Camp Rapahope for Children with Cancer

BAY COUNTY, FL - Ann Leonard, School Board Commissioner, District 2, gave a moving presentation to Kiwanis Club on July 10th, about Camp Rapahope, a free camp for children with cancer, whether active or in remission, where she volunteered along with nearly 100 others of all ages, including college, medical and nursing students, nurses and teachers. Many counselors were once campers with cancer who came back to serve as counselors. She was chosen to be the counselor for all the “kids who were bad” or having a rough time. Part of her role was to create an area where kids who do not want to participate could go and sit with her, doing quiet things like puzzles, until ready to rejoin the others. The children were very affectionate with each other, and shared much happiness, joy and empathy for each other.

The brochure states, “At Rapahope, we believe that children with cancer should be able to laugh, play and smile big like any other child.” They offer services for children from ages seven to seventeen. Children currently undergoing treatment were transported by staff to chemo and radiation appointments and these children were very excited to still be able to come to camp.

When the campers arrived at camp, there was unbelievable joy and lots of hugs and “high fives.” Kids were climbing out of the cars, hanging out the windows, so excited to see the camper friends and counselors from previous years. It stood out in her mind how incredible it was to see parents come and drop off their children for a solid week, when some of them were very sick. There were five brand new campers there for the first time, so there were tears from those struggling moms and kids who had never been to the camp before.

The daily schedule at the camp was packed with activities, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and two desserts. Children participated in various activities such as basketball, crafts, fishing, swimming, and boating, while also enjoying special activities like dance lessons and a drum circle. After dinner, the campers enjoyed events like movie nights, karaoke, and dances. The camp culminated in a Grammy Awards ceremony and graduation for 17-year-old campers. The children expressed how important the camp was for them to be a "normal kid." The camp ended with fireworks, leaving everyone with mixed feelings of joy and sadness.

Leonard said, “They are just the cutest children I've ever seen.” She loves to tell people about her new favorite thing to do. What a wonderful experience!