Mission Provide one week of Resident and one week of Day Camp and other events at no cost for children touched by cancer‌ By a caring, passionate and trained team A fun customized age appropriate program Safe environment in close proximity to definitive medical care Local oncology physicians and nurses on site 24/7 volunteering their time and services to ensure a happy and healthy camping experience
About Camp Journey Camp Journey is a camp providing a community of hope for children and their families touched by cancer. Dealing with childhood cancer can sometimes make “just being a kid� seem out of reach—and out of scope for the whole family. At Camp Journey, our goal is to change that perception and that reality. In this nurturing, medically supervised home-away-fromhome, young cancer survivors can leave their worries behind for one magical week and immerse themselves in a fun-filled outdoor camp experience tailored expressly to their needs. Meanwhile, their families and caregivers can rest easy, knowing that trained oncology staff is on-site 24/7. With roots dating to 1985, Camp Journey is a no-cost resident and day camp for children diagnosed with cancer, both on and off therapy. The camp gives these children the opportunity to spend a week in the outdoors, participating in typical camp activities while making friends with others who understand and share their situation. Along the way, they develop independence and confidence, learn new skills, and make memories to last a lifetime
2017 Camp Fun Facts!
2005 $1200 700 Since
Camp Journey Has Served Over
Local Children With Cancer!
For One Kid to go to Camp Journey For One Week email Kari Allen at kari@rosspoint.org to find out how to sponsor a camper today
We Had 114 Campers Last Year! 63 Childhood Cancer Survivors 28 Siblings of Survivors 22 Friends of Survivors
We Come From All Over The Inland North West! Washington:
Montana:
Spokane County
Lincoln County
Idaho:
Walla Walla County Asotin County
Kootenai County
Stevens County
Nez Perce County
Grant County
Bonner County
Franklin County
Bonneville County
Benton County
Latah County
King County
Oregon: Multnomah County
13
Campers Of All Ages!
29
Age 7 to 8
Age 13 to 15
25
Age 9 to 10
32 Age 11 to 12 15
Age 16 to 17
Camp Newsletter Article
Leader in Training Program Hones Skills, Develops Teamwork and Builds Trust Camp Journey at Ross Point is a medically supervised weeklong camp for young cancer patients (on/off treatment). They can bring a sibling or a buddy. It is an opportunity for them to spend a week in the outdoors, participating in typical camp activities while making friends with others who understand and share their situation.
The first few years the younger boys and girls that attend Camp Journey may not pay attention to how much time and effort is put into making the week-long event run like a well oiled machine. However, after a few years, they realize that every minute of every day is planned so that they can enjoy the full camping experience.
When you ask someone at the close of Camp Journey what the experience meant to them, you might be surprised at the multitude of answers you receive. That one week in the fresh air and sunshine seems to be an almost spiritual experience for campers and volunteers alike.
While the camp director and volunteers are responsible for the majority of the planning and day-to-day scheduling, there is one small group that is training to take over the reins as the year’s progress. The Camp Journey Leader-In-Training program (LIT) is geared towards transitioning the older campers, ages 16-17, from their role as campers to that of role model and potential counselor. This past summer, three boys and twelve girls participated in the LIT program.
Last summer’s camp, held in the warm and inviting days of early August on the shores of the beautiful Spokane River, saw 114 campers and more than 80 volunteers from as near as Spokane and Coeur d’Alene and as far away as northeastern Oregon not only transform the lives of those they touched, but also experience an awakening of their own spirits.
The primary objective of the LIT program is to make sure the campers still have fun during the week. They are still officially campers, however, between the swimming, rope course, arts & crafts, and campfires, the LIT’s learn how to mentor the
younger campers, develop and put on one “All Camp� activity, hone their individual skills of independence and self-sufficiency, and strengthen their group cooperation abilities. This summer, the 15 boys and girls in the LIT program spent the first few days of camp establishing a sense of camaraderie amongst themselves. The team-building games included finding commonalities with their fellow campers, singing and dancing in order to break the ice, as well as initiatives that developed teamwork and trust in each other. The group also worked towards enhancing their leadership skills, along with setting both personal and group goals for the week.
