Saturday July 26, 2008 was a great day for the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco Ladies Philoptochos Society because it marked the opening of our fifth Kids ‘n’ Cancer Family Camp—the first family cancer camp in Arizona!

Kids ‘n’ Cancer Camp Agape provides an all expense paid summer camp experience to hundreds of children with cancer and their families, from less fortunate homes, regardless of ethnic background or religious affiliation.

When a child has a serious illness like cancer family life is severely impacted.  At Camp Agape, families can relax and take a four day break from the sights and sounds of doctor’s offices, laboratories, and hospitals.  Children and their families engage in fun activities that provide lasting memories.  For children and their families, this is truly a therapeutic camp experience.   

Below is a brief narrative of our four wonderful days at camp and the fellowship we shared…

Friday afternoon, July 25, 2008, several Camp Agape volunteers arrived at the campsite and unpacked camp gear and worked into the early morning preparing the camp.  Early Saturday morning the decorations/craft and photography team arrived and helped transform the camp into a Hawaiian village--complete with surf boards, grass hut, floral decorations, tiki torches, and a fresh fruit and smoothie bar—with coconuts cups, paper umbrellas, and all the trimmings…

While our team worked to prepare the camp for our special guests, our camper registration and transportation team members along with camp program coordinator from Phoenix Children’s Hospital ensured that the families safely boarded the busses that would take them to the camp.   Our hospitality team passed out fruit, snacks and beverages for the long trip.

At approximately half past noon, the two motor coaches arrived at the camp in Lakeside, Arizona; the entire team dressed in Hawaiian attire welcomed 21 families and placed colorful leis around their necks.  As our guests approached the grass roof welcome hut, each camper received camp schedules, Camp Agape ball caps and t-shirts.  Camp counselors escorted the families to the Ramada for a barbeque.  After lunch Philoptochos President Valerie Roumeliotes welcomed the families on behalf of Metropolitan Gerasimous and our Metropolis Philoptochos.  

The families were escorted to the dorms by the counselors.  Each camper had a brand new sleeping bag on his/her bed.  All the children received plush blankets and beach towels.  After settling in the dorms, the families returned to the Ramada to participate in a family craft project. 

In keeping with the Hawaiian theme, families were given foam core boards cut into the shape of surfboards, along with contact paper, foam shapes and letters, markers, glue, paints, etc.  The instructions were brief, “Design a surfboard that best describes you family; make it your family crest.”  The families worked feverish on the boards.  They really enjoy the craft and they all did a fabulous job!  The surfboards were unique and quite imaginative. 

Our first dinner was held in the dining hall.  A juice bar set up to resemble a grass hut style tiki bar served up frozen slushy drinks, fresh fruits and juices, non-alcoholic Pina Coladas, Margaritas, and strawberry, banana and mango smoothies.  The juice bar was open all four days; it was a big hit with children and parents alike.

A ribbon cutting ceremony officially opening the camp was planned to follow dinner; however, halfway through dinner the sky opened up and the rained poured down.  In an instant, our ribbon cutting ceremony was moved from the fire pit to inside the dining hall. 

Valerie and Kids ‘n’ Cancer Metropolis Chair, Jeannie Ranglas gave an overview of Philoptochos, Camp Agape & the Kids ‘n’ Cancer Ministry.  We introduced our team members.  Standing in front of a roaring fire in the massive stone fireplace, Valerie cut the bright red ribbon strung between two tiki torches. Next, each family came up to front and introduced each member of the family and then described the significance of their surfboards.  

One surfboard in particular, had a jagged cut that looked like a shark had taken a bite out of it.  In describing the board, the Dad used the analogy that sometimes life takes a bite out of you, but you can still stay afloat.  Many of the families thanked God for getting them through the hard times.  Several surfboards had crosses and quotations from scripture.  We were inspired by their faith and uplifted by their hope.   

As each family returned to their seats, Jeannie and Valerie presented each and every family member with gifts.  Beautiful red Camp Agape totes with toiletries and special gifts went to the moms.  Dads received totes with special gifts.  The children received red Camp Agape backpacks with school supplies, toys, and big plush agape bears.  We all applauded and cheered these courageous families. 

