Light the Way Camp 2004

Vent Kids of Alabama

Supporting Amazing Families

For many of us who have since grown up, summer camp brings to mind happy memories of fast friendships, dips in the pool, canoe rides, and nature in all its glory. Now, thanks to Light the Way Camp 2004 held July 9 – 11 at Children’s Harbor in Alex City, Alabama, many of our vent-dependent children will be able to say the same thing. About 90 people attended over the weekend including 10 families with children on ventilators. This was the first overnight experience for many of our families since last year was only a one day picnic. The facility includes a handicap accessible swimming pool, lake with beach area, and beautiful cabins which are also handicap accessible. The beauty of the Children’s Harbor location and the pleasant facilities we shared made us each feel very appreciative for the opportunity to camp there. Due to more than generous donations, all of the meals were provided for everyone.

Home

Last Year’s Camp

It was hard to leave and say goodbye, but the friendships and bonds secured at this first-ever Vent Kids camp will never be broken. All of our families are looking forward to next year. Vent Kids of Alabama is very pleased with the incredible interest and support we received this year, and we will need continued support to make this an annual event.

For many of our families, the time spent with VSA (formerly Very Special Arts) artist Bob McKenna and several VSA volunteers stood out as a camp high note. An organization that introduces children and adults with disabilities to the arts, VSA brought with them lots of projects to keep our kids and their siblings happily and artfully busy. We were very fortunate to have them attend our camp and give the children this awesome chance to express themselves in such a vivid way. With the help of Bob and the VSA volunteers, our children created a gigantic painting on canvas that was auctioned off at a VSA fundraising event on August 15 at the Historic Virginia Samford Theatre in Birmingham. Each sibling who participated carried home with them their own paintings and decorative boxes. VSA was as delighted to be there as we were to have them and plan to make this an annual event. We look forward to working with them again at our Light the Way Camp 2005.

We spent Friday night relaxing and getting to know one another. From start to finish, Saturday was a day filled with FUN activities. The pool and lake were available all day for swimming, but the kids couldn’t wait for the boat rides. Gracious volunteers donated their time and their boats to take our kids on rides of a lifetime. A pontoon boat which could carry children in their wheelchairs offered a nice relaxing trip around the lake. For the thrill-seekers out there, some really FAST speed boats pulled tubes behind them for a wild ride.

A special luau Saturday evening topped off the entire weekend. The children did the limbo, played pass the coconut and danced around with family and friends. Each child received a medal for attending the camp, and all our families received a couple of large goody bags filled with items donated by gracious friends. Before heading back to the mess hall for a fantastic spaghetti supper prepared by several special friends, the luau ended with a slideshow presentation of our Vent Kids. Viewing the children's photographs set to music and looking around and seeing with our own eyes how far each child has come was overwhelming. Needless to say, there were many happy tears by the time the last photo shined on screen. The gratitude we feel for our families and all the volunteers who helped make this camp a reality is hard to put into words. We are thankful for each of you.