Growing Stronger
This year’s Youth Rally held at San Diego State University, July 17-22, hosted 155 campers and 82 volunteers including nurses, counselors and administrative assistants—the largest number to date!
Youth Rally is a transformational camp that provides a non-threatening environment for young people ages 11 to 17 with any sort of bowel or bladder dysfunction. The ultimate goal of the camp is to encourage selfconfidence and independent living, and it’s done with a mixture of all-out fun, connection and education.
“At Hollister Incorporated, we were proud to be a sponsor,” said Heather Budorick, a certified Wound Ostomy Care Nurse (WOCN) and Clinical Specialist at Hollister Incorporated, who was also on hand to answer questions and assist campers as needed.
Most of the counselors were once campers themselves and acted as invaluable role models. Each camper attended a break-out session with others their own age, facilitated by counselors. For many, it was the first time they met other kids in the same situation as them.
The peer-to-peer experience is life changing. For example, some of the campers had not gone swimming since their surgeries but the pool on campus was a big hit. At first some kids would go in to the water wearing big shirts to cover up their pouches. But once they saw others wearing swimsuits, they followed suit, unashamed of a telltale pouch or scar.
Inspiring as well was a presentation by Nick Scott, the founder of Wheelchair Bodybuilding, Inc. and two-time World Power Lifting Champion. Nick became paralyzed at age 16 after a car accident and uses a wheelchair. He motivated campers with his story and let them know that whatever happens in their lives—they have control of their destiny.
The event was jam-packed with fun activities like trips to Mission Bay, the beach and Old Town San Diego, but campers loved taking the spotlight in a fashion and talent show. There was also a closing night dance, held outdoors for the first time in Youth Rally history.
Youth Rally 2017 fulfilled many dreams for campers, whether it was swimming for the first time, finding a lifelong friend or finally knowing they were not alone. And best of all, they can’t wait to come back next year!
Mark your calendars for Youth Rally 2018 on July 16-20 at the University of Colorado in Boulder, Colorado. Know a young person who would benefit from this life-changing experience? Go to youthrally.org.