The transition from LIT to counselor can be a rewarding and challenging experience. The following stories detail the LIT experience from four different perspectives. Alex attended camp for the first time in 2008,
he is a cancer survivor, past LIT and was a first year counselor this past summer. When asked what being a Leader in training had meant to him he said “Being an LIT gave me firsthand experience with leading a group of people, be it small children all the way up to people my age and also gave me the safety net of having someone else to guide me through it. Having that experience gave me the confidence and the knowledge I felt was necessary to become a counselor. The advice I got from you guys during those couple weeks of being an LIT has stuck with me and has improved my life in a fields, work, school, and even with my roommates. The thing that was different from being an LIT compared to just getting leadership training somewhere else is that the advice you guys gave me was personalized to me. You told me what you thought I should work on and what I was doing really well. I know I am very strong minded and having someone that I thought was my friend and my leader tell me alternate ways of handling situations has significantly affected my decision making skills. I know this is a lot of writing but being an LIT and transferring into a counselor has impacted my life more than most people would be able to comprehend and I am extremely thankful that I had people like you guys to teach me what I needed to know!
Christian, first attended camp in 2007, he
is a sibling of a cancer survivor and a LIT the past two summers. When we asked him about the LIT program he said “Going through the LIT program is a one of a kind experience, when going through as a camper you have a different perspective (I never had cancer, my sister did). You watch and realize what this camp means to these kids and think what it means to you. LIT year was a year of reflection and thought. Some of the activities we did as a group seemed like fun but afterward when we reflected it helped cement the ideas and how to deal with problems of various kinds whether it be at camp dealing with campers or in the real world dealing with people. Long term LIT helped my communication skills and problem solving ability in social scenarios.
Mark, attended camp in 2009 as a buddy
and was a LIT in 2011. He has been a counselor since 2013. When we asked Mark about his LIT experience he said “As a camper, counselors were not only friends, role models, and all around genuine people, they were someone I aspired to be. Seeing the interactions counselors had with campers, as well as other counselors, made me want to be a part of the group that created such a positive environment. Being an LIT let me finally get a taste of what being part of a team is like. I finally got to help out and create moments that others would enjoy and look back on, rather than being on the receiving end. The bonds that I made with the other LITs was something I truly never experienced up until that point in my life. I was part of a group that encouraged each other, persevered through challenges, and respected one another. I don't think my confidence has ever grown so quickly as it did in that one short week. I felt like I was making a difference, and I KNEW I was making a difference because of all of the feedback my group and I received after completing a project. I took that confidence with me when I became a counselor and the transition from camper to LIT to counselor was so natural, that I still feel like a camper to this day. It's no wonder why I still look up to other counselors.
Kayla is a sibling of a cancer survivor and first
attended camp in 2015, as a LIT. She said “Being an LIT these past two years has definitely been one of the highlights of my summers. At first I did not want to go because I wouldn't know anyone other than my brother. When I went, I immediately felt included and made friendships that aren't limited to just being at camp! I also have found that helping volunteer with the kids is so much fun! I loved being able to be their buddy for the week and I was truly inspired by their strength through their treatments etc. I LOVE CAMP JOURNEY AND AM PUMPED TO GO BACK!!
In Kind Donors Cascade Water
Spokane Canoe and Kayak Club
Pediatric Home Care
Medical Lake Dental Clinic
Jackson Hole II
Community Bank
Northern Quest
2017 Company Sponsors
Anonymous Gift
Jackson Hole II
Rypien Foundation
Cascade Dafo, Inc.
KOA Care Camps
The Old Spaghetti Factory
Dishman Dodge
Kroger
Sweethearts Ball
Empire Health Foundation
New Opportunities Foundation
Victory Chapter #161
Greater Spokane Elks 228
Orlison Brewery
Victory Faith Fellowship
IFL Partners, LLC
Panera Bread
2017 Camp Sponsors Nancy Akers
Rose Kelly
Bil & Karen Ames
Charles & Carol Krahenbuhl
Cap Puckhaber Shari Reed-Peplinski
Virginia Barrett
Alan Lindberg
Jerry & Jette Shultz
Glenn & Jo Ann Borden
Carol Lokey
Ryan Shupe
William & Joan Boyd
John F. Magnuson
Bob & JoAnn Sletner
Penny Colton
Eileen Mathews
Stacy Smith
Patricia Cotter
Richard & Ellen McNeely
Shelly Stanley
Amy Cox Designs
Russ Medley Sr.
