My dream of creating a camp for kids affected by medical issues began with a 17 year old young lady who was in and out of remission with her battle with cancer. Despite multiple hospital visits and an uncertain prognosis, she always remained so positive and optimistic about the future. One summer afternoon, over ice cream, I asked her what made her tick; what she said impacted me for the rest of my life. She told me that what kept her going was knowing that she would have the opportunity to serve as a junior camp counselor later that year at camp for kids with cancer. She went on to say that going to that camp every summer as a child made her and all the other kids feel like a regular kid for one week out of the year. That hit me like a ton of bricks—that these kids just want to feel normal—and going to camp is how they achieve that feeling. It was that day that sparked my life’s dream, and I am so happy to say that with the help of our wonderful Board of Directors, our Executive Director and Administrative Assistant, and many generous volunteers, my Camp River Run dream has become a reality!

Blessings,

Shawna Van Beek,
Founder~ Camp River Run