Sunday, after breakfast camp counselors took the children by age group to various activities; some went to the swimming pool, others went to the go carts, the climbing wall, or crafts.  Moms were invited to have facials, massages, and manicures.  Some of the Dads went to the fishing pond or hiked the trails.  In addition to the juice bar, Moms were offered cappuccinos, flavored coffees, teas, and cookies provided by our hospitality team.  Moms exiting the facial/massage room appeared extremely relaxed—one Mom confessed that she had taken a nap in the middle of it.  Our craft team provided several crafts projects for the parents to enjoy.  Each family made a beautiful picture frame with shells.

The families reunited in the dining hall for lunch and then went back to their various activities.  For dinner, Moms and dads were given a special “parent’s only” dinner at the Ramada; while, the counselors took the children to the recreation hall for pizza, movies and board games.  We played music and danced a little.  Our team got up and danced a Kalamatiano—which proved to be a lot more fun when several of the parents joined in.  The parents visited, laughed, shared stories---they really seemed to enjoy each others company.

After breakfast on Monday our Yoga instructor arrived; she did a great job teaching the parents relaxation techniques.  The weather was cooperating so mats were set up outside under the Ramada—there was a scent of pine in the crisp mountain air—the setting couldn’t have been more relaxing or beautiful.  Some of the Mom’s also opted for facials and massages.  Parents hiked, played board and card games, read books and even rested. 

Before dinner we all gathered at the Chapel.  Valerie introduced our Tree Planting & Remembrance Ceremony and then we proceeded along the nature path to the place we would plant our tree.  Valerie dedicated the camp to Metropolitan Anthony of blessed memory, a driving force behind the opening the Kids ‘’ Cancer family camps and who first proposed the Arizona camp.  Valerie placed a shovel of soil at the base of the tree in his memory.  We also remembered three special men who in different ways contributed to the opening of our camp: Michael Dodd, Napoleon Avaneas and Nicholas Stamos.  We placed a shovel of soil at the base of the tree in their memory.  Families and volunteers were invited to remember a loved one and place a shovel of soil on the roots of the tree.  Afterward one of the camp counselors played guitar as we sang Amazing Grace. 

After the ceremony we all made our way to the Ramada for a Luau.  At the luau we handed out grass skirts, flower hair clips and straw hats.  All dressed in grass skirts, sarongs, and Hawaiian garb, we processed to the fire pit for a tiki torch lighting ceremony and then on to the recreation center for the big dance.  This time the weather cooperated. 

A hand painted Hawaiian scene with palm trees provided a backdrop and our photographer took some great family photos.  The DJ played lively tunes, we danced, danced and danced some more.  We had a raffle and all the kids’ numbers were pulled---they all won prizes; they were so excited! 

Tuesday, the final day, we ate breakfast and proceeded to the recreation hall for the closing ceremony and awards.  Fr. Nicholas from the Greek Orthodox Mission Church in Flagstaff led us in prayer and gave an inspirational sermon to the children; Fr. Nicholas assured the children that they were never alone because Jesus Christ is always with them. 

One by one, Valerie called up each courageous child (with cancer) on stage and Fr. Nicholas placed a medal around their neck for their bravery.  Families were individually called up and presented a 5X7 family photo in the shell frame they had created.  The finale included a slide show of all the photos taken of the campers during their four fun-filled days. 

After the ceremony, we all convened in the dining hall for our last camp meal.  Fr. Nicholas led us in prayer.  We had another raffle and all the children won prizes---again.  Families went back to the dorms to pack their gear and get ready for the trip back to Phoenix. 

As the buses arrived we were sad that our four amazing days in the White Mountains were coming to an end, but we were filled with joy.  We had formed a bond with these amazing families and would miss them.  All in all, the camp was a huge success.  The kids had fun, the parents relaxed; they networked, formed friendships and support groups with other parents.  We were blessed by the experience.  

For more information on Kids ‘n’ Cancer Camp Agape please visit our website www.kidsncancer.org