Angel Adventures Camp
Angel Adventures Recap
February 12-15, 2010
Angel Adventures Camp is open to teens 16 to 18 years of age who are experiencing cancer through a sibling, parent or grandparent, or who have recently lost a loved one to cancer. The goal of this camp is for teens to get together with others sharing similar experiences in a safe and supervised environment. We aim to develop a sense of closeness and fraternity within the group. This camp offers adventurous activities, but is also a source of care and support to each individual participant. Our hope is to intermix fun, physical activities with support sessions that will allow the campers to share their experiences and feelings and learn coping and empowerment skills.
Ten teens, age 16-18, attended our first Angel Adventures Camp held at Camp Luther February 12-15, 2010. The weather was winter perfect. Our wonderful teens began the weekend with a pizza and getting-to-know you party upon arrival on Friday evening. Saturday morning offered snowshoeing through the scenic, groomed trails of the camp. After skiing, the campers spent some down-time in the game room with hot cocoa and lots of laughs before lunch.
Multiple tubing runs challenged our teens on Saturday afternoon. The different runs allowed the campers to choose the run that best suited them, but by the end of the afternoon all the campers were shooting down the runs like pros - often in a multi-tube train accompanied with squeals and laughter.
After some more warm drinks and games in the rec room, we joined together for a sharing session where we had warm and sympathetic conversations about our personal trials.
After we wolfed down a great supper, we took a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the woods - the stars were glorious - to a great campfire where we warmed ourselves and had s'mores and hot chocolate before our return trip through the woods.
Sunday morning we tried out snow shoes with varying degrees of success. After lunch, it was broomball. Though most of the campers had never played before, it didn't take long for them all to get into the game, and when it was time to quit, everyone decided to continue the play. Later in the afternoon, we had another sharing time and discussed coping strategies our hopes for the future.
Sunday evening brought a choice of tubing or broomball and we joined others from the camp for a fun and competitive evening.
Monday morning, our tired campers got on the bus with their BFF for the ride home.
