Camp Quality Michigan
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I became involved with Camp Quality after my grandson was a camper back in 2003 and he was so excited and had such a great experience at the age of 6. The next year I became involved as a companion and also got my best friend to come and we have been coming every since. This was our sixth year at camp this past August. We are both part of the kitchen staff and thoroughly enjoy seeing the kids have such a great time getting together with other campers they have met over the years who keep coming back year after year and meeting new campers. The companions are matched up so well with their camper and they surely have a good time since there is so much for the kids to do at camp. I, myself, enjoy getting together with other companions, campers and staff each year and see how the kids have grown and that they are still part of the Camp Quality family.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
Seeing the campers keep coming back year after year and thoroughly enjoy their time at camp and watching them grow up.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
The staff and volunteers are so committed to the jobs at camp and thoroughly enjoy each minute at camp. Everyone is so friendly and have made some great friends at camp.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About once a year
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
Camp Quality has changed my life forever. My first time I went to camp I was a very shy girl and did not knowing anyone. I made friends immediately because everyone is so friendly. The one on one camper companion ration really makes everyone feel special. These kids who have gone through such a traumatic event now have all attention on them. And for their parents, they get a break for a week, knowing their children are safe and taken care of. My camper has attended the camp for over 10 years where I have only attended twice. Both of us enjoy the new special events that happen every year. At points she feels like she has done everything and then we discover a new activity she has never tried. Camp Quality has taught me patience, understanding, sympathy, strength, flexibility and so much more. I tear up thinking about the joy these children experience when at camp. Camp isn’t just a week long experience, it is for life! My camper has made best friends that she sees regularly outside of camp. This year I ran every morning of camp to stay in shape. One morning I got the opportunity to run with a 17 year old cancer survivor. I felt so empowered and she pushed me to my limit and made me a better person and a better runner. My favorite experience was during the memorial service. I was having a hard time dealing with a loss of one of last year’s campers. One of the 8 year old cancer survivors turned around in her seat, saw that I was crying and held my hand. The strength of this child blows my mind. I am a relatively healthy person and this little girl who has gone through so much, comforted me when I was crying. I still am shocked by this event. It most likely meant nothing to her, she just wanted me to feel better, but I will NEVER forget that moment, EVER. Camp quality has also given me tools to deal with death. This is a very important part of camp. It shows me they know how I feel and care about my emotional health, while at camp and while away from camp. I have told hundreds of people about my experiences. This camp has also led me to a career as a Child Life Specialist. I am currently pursuing a degree in Child Life, focusing on play as an important role in hospitalization. This camp is the ultimate Child Life experience. At work, I bring crafts to children waiting for doctors or deliver toys to children that need something to do during long doctor’s appointments. When I receive my degree, I will be distracting children during procedures, helping the child and family deal with the illness, and aiding in the process of bereavement. This camp has showed me how important the role of play has on children dealing with cancer. I plan to take everything I have learned and use it in my career. I am from the Chicago suburbs, one of the only volunteers from out of state and I drive 7-8 hours to get to camp. This year I had one day in between the last day of camp and the first day of school (University of Iowa). Driving 12 hours in a 24 hours period was tough but so worth it. I wouldn’t miss camp for anything! I encourage everyone to get involved with something they love and this is mine. I love the smiles and the joy radiating from the children who attend Camp Quality Michigan. This year we had the most people ever at camp and everyone is included. I look forward to the next year as I drive off the campground on my way home from camp!
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Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
Meeting people that care about others and want to help children. Also, the happiness I see when the children are at camp warms my heart all year round.
Ways to make it better...
I had taken advantage of the floaters that are there to help the companions when they need a break from their camper. They were always available but I felt guilty at the time for needing a break from my camper.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About once a year
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
I have been involved with Camp Quality since 2007 when my daughter (Stacy Brooks) asked me to help. I have been a companion to a six year old and last year I became part of the staff working with arts and crafts and overseeing activities in the main lodge. This has been the most fulfilling experience of my life. Cancer has touched our family in a very personal way and because of this we all felt like we needed to give something back for all the help, love and support that was given to us at a very hard time. What better way is there then to give children a chance to just be kids again when they are fighting everyday for their life. What better way then to give parents a break and to know that their kids are having fun and just being kids for a week. Camp Quality is a Great Big Slice of Sunshine in their uncertain and scary world.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
A very positive way.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I would not make any changes
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
The courage of these kids. They can teach us all a lesson.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Were from many diffrent walks of life and age groups and were screened very carefully. I enjoyed all the people I met and look forward to working with them again.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Help wipe out childhood cancer and then we would not need camps like these.
Ways to make it better...
My experience was very very good
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
Money
One thing I'd also say is that...
I will volunteer and work for this camp as long as I am able
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
I absolutely love Camp Quality. When I signed up to be a companion I was nervous that I wouldn't be strong enough to be help a child with cancer. But being around those incredible children for a week was the most inspiring thing I could have ever done. They teach you strength and compassion and you just have the most amazing time! CQ is awesome because it's all free for the campers and their companions! And because it provides a comfortable and safe environment for children who deserve a fun week of being a kid! I honestly can't wait to return as a 3rd year companion next summer!
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
learning from these children.. they inspire me to be a better person and live life to the fullest, just like they do!
