Camp Manito-Wish YMCA, Boulder Junction, WI

Camp Angel is a cost-free camp for young people ages 8-12 affected by cancer through loved ones (parent, sibling or grandparent) or who have experienced the loss of a loved one through cancer. Camp Angel is presented through the co-partnership of Angel On My Shoulder and Marshfield Clinic.

Late in the day on Friday, a Lamer’s Coach Bus arrived at camp with twenty six “raring to go” young campers, five amazing volunteer chaperones and two awesome camp counselors aboard. The coach bus experience provides a well-supervised and comfortable setting from designated pick-up points throughout Wisconsin. Parents/Guardians are asked to bring their child to established bus stop locations to begin their journey to camp. While on the bus campers enjoyed movies, snacks and began building friendships that will last for years to come.

Anxiously awaiting to warmly receive this enthusiastic group of campers were our outstanding volunteer Camp Angel counselors and staff. As always, camp began with a brief orientation and introductions along with icebreaker activities to help make the campers comfortable in their weekend home. The campers then headed to their cabins to unpack and settle in before gathering for the Friday night “spaghetti feast” prepared especially for them. Let’s not forget – the “brownies” for dessert-it’s a tradition and a camper/counselor favorite.

After supper we had our annual visit from Wildwood Wildlife of Minocqua, WI who brought with them some very cute and interesting “animal friends” for us to observe and learn about. The campers were exicted for the opportunity to meet them up close and personal.

Following this wonderful and unique meet and greet, each counselor gathered up their camper groups (Bunnies, Foxes, Bears and Wolves-based on gender and ages) and headed back to settle in to their warm and cozy weekend residences. Snacks, hot chocolate and games were available and enjoyed by all. Completing this perfect winter retreat were the fireplaces each cabin offers to make a cozy setting for all to congregate, bond, stay warm and have fun!!

Saturday was a specially “re-designed” fun-filled day since Mother Nature decided not to cooperate in the weather department for the many snow activities we had planned. We know it’s not nice to “fool Mother Nature” but we created lots to do anyway including dog sled rides–sled dogs pull carts, and a special dog sled presentation too. The campers also enjoyed a toasty campfire complete with smores. The day was a big hit and provided a perfect opportunity for our campers to create special friendships and have FUN.

The always popular climbing wall led the list of inside “to do” festivities along with other favorite activities such as face painting, hair braiding and a tasty cookie decorating table. Unique craft projects gave each camper a chance to design a “kaleidoscope” to take home as well as painting and designing special driftwood pieces. There was something for everyone and a good time was had by all.

For his second “magical” appearance, the campers were treated to a very special (and tricky) performance by Magician, Nick Babl. Campers watched (and participated in wonderment) with all the tricks he had up his sleeve and left with perplexed looks of “how did he do that?” The adventure packed day concluded with the campers heading back their cabins along with their counselors for some indoor fun of games, snacks, special bonding time and amazingly, even some “sleep”.

Sunday morning was time for everyone to pack-up and enjoy a tasty and filling breakfast. Campers and counselors alike exchanged goodbyes (at least for now) and boarded the bus for the trip home along with newly made friends and an abundance of special Camp Angel memories. As always, the counselors and volunteers lined up in traditional Camp Angel style with arms waving and big smiles for our happy campers who reciprocated from the bus windows, signaling the end to another special and memorable Camp Angel weekend.

Lolly Rose and Donna Stone (Co-Directors, Camp Angel)

The post Camp Angel January 2013 appeared first on Angel On My Shoulder.

Tubing Fun at Angel Adventures Camp

Ten extraordinary teens attended our Angel Adventures Camp this year. The weather cooperated for the most part, although when we got up Sunday morning it was -20° and we postponed our cross-country skiing until the afternoon when temperatures soared to a balmy 20° above.

Our activities included awesome tubing, broom ball, snow shoeing, an MMA class, and cross country skiing. Saturday night Rocking W Stables in Eagle River treated us to a horse drawn sleigh ride complete with camp fire and hot chocolate. Sunday evening Nick Dunst provided us with karaoke which showcased lots of talent and good fun and laughs. Thank you Abbey Malliette for finding him for us.

Angel Adventures Camp

Nicole and Andy King guided our group with the help of Dick and Amy Lemke. Dick and Amy also participated in our Sharing Sessions which proved to be very beneficial with the campers opening up and offering each other support and coping skills. This is a very remarkable and brave group of kids and I am so happy to have come to know them!

You can view pictures of this amazing camp on our Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/CancerSupportGroup

Kathy Mathie
Director of Angel Adventures Camp

The post Angel Adventures Camp – February 15-18, 2013 appeared first on Angel On My Shoulder.