Suntown Camp

I’ve learned in the last couple of years that when great opportunities arise, you’ve got to take them.  It allows you to network with different people or groups and even lets you get your feet wet with new projects. Earlier this week, the chance to volunteer at a kids camp arose and I jumped on the offer. I figured it would be the right time to do it considering I’m on break from teaching and the message of the camp hits home. Suntown Camp is an organization that unites children of all ages either directly or indirectly affected by cancer and allows them to cope with the circumstances in a safe and welcoming environment. Having a sister struggle with leukemia and eventually succumb to it, I admire the vision of promoting a camp that lets” kids be kids” during a time that forces them to drift away from their innate innocence.

A group of PCVs and me attended the closing festivities of the camp in Bacolod this past Tuesday evening. We set up a booth that offered face painting, mask decorating, and the infamous balloon making. We went to the mall earlier that afternoon to purchase the supplies such as paint and brushes, LOTS of glitter, balloons, and plain white paper masks. A requirement for the participating volunteers was to come in a Halloween costume, so the night prior, I dug through my suitcase and found a long flowing skirt with bells and beads on it and shiny blue shawl that would make the ensemble for a gypsy costume. It was the quickest costume I’ve ever put together and I didn’t even need to spend a dime.

We were briefed before the night activities began and shortly after we proceded to the outside patio overlooking the ocean and had ourselves a wonderful dinner with the kids. A live band came to perform and they did a great job keeping the children entertained. The food was wonderful, some of the best chicken inasal I’ve had since being here. There was even an ice cream vendor serving up scoops of fresh mango ice cream. After dinner we all went back to the hall and waited for the kids to come in and get started. Imagine an indoor carnival and that was we had. There were booths with ring tosses and balloon popping with darts, our face painting and balloon animals. All of the children really dug the mask making and got really creative with their designs.

Throughout the night I observed the amazing attitude of ALL the children. They were laughing and grinning from ear to ear and it was really inspiring to partake in the bliss they were feeling. The activities lasted about an hour and then we all were led to the big hall to watch the camp leaders put on a variety show. Some danced and sang, other pretended to be animals in a circus, and there was even a magician (a very talented one at that)!

We closed the event by doing something really special. All of the kids, leaders, and volunteers were given a frosted cupcake with an unlit birthday candle in it. Then, we all formed a large circle around the auditorium and each person verbally expressed a word they felt that best represents Suncamp while simultaneously lighting the candle they were holding. Soon enough the room became illuminated by light of the candles and after the last individual said their word we sang “Happy Birthday” to Suncamp. Before indulging in our cupcakes, we went back outside and admired the fireworks finale. Needless to say, it was awesome. We cleaned up our booth and said goodbye to the leaders and campers and promised to return next year, but only if we could participate with the WHOLE camp.

I’m looking forward to participating in more Suncamp events in the future because this night proved to be really inspirational. To my sister Andrea, I know you were there with us…thank you.

Best of the best,

KP!