When you think of summer camp, you may have cherished memories of climbing, hiking and running around. But camp isn’t typically an option for kids battling complex medical conditions, unless they’re at a specialized facility like Camp Korey.
The camp provides adaptable experiences for kids with life-altering medical conditions. It’s offered to families completely free of charge.
“A lot of times, these campers wouldn’t have the opportunity to go and have a traditional camp experience unless Camp Korey existed,” said Nichol Ellis, Community Engagement Manager for Camp Korey.
The Mount Vernon program is making sure everyone has the chance to be a kid, and camp officials rely on your help to do it. They’re hoping a new awareness campaign can help.
THE PROGRAM:
The program was founded nearly 20 years ago, named after late 18-year-old Korey Rose.
“He was darling, full of energy,” said his sister Karissa Mobilia.
Korey lost his battle with bone cancer in 2004. His father, Tim Rose, founded the camp shortly after.
“The idea kind of came about that there was nothing in this area for families that were experiencing what we’re experiencing,” Mobilia said. “It was just a good way to pour his grief and our family grief into something that was tangible and something that could be a legacy for Korey.”
Since its start, the camp has served somewhere around 55,000 children, according to camp leaders.
“These families feel alone,” said Camp Korey Director of Development Carly Cooper-West. “They don’t experience community, and they don’t experience others who are going through the same thing. Coming to camp breaks down that barrier.”
“It’s inclusive,” Mobilia said. “It brings people in and that was just who Korey was.”
A NEW AWARENESS CAMPAIGN:
Keeping the program going isn’t cheap. Camp Korey relies heavily on donations and volunteers to support its mission.
A new opportunity could help spread awareness.
“One of our board members actually is really passionate about (author) David Baldacci,” Cooper-West said.
The board member decided he would try to contact the best-selling author on behalf of the organization.
“‘Hey, would you be willing to partner with us and include Korey Rose as a character in one of your books?’” Cooper-West said.
The rest is literary history. Baldacci agreed and named one of the characters in his book, “To Die For,” after Korey Rose, and included a shout-out to the organization in the back.
The book was published in November.
“This not only elevates Camp Korey and raises its awareness, but it also allows people to learn about us,” Cooper-West said.
It’s that kind of awareness that keeps the magic of Camp Korey alive.
“When our campers walk or drive through the gates, we want that immediate feeling to be, ‘I’m at home here. I’m safe here. I belong here,’” Cooper-West said.
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