Cancer camp celebrates siblings

February may not seem like a “camping” month, but President’s day weekend kids gathered in Swan Valley for the third Camp Magical Moments “Siblings Camp” for kids who have brothers or sisters with cancer.

Much like summer camp, campers rock climb, go horseback riding and play some dodgeball. Of course there are fun winter staples as well, like sledding, snow shoeing and even a “Winter Olympics.”

“This camp means a lot to me because it helps me forget about my sister’s cancer and not have to worry,” said Kaelynn, a camper. “We get to hang out with other cancer siblings so they kind of know what we’ve been through.”

“Sometimes when you have a child who has cancer, all the attention goes to the child who is sick,” said Ann Walsh, camp founder and director. “So we just shower them with attention and presents. This weekend is all about them.”

On top of the camp songs and great food, a psychologist leads discussion groups which give the kids a chance to talk about what’s it’s like to have a brother or sister with cancer.

Camp Magical Moments has a week-long camp for kids with cancer in the summer and in September they have a mom’s retreat.

All are completely free to the families.

For more information on Camp Magical Moments, you can visit www.campmagicalmoments.org.