Campers find joy, new courage and renewed hope

BALD KNOB—Garrett Rimmer, 18, Springdale, was only four years old when he was diagnosed with leukemia. Facing all the cancer treatments in addition to being different from other kids was tough. One thing that made it better is that since the age of eight, he has been attending Camp Quality, a summer camping experience and year-round support program for children with cancer.

“It just provides a great experience,” Rimmer said. “All these kids have had or have cancer. You would think these kids would be sad or depressed, but it inspires you how they are always positive.”

Rimmer, whose cancer has been in remission for seven years, has transitioned from being a camper to being a companion to a camper. Camp Quality assigns one companion to each camper.

Shelby Clinton, 18, North Little Rock, is another camper turned companion.

“I quit as a camper last year to help out with the demand from more kids to attend the camp,” Clinton said. “At regular camp or school, a kid with cancer might be different from everyone else. When they come to this camp, everyone has been through the same thing. They can relate to these kids more than any other kids. They also feel more accepted and more comfortable at this camp, and it offers a place for them to not have to deal with the pressures of life for a week. They can chill out.”

Clinton, who has been in remission from brain cancer for ten years, said there are lifelong relationships created. People who aren’t from the same area keep in touch on the telephone and on social media.

“We hope those relationships grow year after year,” said Chris Jennings, director of Camp Quality, who has been involved in the all-volunteer effort since it began in 1989.

The purpose of Camp Quality is to allow kids with cancer to find joy, new courage and renewed hope for the future. They are free to be themselves . . . free to be kids again.

While the camp is for one week a year, the camp organizing committee meets throughout the year to plan not only the week of camp, but different activities throughout the year. They might help a family move, do repairs to their home, or help with a birthday party.

Jennings said they also accept the siblings of children with cancer because cancer does affect the whole family.

“Siblings can feel left out, and may not understand why their brother or sister is getting all the attention,” he said. “Siblings may have to do without things because of medical expenses. I really like that when we have the space and volunteers, we can afford to bring in the siblings to give them the same experiences as siblings with cancer. It also gives the parents a break.”

There is a high ratio of volunteers to campers. This past summer they had 39 campers, and 80 volunteers. They can host up to 60 campers.

“We are trying to locate more children who would benefit from coming to the camp,” Jennings said. “We work closely with Arkansas Children’s Hospital. We encourage social workers and doctors to let families know this is a good camp.”

Jennings said companions are not the “boss” over the kids, but someone who accompanies the child to insure safety, and form a friendship. When companions or other volunteers are cancer survivors, it is encouraging to kids facing the same challenges.

Other staff includes cooks, lifeguards and nurses. They are required to have two RNs at the camp at all times, and it is a struggle to find enough nurses and lifeguard volunteers.

Each year there is a theme for the camp. This year it was super heroes.

“The kids battling cancer are our heroes,” Jennings said. “This year we had all sorts of super hero decorations around and the Bald Knob Fire Department brought out their fire safety house. A lot of civic organizations and businesses come in during the week helping with our costs.”

The activities are similar to those found in any summer camp, and include archery, swimming, kick ball, a shaving cream and water balloon fight, talent shows and a dance. This year a new game called gaga ball, a variation of dodge ball, was particularly popular – especially with the boys. At their 20th anniversary six years ago, a trapeze group came to set up a trapeze at the camp, and kids were also entertained by a clown and by riding elephants.

Jennings said while the primary purpose is just to have fun, the camp also is helpful in teaching the children life skills. “We encourage and even award points (we have competitions each week) to those campers who are helping clean the tables and floors after meals as well as when they are caught doing nice things for others,” he said.

The camp in Bald Knob, which is located about halfway between Little Rock and Jonesboro, is one of 16 under the umbrella of Camp Quality USA. All services are provided free to families, so Camp Quality is highly dependent on businesses and civic organizations to provide food and financial donations.

How Can You Help?

Volunteer Your Time

Volunteer are needed for the week of camp. Applications can be made online at www.campqualityusa.org/ar/GetInvolved/Volunteer.aspx.

Make a Donation

Donations can be sent to Camp Quality Arkansas, P.O. Box 9095, Jonesboro, AR 72403, or online at www.campqualityusa.org/ar/WaysToGive.aspx.

Also, there are many supplies needed for the week of camp. Please email Penny.Howard@campqualityusa.org for more information.

Spread the Word

If you know a child with cancer, you can encourage him or her to register for the next camp. For additional information, please email Chris Jennings, chris.jennings@campqualityusa.org.

For more visit www.campqualityusa.org/ar/