— By Kayli Jones Previous CRG Camper-

My time at Camp Rainbow Gold wasn’t very long but I can say it was the best year I ever had. I was diagnosed with Stage 4 B-Cell Lymphoma fairly late during my adolescence so coping with my disease was difficult as I didn’t know many people who would understand it or relate. When meeting with some of the St. Luke’s staff, they reached out to me about attending a summer camp at Camp Rainbow Gold. Trying something new where I wouldn’t know anyone at all was nerve wracking, but I wanted to give it a try. Since that time, I can honestly say that my life changed forever.

A Family

Camp Rainbow Gold gave me a family that I never had. On the first day of camp, everyone welcomed me with open arms, asking me where I was from and getting to know me. All of my nervousness went away as I was getting to meet friends and staff who were beyond kind and supportive.

Relief

The comfort of being around people who have also been through dealing with cancer was relieving in so many ways. The activities that we did throughout camp allowed a true bonding experience between the campers and gives an opportunity for us to truly be ourselves.

No Regrets

To anyone that is debating or hesitant about going to camp, go. As a person who has always been reserved and hesitant about trying new things, I will never regret the decision to attend camp. Getting to meet new people that not only are some of the most genuine people you will ever meet, but that understand what you have been going through is one of the best feelings ever. Camp Rainbow Gold will always have a special place in my heart, and I hope to continue to work with them for a long time.