children and now offer 15 camp programs each year. To participate in a camping program, children and their families must submit an application for illness-specific sessions and be recommended by their medical physician. They will then attend one of six different types of camping programs: illness-specific camping weekends, illness-specific family retreats, sibling camper weekends, summer camp programs, camp outreach and veterans’ children weekends. Illness-specific camper weekends bring children with similar conditions together for a weekend. Campers participate in many activities such as horseback riding, fishing, crafts, music and archery. During family retreats, siblings and parents can share experiences with other families going through the same type of medical situation. This weekend is also a chance for the families to take a break from the stress that comes with their child’s condition. “We really take care of the parents,” says Tiffany Bennett, marketing and communications manager of Camp Soaring Eagle. “They take a backseat to their child’s illness, so it is important to give them some special time. Families have date nights incorporated to restore normalcy within their lives as much as we can.” During sibling camper weekends, the siblings of the unwell campers are given an opportunity to escape from the often stressful environments of home. They are allowed their own camping weekend to make friends and have fun with other children who are also living and coping with a sick sibling. This weekend gives them a special getaway to enjoy being kids. The summer camp program is a weeklong experience for children ages 6-15 to enjoy some time away from their illness. Alongside other campers who are living with similar conditions, the children make new friends and are able to spend a full week having fun. Each program revolves around a different theme to make them unique and interesting. Past themes have included “Minute to Win It,” “Pirates,” “Inspector Gadget,” “Men in Black” and “‘80s Neon.” “We also have many sponsors that help us offer unique activities to our campers,” says Bennett. “In the past, we have received tickets to local sporting events, including the Arizona Diamondbacks, Coyotes and Rattlers. We have also received tickets to the ballet, Northern Arizona’s Polar Express during the holidays and the Children’s Museum of Phoenix. When medical expenses come first, these are luxuries the families cannot afford. It is so nice to have the ability to provide these outings to our campers.” Partners of Camp Soaring Eagle include Cardon Children’s Medical Center, Banner Thunderbird Medical Center, Phoenix Children’s Hospital and other medical facilities. Febr uary 2016
Im age s A Z.c om
33