Free camp for kids, teens with cancer in Akron kicks off this weekend

AKRON, Ohio - Sunday kicks off the week many children who have been diagnosed with cancer have been waiting for. Camp Quality Ohio gives those ages four to 18 a free seven-day camping experience.

But 2011 is extra special. This year marks the organization's 15th anniversary and the founders of the camp will be on-hand at Craftsmen Park's Rex Lake in the Portage Lakes area of Akron. Each child is paired with a trained and background checked "companion coordinator" upon arrival who will participate in the activities with them.

"We do a week full of boating, fishing, crafts and swimming. The ROTC comes in, we have a band and laser light group. On Monday night, the Dragon Dream Team (all female breast cancer survivors) put on huge event on the lake and that's just the beginning," said spokeswoman Carol Cross.

Fulfilling the request of previous campers, Tuesday will be a day of remembrance. A memory service will engage those wanting to reflect and celebrate the life of friends or family members they lost to the illness. A balloon release, plus cake and punch will follow.

"One of our campers died two weeks ago," said Cross. "Some of these children who come will beat cancer, but some won't."

A prom is held each year and 2011's theme is Hollywood: Lights, Camera, Action. A salon donates its time and services to do hair for both the girls and boys and will do the girls' nails and makeup. Dresses and tuxedos are donated and each person at camp gets to choose their style and is fitted a day after they arrive. Limos will take campers to eat at Prime at Anthe's and then it will be time to dance the night away.

"Watching some of these children come out of their shell is incredible. They feel comfortable taking the scarves off their heads because there are other kids in their situation. It's really powerful," Cross said.

Later this year, Camp Quality Ohio will take 25 families who have children with cancer, to Kalahari Resort for a three-day vacation. The trip is free.

Camp Quality Ohio is a volunteer run, community-funded, non-profit organization which provides year-round support activities to families who have children diagnosed with cancer.