Camp Hope

I'm so thankful for the incredible Camp Hobe experience. We are already talking about getting to go to camp next summer. I have been very worried about how camp was going to work out. Presley has really had a hard time leaving mom or dad lately. I have been talking about camp and trying to make it sound fun. She kept asking if I was going to be at camp. I would tell her that I would stay for a some of it but that it was not for mommy's. She was worried. As we were driving to camp she started in on her questions again. I tried so hard not to get my hopes up and know that this might not work out this year. I just hate to see her miss out on things because she has lost her confidence. I know that she needs an experience like this to gain that back.

Camp Hope is a special camp for cancer kids who are treated at PCH (Primary Children's Hospital). They also include the siblings who are often left out or forgotten. Ages 4-6 do 2 days of day camp. Ages 7-12 go to kid camp where they spend the night for a week, and they also do a teen week. Next summer Crew will be old enough to attend! I left Crew with a babysitter so that I could be with Presley and help her feel comfortable with camp. So glad that I did that. 

We drove to Tooele just west of SLC and arrived at Camp Wiptpi. Presley was excited but worried that I might be leaving her. We got her register. She was placed in the yellow group. She was given a shirt, backpack and water bottle! So thankful she was not sick, They have to be very strict about kids being healthy as this is a camp for cancer kids. They have clinic nurses and doctors who attend and give their time to make sure these kids have a great experience.

 We started camp at the play ground where I got a few pictures and they were waiting for all the kids to get register. It did not take long for her to forget about me! But I didn't want to just leave. I made sure she knew I was still close. 

holding hands. So sweet. She made friends with a sweet little girl at camp.

They planned a craft time for the moms. I made a cute wooden American flag craft. I especially enjoyed spending time with the cancer moms. After craft time I took a few more pictures! I then gave Presley a hug and a kiss and told her I would go get Crew and come back. She did great. I was happy!

 Presley did crafts, sang camp songs, went swimming, played fun games, had a great lunch!

Crew and I showed up right when they were finishing swimming and the next activity was the zip line. The timing was perfect. I didn't know how Presley was going to handle this but she was excited to do the zip line. I thought when she saw the demonstration that she would chicken out. She was the first to say "I will", when the instructor said "Who's going first?". Her and another boy got their harns on and helmets and walked up the stairs. At this point I figured she would do it but wondered if she would do it alone or with an adult like the boy did before her. She was second up and didn't hesitate. I was on the ground with the camera. I want to do it again was her first words. Shes a thrill seeker. They said she might be the youngest and smallest to ever do it alone. Way to go girl. She was shining and so proud of her self. Today was a confident boost that she needed.

Presley with her yellow group

She had a great day at camp! When I asked her what her favorite was...the Zipline and swimming! I told her, the zipline is always my favorite at camp too!

It was harder for me than I thought to drop her off. I use to make fun of the moms when they would drop off the Kindergarten's at school for the first day and thought it was silly that they would cry and worry. Never say Never! I get it and even at a deeper level. I worry that the care givers will understand her sensitivities and her fears. I don't ever want her cancer to be her label or an excuse for poor behavior but I pray they will be tender to her and know she has done hard thing at such a young age. Most kids her age have completed 2 years of preschool. 

Camp fire was at 3:30. The campers sang 2 songs and were given Popsicles. I'm so thankful for camp and this experience. We can't wait for next year. She keeps asking if she gets to spend the night in the cabins next year! Not yet!

The second day of camp was raining and cold but the counselors were flexible and made the most of it! I was able to take Crew, check her in, give her a kiss and say, I will pick you up at 4! She wanted to hesitate but the amazing counselors changed that fast. She did great. All of the leaders kept telling me...She is just the cutest thing ever. I would agree but I'm thankful they took an interest in her. This is what made camp so successful for her. She was given a boost of confidence, just what the momcolgiest ordered!