Daphne Taylor
Linda Crockwell
Verla Meyer
Lorinda Travis
Doug & Donna Eachon
RC & Carol Morlock
Gerri Tuning
Buckley & Tina Evans
Peter & Cynthia Mowery
Jack & Helen Walty
Cathy Evans
David & Janetta Munroe
Espen Williams
Karl & Molly Franz
Douglas & Lilia Munroe
2017 Camp Alumni
Jaryd Cramer “Pi”
Shyanne Philips “Pixel”
Jasmin Mendoaz “Compass”
Mia More “Mooster”
Mailey Ingram “Pip Pop”
Ally Vang “Laffy Taffy”
Brooke Pippio “Lyric”
Volunteer Positions Cabin Counselor
With the kids in the cabin 24/7 and considered a “Second parent.” Very influential in the campers time at camp.
Lodge Counselor
Fill in for cabin counselors during breaks and where needed within in the unit (age group).
Day Camp Counselor
Programming Staff
Plan and execute various activities held throughout the camp including arts, crafts, dancing, fishing, boating, robotics, wayfinding, sports field, etc…
Rangers
Drive golf carts and four wheelers transporting kiddos and equipment
Four-day camp with 5-7 year olds for a few hours a day and fill in where needed after day camp is over.
2017 Camp Volunteers Assistant Director Cheryl “Maverick” Ames
Director of Nurses Ruth “Rowdy” Seigenmartin
Physicians Judy “Band aid” Felgenhauer Angela “Cat Scan” Trobaugh
Nurses Nicole “Sneezer” Lane
Brittany “Brigit” Chavez
Jody “Yody” Smith
Alyssa Daley
Stephanie “Prairie” Cortner
Joni “Cricket” Corcoran
Jacqualine “Ariel” Fagan
Carolyn “Gidget” Hysolp
Ryan “Shipwreck” Shupe
LIT Counselor
Jill “Dingo” Wilson
Justin “Rink” Galletti Nick “Smiles” Leonard
Brian “Slash” Harmon Riley “Smiley” Joyce
Rachel “Ramble” Felgenhauer
Program/fishing
Alicia “Waves” Finch
Corey “El Jeffe” Thurman
Maria “Chaquita” Claxton
Rangers
Kelli “Stick-a-roo” Tvatan
Program Director
Vivian “Gertie” Larson
Jody “Toad” Edwards
Evan “Gandalf” Bowden
April “Dimples” Bell
Carol “OJ” Measel
Stehen “Big O” Owen
Tammy “Dodo” Hahn
Program Counselors
Patsy “Duke” Sales
Teresa “Minnie” Kempton
Jill “Cookie” Sheffels
Kristine “Snuggles” Allred
Vickie “Freckles” Vanek Mary “Poppins” Duray
Jesse “Jynx” Mains
Photographer Samantha “Savvy” Houseman
2017 Cabin Volunteers Unit 1: Leader
Unit 2: Leader
Unit 3: Leader
Cheerful Cabin
Courage Cabin
Harmony Cabin
Peyton “Professor” Owen
Kari “Fabulous” Harmon
Dreams Cabin
Miracle Cabin
Samantha “Ducky” Sheffels
Robyn “Nemo” Hart
Peace Cabin
Spirit Cabin
Timothy “Flip” Smith
Mark “Chip” Potap
Sunshine Cabin
Survivor Cabin
Maria “Supernova” Kirby
Dalton “Rocky” Vanderpool
Lodge Counselor
Lodge Counselor
Jake “Science Guy” Bonwell
Emily “Luna” Gonzalez
Betsy “Bootles” Enger
Alex “Beaks” Beiker Sam “Charming” Molen
Hope Cabin
Jacob “Socrates” Lockhart Jeremy “Dexter” Rice
Star Cabin
Krista “Cupcake” Nelson Sarah “Groot” Holt
Lodge Counselor
Candice “Teacup” Colquhoun Brittany “Lollipop” Heidenreich Kiara “Coil” Wiedman LaTosha “Tiny” McGaffee Mikayla “Melody” McNeilly