Ways to make it better...
we could add a couple extra floaters just in case companions needed a break or we needed someone to fill a gap somewhere
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About once a year
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
When asked to help at Camp Quality, a camp for kids with cancer, I was a little nervous. The thought of a child with cancer is enough to make me cry! I decided that I could be strong and I would help and I am so glad I did. The unbelievable number of incredible people who volunteer during the week is awesome!! The camp is a week for the children to forget that they have cancer and to have a ton of fun, AND THEY DO!! I was overwhelmed by the number of volunteers who spend the entire week with a camper, cook, clean, take photos, bring a hot air balloon, provide free concessions, do crafts, take kids fishing, horseback riding, help build rockets, take kids canoeing, swimming, climbing, scrapbooking. The last thing on their minds is cancer! What an awesome organization! To see a child who has been through so much (surgery, months of chemotherapy and radiation), smile a genuine fun filled smile, is incredible!! Instead of sadness and illness, this camp is filled with fun, laughter, and excitement!!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
seeing the fun-filled smile of a terminally ill child.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
meeting great volunteers and awesome kids!
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
very giving and positive.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
provide even more exciting activities to even more children with cancer.
Ways to make it better...
there was air conditioning in the nurses station.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About once a year
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
Camp was fantastic. This was my 2nd year as a Companion at Camp Quality and it is one of the best experiences in my life. I look forward to it every year now. The kids seem to have a blast too. There are so many activities to do, it's almost hard to do them all! This is one of the finest organizations out there.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
simply how rewarding and fun it is. These children who have been diagnosed with cancer just love being able to let loose and enjoy themselves for a week away from it all.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Expand. The camp is getting pretty full now, and another area camp would probably be a good idea.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About once a year
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
Camp Quality is an amazing organization that allows lids with cancer to be kids again, even if for only that one week at camp. My parents were the first in my family to be involved. They just finished their 12th year. My mom runs a craft cabin, my dad drives a golf cart to transport campers to and from activities, and I lifeguard and help to run the waterfront activities. This year my son also volunteered as a lifeguard. Three generations of giving to a cause we truly believe in. We wouldn't do anything else with our time that week. Our family is also involved in the Boyne Thunder fundraiser for CQ. Anything we can do for CQ...because paraphrasing another volunteer.."it is not the quantity of time on earth, but the QUALITY of time"...Camp Quality Rocks!
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
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The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
amazing people who give to a cause greater than themselves. Every volunteer makes some sacrifice and leaves their own family, life, job to come to camp for a week. But, every volunteer also realizes that once they come to CQ, that is their new family.
Ways to make it better...
it could go on for longer than 1 week.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every six months
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
This is the second year that I have volunteered at Camp Quality Michigan. I am proud to be paired with my new friend Justin. I continue to see him and his family.I feel fortunate that I am able to provide him with a great camp experience at no cost to his family.As a cancer survivor the doctors were able to heal my body but these children have mended my heart. I am honored to be a small part of Camp Quality Michigan. My favorite memory from camp this year was dancing with a little girl, who is visually impaired due to cancer, to a country song.We were not singing in tune or dancing to the beat but we were having the time of our lives. Could life get any better?
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
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The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
a diverse group of fun loving people that all shared one common denominator. We have all been touched by cancer in some way.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
not only find a cure for cancer but help more families with the financial burden that sometimes comes with the uninsured patients such as my sister-in-law. She is currently going through treatment for breat cancer. Her family now owes 70 thousand dollars.
Ways to make it better...
I didn't have to sleep on the top bunkbed!LOL
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About once a year
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
I cannot even begin to explain what Camp Quality has done for me. I joined the Camp Quality family back in 2007, and it will forever be a part of my life. What this camp provides for children with cancer is unlike anything I have ever seen before. These children get to come to camp for a week without having to pay for anything. There is so much food, crafts, gifts given to these children in one week, while their parents get to relax and spend time with each other or with other siblings who sometimes do not get the attention that they need. When you spend a week at Camp Quality, it touches your heart no matter what kind of person you are. There is not one volunteer that joins the staff that is not capable of caring for these children. Children are allowed to be children again and forget about all the treatment they have to go through and all the stares and looks they get. I have had a camper who has passed away, and the Camp Quality family and staff has provided myself and that family with so much support and love and character that I cannot even express to you in words. I am thankful every day of my life for Camp Quality and I always anticipate the next event they put on.
Photos
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
every aspect of life. I am a better person because of Camp Quality and I thrive to do more and more for children with cancer because of the involvement of Camp Quality.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
that they make you feel a part of a family. They include the child, their siblings, and their family as well as their volunteers. It is always a event to look forward to as these people really impact your lives.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
very compassionate and warm hearted. You have to be when you are dealing with children with cancer. Each staff member is highly qualified and enjoys a week with children.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
open so many windows for these children. More events could be done yearly for these children instead of just once a year for camp, and 2 teen events a year. More siblings and family members could be involved if they had more money.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About once a year
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
I was a companion for a camper at Camp Quality. It was one of the greatest experiences of my life. Camp Quality sets up the companion-camper relationship in a way that is comfortable to both parties. The training does a decent job of preparing the companions for what to expect and how to react to certain situations. At the camp, the administration does an excellent job in scheduling the events and making them fun for everyone. My camper and I had a lot of fun on the water activities, the zip line, and at the events thrown by the Camp Copneconic staff. Camp Quality does a great thing bringing a smile to everyone who is involved, especially the campers. It was a privilege to be a part of that.
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The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
nothing short of the greatest people on the planet. They were extremely dedicated and kind and made the entire camping experience one to remember for all.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
One time
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009