise swimming, fishing and canoeing. The campers also enjoy volleyball, nature hikes, arts, crafts and other camp-related activities.

Indian Summer Camp is a non-profit organization that has been in operation since 1982 and is under the guidance of The Friends of Indian Summer, Inc. Prior to the fall of 1994, the camp was a division of the Kentucky Cancer Program. It is a founding member of the Children's Oncology Camps of America and a member of the National Camping Association. The week-long camp is held the second week of June every year at Camp Burnamwood, owned by the Presbyterian Church in Kentucky. The camp resides in the scenic mountains of the Daniel Boone National Forest in Irvine, Kentucky (approximately one hour south of Lexington). The hillside cabins overlook a breathtaking view of the lake and 800 acres of woodlands.

The camp is run by a cadre of trained volunteers who have been carefully selected and screened for the campers' protection. Several volunteers were once campers who know what these children are experiencing. Camp Director Julie Morgan is the parent of a child with cancer. Julie understands the concerns and anxiety of parents letting a child with cancer visit away from home and family. The volunteers are caring, open and understanding of their needs. The University of Kentucky Pediatric Oncology Department provides the needed medical care of the children during the week.

Also, through the efforts of volunteers like Ralph Coulter, Owner of American Outdoor Adventure in Jeffersonville, Indiana, and members of the Louisville Fire Department, the children are given the opportunity to participate in activities other than the wide variety of recreational activities and learning experiences the camp offers.

At the request of camp director Julie Morgan, this was Ralph's first year to participate at Indian Summer Camp. With his expert tutelage and assistance by volunteer Chuck Gerson of Bowling Green, Kentucky, the kids were delighted to demonstrate their climbing abilities on the 28 foot, portable wall supplied by AOA. The day Extremz visited was Ralph's second day with these kids, however, a bond and friendship had formed that appeared to have existed for years. Ralph had volunteered two days out of his busy schedule this year, but informed me he would be there the entire week of camp next year. "Of all the things I've done, this is the most rewarding," Ralph said.

Milton Hettinger, diving instructor for the Louisville Fire Department, attends Julie Morgan's parish and heard about her son and the camp. That's when Milton, Al Tronzo, Captain of the Louisville Fire Department Dive Team, and Ed Sedlock, Sergeant in charge of the Dive Team, volunteered their time to help the kids learn the basics of diving in the camp pool. This was their third year at Indian Summer Camp.

There is no charge for children with cancer to attend Indian Summer Camp. The camp is run strictly by volunteers and funded entirely by donations and gifts from individuals, civic groups, businesses and foundations.

So, like your fondest memories of summer camp, adventure, surprise and numerous new friendships await each child. Each day brings many new surprises and many wonderful memories. These kids have the time of their life!

For more information about Indian Summer Camp or to volunteer call Julie Morgan, Director Indian Summer Camp (502)491-8518 or write Friends of Indian Summer, P.O. Box 25087, Lexington, KY 40524-5087.