Sean “Teach” Allen
Shaye “Spyro” O-Connor
Monika “MonStar” Hebky
Alex “Falcon” Rueb
Queshawna “Que” Anderson
Rochelle “Cherry” Taicz
Amanda “Athena” McAlister
MacKenzie “Meow” Banning
Mackenzie “Flames” Allan
Benjamin “Banzai” Pfeiffer
Charles “Chuckles” McElroy
Dani “Nakita” Lyden
Casey “C-Dogg” Dao
Lauren “Ivy” Iverson
Mariah “Merida” McHenry
Antonia “Leia” Kersh
Belinda “Tinker” Jacobsen
Jayce “Blitz” Schoen
Jack “Arrow” Valdez
Mykel “Mahalo” Vanek
Fund A Camper
2018 Goal: Fund 50 Campers!
Since 2005, Ross Point Camp in Post Falls, Idaho, has been home to a very special summer camp for children aged 5–17 who have been diagnosed with cancer. This no-cost resident and day camp is staffed solely by dedicated volunteer counselors and pediatric oncology specialists. Each year we have 120 campers from Eastern Washington, Northern Idaho, Western Montana, NE Oregon and 75 volunteer staff on-site during the week of camp. Camp JOURNEY at Ross Point gives young cancer survivors together with a sibling or buddy an opportunity to escape their worries for one magical week and immerse themselves in a funfilled outdoor camp experience tailored expressly to their needs. Along the way, they develop independence and confidence, learn new skills, and make friends with others who understand and share their situation. Meanwhile, their families and caregivers can rest easy, knowing that pediatric oncology staff from the area’s children’s hospital and pediatric clinics are on-site 24/7, volunteering their services.
Only through generous donations from caring individuals, organizations, and foundations, can this unique camp experience be provided without cost to campers and their families. Won’t you join us in our effort to make this a truly memorable time for them? For a donation of $1,200, you can give a child the gift of Camp JOURNEY. Your sponsorship will cover his or her housing and meals for the week and provide access to swimming, boating, archery, crafts projects, a climbing wall, a ropes course, a cruise on Lake Coeur d’Alene, and the many other adventures that going to camp entails. If you have any questions, please call me at 509-8637379 or email kari@rosspoint.org. Thank you for considering this opportunity to help us fulfill our mission of providing a community of hope for children and their families touched by childhood cancer. With HOPE for the future, Kari Allen Camp Director Please call or email with questions: kari@rosspoint.org 509-863-7379
The Sweethearts Ball April 7th, 2018
For the 6th year in a row Coeur d’Alene will host the Sweethearts’ Ball, which celebrates the lives of children in the greater northwest who battle cancer related illnesses. Each spring we bring together some of Coeur d’ Alene’s and the surrounding areas most generous benefactors to share a night full of love, friendship, and excitement. The Sweet Heart’s Ball has positioned itself as the main contributor to Camp Journey, with the support and kindness of the whole community Camp Journey can continue to bring such special kids, the most amazing week of their lives! Please join us for an exciting night with a wonderful Silent Auction, Live Auction, a delightful 3 Course Meal, Live Music and Dancing. The 5th annual Sweet Heart’s Ball will be on April 7th 2018, from 5:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. at the Coeur d’Alene Resort convention center ballroom. This year’s Masquerade themed gala will be an evening full of love and fun as our community comes together to raise money for such a great cause and event for Camp Journey. Tickets are available on the website www.sweetheartsball.com. Single admission is $75, couples $150, table of eight $500, VIP couple admission $250 and VIP table admission is $1,000.
CAMP JOURNEY 2018! Prehistoric Times DAY CAMP: (AGES 5-7) JULY 30- AUGUST 2, 2018
RESIDENT & LIT CAMP: (AGES 7-17) JULY 29-AUGUST 4, 2018 VOLUNTEER STAFF TRAINING: JULY 28-AUGUST 4, 2018 Have someone who wants to go to camp? Apply Online! app.campdoc.com/register/campjourney
Any Questions? Call or Email: Kari Allen 509-863-7379 kari@rosspoint.org