Back in December, when I first caught word of a camp that was designed for children who have life threatening diseases and their families, I was both humbled and shocked. I was humble due to the fact that such a place existed and shocked because, well, I didn’t know it existed.

It’s a testament to myself, and all of us really, of the places that inhabit our world and how sometimes those things can go unnoticed.

The place is Camp Sunshine located in the delightfully gorgeous landscape of Casco, Maine, a place that is all smiles, all the time. A place that has the inhibition to let children be children for goodness sake. And a place that has forever impacted my life in about seven hundred different ways that I can’t even begin to disclose, which, to do so would warrant the remainder of your day.

The process itself was fairly simply, I was recruited by a fellow student who informed me of the camp. I, at first, shrugged it off because I didn’t think I would meet the criteria or they just wouldn’t want to take me, and I set it aside for awhile. But the more I thought about it, the more I started to come to terms with the difference I could make and maybe do some good in this world, I sold myself on the idea.

So upon returning from Christmas vacation I submitted my application, made the cut, and thus began the whirlwind of emotions that embodied the trip itself. I went with eight fellow students of mine and four advisors as we flew out of Michigan, leaving our small city lives behind, and started our new adventure. We all had a restful night at a nearby hotel, and by restful, we all were in bed by 8pm on a Saturday night (which is the earliest on record for me.) To help put into perspective how tired we all were that night, my grandma texted me at 11pm wishing me good luck on my trip, to which point I had been asleep for a solid four hours.

But if getting to bed by 8pm that night was what I needed then man did it help pave the way for the remainder of the trip. Most of us were up bushy tale and bright eyed by 6am, ready to serve in the best way we knew how. Upon arrival at the campground, I already knew this place was going to be something special. One of the first things you see at camp are three doors, all identical, but made in different heights and sizes as to accommodate everyone that walks through their halls. So while I’m walking in the door for the grown ups, there are doors just the right size for the little ones. An understatement to say this camp’s attention to detail was flawless.

It wasn’t until around 3pm, after volunteer orientation, that families started to arrive, and from then on new lifelong friendships were just starting to get made. The group I was assigned with was 9-12 year olds and I was very eager to get started. I had heard nothing but good things from both ends of the spectrum and I wanted to adhere myself to the best standards possible. But, as I said prior, the camp’s dedicated to creating a safe environment for children who have or are currently going through life threatening diseases. Each week represents a new type of illness that breaths life into the camp, sometimes it’s general oncology (any type of cancer) or sickle-cell. The week I happened to volunteer was during Retinoblastoma (cancer of the eye) or RB. I had done my fair amount of research on what that type of diagnosis means and how it affects the children, but it really can’t prepare you for the first hand experience.

I’m not going to lie, but I was extremely nervous heading into the week because I had no prior experience in this field. I didn’t know how I was going to handle seeing the children, because I, myself, love children so much that I didn’t believe I could see them after going through something that could be so traumatic. Chalk that up to, I didn’t know if any of them we're going to like me, or want to hang out with me (fears that constantly played out in my head.)

Thankfully, this was never an issue. Not because I talked myself out of being nervous, but because it was so calming to see the kids doing what they do best: just being kids.

Our daily activities would include: swimming, archery, some occasional rock climbing and a solid boy vs. girl matchup of newcomb volleyball (vball where you use your hands and throw it over.) After about the first twenty minutes, you forget the children have been through such an experience, because of their terrific attitudes, willingness to participate, and infectious personalities.

It also showed how courageous the parents were. I could never imagine seeing a loved one go through such hardships let alone my four year old son or daughter. But yet, these parents are true stallions if I ever saw one, and they are some of the best and most kind people I’ve ever had the courtesy of knowing. They speak with such warmth, care, and the utmost passion for their children. So much so, that it became inspiring and showcased how I want to see myself become a parent in the future. One mom in particular comes to mind, she had three young boys (two of them twins) and my goodness those children went from 8am-8pm every single day, no joke. I wanted to give this mom a medal, but alas being a mother is sometimes the best award you can ever receive (I can hear every mom wanting to claw at my knees.)

Another family had a son that recently finished chemo treatment in April and his story sparked a hashtag phenomenon #PatchesforJaxs (look it up) that caught the attention of famous singer/songwriter Toby Mac and the Philadelphia Eagles. I had the privilege of meeting Jaxson and his wonderful family, and they, just like all the families in attendance, were very open and kind. And I knew from right there, after the first night at camp (complete with marshmallows), it was to be the start of a blossoming relationship. I got to know the family well, and with their permission I’ve been granted to show you their picture.

