why camp is special to me

By Ember Fry, Parent, Camp Korey

Our first camp experience was a Family Weekend in 2012 for skeletal dysplasia. It was great to attend Camp Korey as a family, since our son, Jadon, was a little nervous about the idea of going to summer camp and our daughter, Kalina, is still too young to attend. Their condition creates daily challenges for both of our children and for us as a family. Their skeletal dysplasia diagnosis (dwarfism, diastrophic dysplasia, specifically) presents many physical challenges. Both Jadon and Kalina also have compromised airways and tracheostomies to breathe which require extra care and monitoring around the clock.

For the most part, Jadon and Kalina would not be able to attend a traditional summer camp. The care they need is not available at most camps. But Camp Korey is unique. The facility is accessible so that Jadon can get around in his scooter with ease. The staff is so welcoming and generous, and help him take advantage of every opportunity: participating in activities, finding success and having fun. Jadon has made new friends with children facing similar obstacles just like him. Everyone and their wonderful individuality is accepted and celebrated. Everyone is just who they are and welcomed that way. I would say we have experienced joy and growth both as individuals and as a family. As a result of our camp experience, I have seen him grow, laugh and smile.

Jadon just finished his third summer camp, and has come such a long way over the last few summers. I once asked Jadon how Camp Korey had changed him. He answered, "It made me crazier." Yes, he definitely does things at Camp Korey that I can't imagine him doing anywhere else. During his second summer, Jadon even spent his first overnight away from us! This past summer, he stayed two nights. When Kalina and I went to pick him up on Friday morning last year, he said he would like to stay there forever. That is how special Camp Korey is, and how special Camp Korey makes you feel. As parents, we want what's best for our kids. We hope they learn that they can have fun and enjoy life, regardless of their medical issues. We also always want them to be happy with who they are.

Camp Korey is special. Camp Korey is magical. Camp Korey is uplifting. For so many campers, attending Camp Korey is the highlight of the year. It has a special place in their hearts as it does for my family. Campers draw about it and write about it and talk about it. I don't know that we can ever truly appreciate or understand all that the experience at Camp Korey means to these special children and to a parent like me.

To learn more about Camp Korey, the SeriousFun Camp in Washington state, please visit www.campkorey.org.