Fantastic Blessing

26 years ago, Camp Fantastic was started. A week of fun in the summertime for kids with cancer. Where the rules of the hospital and diagnosis don't always apply. I think it is too late to change the name, but Camp AMAZING sounds pretty right to me. Everyday was a testament to God's love for His people. From the inspiring campers to the dedicated staff. It was a privilege to witness so many profound, sacred moments. Touching and hilarious. Happy and sad. I am in awe of the kids. Their determination, compassion for each other, bravery and choice to be joy-filled in the face of illness. Every year is filled with Specialove for these kids. Like counselor Robbie G asking someone from the duct tape craft class to make him a flower so that he could coax a first time camper out of the infirmary to her first ever dance. Or Lori having private horseback riding lessons for the campers in wheelchairs. Even Eric Estrada came out the first day with the motorcycle crew to escort the buses to camp. Check out the website if you like...you may even see a photo of me dressed as a flower child.

The weekly theme was iCamp...here we are on Battle of the Bands day.
Christine is wearing an REO Speedwagon shirt. Love it!

Late nights and early mornings equals a tired med staff

The scenery

Outpost Camping adventure

A big thanks to Lola, Lolo, Ninang and Uncle Tim for watching the kids. Leaving them is hard, but knowing that they are safe and well taken cared of makes it much easier. On Saturday I drove up to PA to pick up the kid's from Ninang's and hung out for the rest of the weekend. Ninang treated us to Dutch Wonderland on Sunday and though I will never ride the Turtle Twirl again, we had a great time. Now, I almost didn't post the photo below because it is an unsightly view of my midsection, but I have to keep good on my promise that this blog will keep it real. Reality is that I can't be bothered to suck it in when I'm about to toss my cookies.

Can you see our terror? I think Cazin is scarred for life.

The rest of the day Julia rode solo.
Cazin tolerated the boat ride. Mainly because we were all present.
After the end of the face painting, Julia was not totally satisfied. She did not hesitate to ask the girl, "Do you have anything else?" Amused and thankfully not annoyed the girl topped off the face painting with a sparkly rhinestone.