This, of course, is just one family out of the 18 that were there that week. And only one family out of the millions each and every year that are affected by the global tragedy that is cancer. One family had a daughter whose cancer was so rare, only two people in the country have been diagnosed with it. This girl is literally the 1% when they say “99% kids don’t get it.” It’s tough. These kids obviously don’t ask for this to happen, and most importantly they don’t deserve it. But it brought so much happiness to my heart to see such well rounded volunteers come together and give these children a one-of-a-kind experience. For some families, it’s their third or fourth time visiting camp, others it was their first. But even though the kids have their daily activities set in motion, the adults got to play too. The camp does a fun game throughout the week with the teens and adults who attend camp, where the winning team, after acclimating a certain amount of points through fun and weird games (one was called “super duper blooper”) get’s a trophy and bragging rights. One mom had just secured her fourth win in a row, she seemed very excited when her team was announced. The team I was rooting for cleverly called “Eye Got This” came in a disappointing second.

Then there was the issue of current events happening in the world, my first day of camp was Sunday June 12th, the morning after a lone gunman stole the lives of so many innocent people in Orlando, Florida. I remember hearing the news in disbelief wondering how that could happen. But if one thing could bring the light out of a dark and horrible situation..it was these kids.

Because all they know is love.

Love is what has guided many of these kids to safe and speedy recoveries. Love is what has inspired them to take chances and risks. Love is what seems to be watching over them. Some of these children were the bravest kids I had ever seen. I watched a 10 year old show up three adult volunteers (myself included) in rock climbing, where they completed the challenge in a matter of seconds, while I struggled to finish all together. I watched brothers and sisters engage with open arms and warm comments about themselves, because they loved each other. I also saw some young brothers bickering that in itself was too cute to actually be taken seriously. Yet, looking around I was grateful to be surrounded by so much innocence and compassion. These kids didn’t need to understand what was happening in our cruel world, and they should be so lucky that they don’t have to face this upcoming election. The pain of what happened in Florida remained, and I lost some sleep over the tragedy, but these kids and their families helped ease many of those negative thoughts.

I don’t know about you, but I find it difficult to be upset or sad when a toddler is trying to figure out the correct way to dissect a burnt marshmallow or they attempt a magic trick (the kind of trick where you have to play along, like you don’t know what’s happening, those are my favorite.)

Everyday at Camp Sunshine presented new tasks, but it made it feel fresh. I met some wicked cool volunteers from the east coast that thought I had an accent (did you try the LOBSTAH?) where now we plan to keep in touch via social media. I’ve even managed to snag some of the parents Facebook info so I can watch their kids grow up into the smart and intelligent people they will slowly become.

My words won’t do the justice all these kids and their hardworking families deserve, to be honest I could talk for hours about each child, because they were all that distinct and unique.

Camp Sunshine is a blessing for all those who they help, a terrific organization that lets these families have fun without having to worry about what’s going to happen next. However, Camp Sunshine is just one place in our country, there are other non-profit organizations just like Sunshine who are looking for enthusiastic volunteers. Establishments that are probably within a nice hour radius of you. I’m not saying you have to do these things, but I would suggest you do, it’s really good for the soul.

And still, there are so many memories that I wish I could share (believe me there are many) But, I will leave you with this: towards the end of the week, the children release what they call a “wishboat”. It’s a small wooden boat the kids decorate and make to look all nice throughout their time in arts and crafts that is fixed into the camp schedule. They put a candle on it, the volunteers light the candle, and the children release them into a small pond and make a wish. It was a surreal vigil that was both beautiful and emotional. At the end of it a little girl, one that I had made friends with, came up and told me that she wished for her cancer to go away. I was taken back by this moment, because I wasn’t expecting it, and it nearly took every inch of my body to not crumble with tears. But it was another reminder of how these kids are fighters, how they are tough and how they all make the Earth shine just a little bit brighter. They also show me just how unimportant my problems really are.

So this one is dedicated to Jaxson, Bailey, Naomi, Blake, Foster, Evelyn and all the children out there who have fought or continuing to fight, you make this world a better place.

If you wish to learn more about Camp Sunshine and all they do or you want to get involved follow this link right here: https://www.campsunshine.org