Gift of Life at Camp
Aug 29, 2012 by Gift of Life
News
For over 1,160 camp staffers, this summer meant more than simply laughing with their campers. It meant more than spending time in the sun and hiking in the woods. For this year’s dedicated camp staff, this summer meant possibly saving a life. For over two years the Gift of Life Bone Marrow Foundation has been working with camps all around the country educating staff and campers alike on the life-saving work we do. The goal for this year was to swab at least 1,000 people in 44 camps. Needless to say, the Gift of Life foundation considered this summer a great success, exceeding our goal by over 100 people.
Every camp was a little bit different. Some were overnight camps, others day camps. Each camp contributed something different to Gift of Life. At Camp Alonim in California, a recipient spoke to staff members before they were swabbed. Camp OSRUI, whose drive was organized by a woman whose father passed away from Leukemia many years ago, swabbed 65 staff members. Each camp has its own unique story. Some are personal and hit close to home, others are simply a group of volunteers that wish to help people in need. No matter what the story behind the camp drive, it is always inspiring.
It is with great happiness that the Gift of Life can state that camp drives do not end with camp, but their inspiration continues on during the year. Staff members from Camp Ramah were not simply swabbed, they were educated. The camp director wanted staff members to truly understand what they were doing and with whom they were working. Our program was received with such esteem that many staff members plan on running drives at their colleges and universities.
This year, many of the camps were fortunate enough to hear donors speak about their experiences. However, it was not just staff members that were granted this privilege, NJY Camps encouraged their teens to participate also. Many of the teens vowed they would register to become donors when they turn 18 in a couple of years.
The Associate Director of Camping for URJ said that the response from camps has been “overwhelmingly positive.” Everyone involved feels “empowered that they can contribute and make a difference in someone else’s life.” Matches and donations have already been made many times by our camp heroes. We can only hope to have many more in the future.
To run a drive in your community, contact info@giftoflife.org.
