Press Release
Children diagnosed with cancer in the tri-county area and throughout South Carolina are starting to pack their bags and get ready for one of their favorite weeks of the year: Camp Happy Days' week-long, overnight camp! Camp Happy Days (CHD) expects to host approximately 200 children at Camp Bob Cooper during the week of Fourth of July. This will be the 40th year of Camp! During this week, children diagnosed with cancer, their siblings and volunteers will come together for a week of fun activities, supportive friends, and therapeutic engagement.
Jennifer Spearman is a longtime volunteer of Camp Happy Days. Prior to joining CHD, Jennifer was a camp counselor and lifeguard at Camp Bob Cooper where she experienced her first week of camp as a lifeguard. A few years later, she saw a flyer to volunteer, and she signed up as a week-long counselor. This year she will be volunteering for her 15th year at Camp! She shared some of her favorite memories from camp over the years.
“Overall, some of my favorite memories are watching campers overcome something they are scared of– whether it is tubing, the high ropes, performing in the talent show– those are very special memories and I have several of those. I also enjoy the small, sweet moments: when a camper makes a bracelet in arts and crafts for another camper, or someone does a unique prom-proposal. I could really go on forever,” she said.
Camp Happy Days could not provide this week-long camp without many volunteers. Each year, they need a minimum of 100 volunteers who donate their time, skills, and energy to creating a week of stress-free fun for campers. They are currently accepting new applications for volunteers for Camp 2023 until May 15. Volunteers must be 19 or older, pass a background check and complete a brief child abuse prevention training. Volunteers are needed to work as camp counselors and will be responsible for 3 to 4 children between the ages of 7 and 16. During the week, volunteers are responsible for encouraging their campers to try new experiences and connect with other children. Volunteers also help to provide a safe space for children with cancer and their siblings to relax and have fun during an otherwise stressful time. Alongside their campers, volunteers get to experience the joys of team building activities, water sports, rock wall and high ropes, camp prom, and a talent show. Camp will be held July 1 – July 8, 2023. If you would like to volunteer for Camp Happy Days, please go to https://www.camphappydays.org/summer-camp or email McKenzie@camphappydays.com.
Camp Happy Days will also be offering a virtual camp for children from June 12-15. Children currently in the hospital or those unable to attend overnight camp can experience the same activities and fun from their hospital room or homes.
A few volunteers are needed May 30 – June 2 to help with preparing supplies and boxes for this event.
“I recommend that anyone jump in and volunteer however you can,” Jennifer said. “The camp family is unlike anything I have ever experienced. Even if you can’t come for the entire week, we can find out how to use your talents, so don’t be shy. Just come in with an open mind, a big heart and be ready to have your life changed.”
If you are unable to volunteer but would like to sponsor a child for the week of camp or donate to Camp Happy Days' wish list, check out their website: https://www.camphappydays.org
Camp Happy Days is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing support and encouragement to South Carolina's children diagnosed with cancer and their families.
