Dear Camp Rainbow Gold,

Ever since I spent my time throughout treatment for my lymphoma I had heard from the doctors, nurses, and other families that were affected by cancer that I should go to Camp Rainbow Gold. I was very hesitant at first because I was still young and shy. It was way outside of my comfort zone to leave home for a week and go to Camp with strangers. I waited until the last year I was able to go to Youth Oncology Camp. By the end of that week, I was so mad at myself that I hadn’t gone sooner. In just one week I had made some of my best friends just by being able to relate to them on a much deeper level than anyone else. There were nights when we would all stay up late sharing stories and making these unbreakable bonds. From this point on I knew that I would try to go to Camp every year until I was too old.

The Time Of My Life

I spent the next 4 years going to Camp and it was the best time of my life. The highlight of my year would be going up to Camp and making memories with new and old friends. I could go on and on about all the things I did at Camp and the time I spent with my cabin mates. I still am close with the people I met through Camp. Not only did I meet some good friends, but the volunteers were just as important. I remember hearing stories of why every volunteer was involved and being touched by each of their stories. The volunteers were very inspirational to me and taught me how important it is to give back.

Sharing Hope

I was unable to be a junior volunteer last year because I was on vacation, but I look forward to going back to Camp this year and being able to share the experiences I had growing up with other kids. Camp holds a very special place in my heart, it is a place where I didn’t feel different from other kids because of my past, I was able to open up about what I had gone through all while having a great time and meeting great people. I can’t wait to help this next year and many years to come with Camp Rainbow Gold.

Austin Simon, CRG Oncology Camper