THUNDER BAY – For Alex Mitchell, Camp Quality has been a summer haven for three years – though he missed last summer because he was in the hospital being treated for cancer.
The outgoing teen’s story is not unlike dozens of other youngsters who have attended Camp Quality, nestled along the shores of Loon Lake, for almost two decades.
It’s a home-away-from-home, he said, a place where he doesn’t have to be the different kid. He can just be himself, and like it or not, that includes cancer.
He can’t imagine life without Camp Quality.
“It’s awesome because a lot of the kids who go through what we go through, they get picked on a lot at school and they just can’t find people that appreciate them for who they are,” said Alex, who uses a cane to assist his walking, but otherwise acts like any other teen.
“Here, everybody’s accepted for who they are, no matter what happens with them.”
That means a lot, he said.
“It means a lot to a child because they don’t want to be going to school every day and being picked on. And I’ve had a lot of friends (here) who have had a lot of depression and stuff and don’t have a lot of friends,” Alex said.
“It’s boosted my depression a lot."
Sixteen-year-old Kaija Tarabocchia was diagnosed with cancer when she was only a toddler, and can’t remember what life without Camp Quality in it was like.
While attending, she’s learned a lot about not only her disease, but also herself.
“When I first started, I didn’t know much about cancer. So it was way easier for me to learn more about it and also talk to people who understood exactly what I was going through,” Kaija said.
“In school that was pretty tough when kids would kind of bully you a little bit and make fun of you. And making friends was actually pretty easy here, because there are many kids who had the same type of cancer as me. They went through the same treatment, so I could connect with them.”
Camp director Ashleigh Quarrell said they’ve offered the week-long experience for the past 17 years because living with cancer is onerous for anyone at any age, but especially for a child.
“It’s very challenging and there are a lot of emotions for them and their families. This is an opportunity for them to come, experience some fun, meet some other people who can help them experience that fun,” Quarrell said.
“We bring them a variety of activities to help keep their minds off of the cancer, just to be kids again, and find those friendships that can mean a lot, especially when they’re going through tough times.”
Each camper is paired with a companion and there are also nurses and other health-care professionals on site to help with any medical needs.
Siblings, whose lives are affected considerably because their brother or sister has cancer, are also welcome to attend.
“Every cancer story is different, but there are a lot of similarities, even among our siblings,” Quarrell said. “That experience can be quite challenging, in a different way, so they do find some camaraderie here and support.”
Activities include typical outdoor experiences, like swimming, campfires, crafts and this year, even a little scientific experimentation.
To donate, visit the Camp Quality website.
