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The Kids Make Camp Dost Extra Special

The Kids Make Camp Dost Extra Special - Tuesday, July 8, 2008 at 6:35PM EST

Reported by: Eric Deabill
Tuesday, Jul 8, 2008 @ 06:35pm EST
MILLVILLE, COLUMBIA COUNTY- This is the 26th year for Camp Dost in Millville. It’s run by the Ronald McDonald house of Danville and is held every year on the grounds of Camp Victory.

From swimming to archery, cooking class to arts and crafts, there is something for every kid. But the kids who attend Camp Dost are extra special. They're all battling, or have battled, cancer.

You could call them all straight shooters. The 102 kids who are taking part in Camp Dost this year don't shy away from their struggles with cancer. Savannah Salinas from Drums said, “Everyone here knows what I went through. We all went through the same thing. It’s been a time to share stories and stuff."

Besides sharing stories, these kids are also sharing fun, like horseback riding. Chris Harvey from Williamsport said, “I think its fun and I like it, because there's all the sports I like to do."

Camp Dost isn't your normal summer camp. It’s a place where kids can be kids despite their struggles. Where else do you have to sing for your lunch? 26-year camp volunteer Debbie Snyder said, “We see the kids in a totally different setting. They're smiling. They're happy. There's not bad news here. There's not suffering here. There's not pain here. It’s about being a kid."

But the reality of the cancer many of these kids are fighting doesn't go away just because they're at camp. Many still have to undergo "chemo" at the “Med-Shed.” But it’s the farthest thing from their mind. Ashley Campos from Tobyhanna said, “The doctor said when I come back from camp, they're going to give me a week to stay at home, then I have to go back to the hospital for my 8-hour chemo."

Even though they're young, with the support of all their friends, these kids know they can get through anything. Camp Dost Director Heather Lauach-Pascual said, “No matter what they're ability is, whether they're in a wheelchair, walking around, using crutches, they're able to feel just like everyone else."
 


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