Inspiration Goes to Camp
We are proud to be a Gold Sponsor of the Youth Rally, a transformational summer camp that provides a safe environment for young people ages 11 to 17 with any sort of bowel or bladder dysfunction. This year’s camp took place July 25th through 30th at the University of Washington, Seattle, and we experienced its magic firsthand through the eyes of Heather Budorick, one of the camp’s volunteer registered nurses and a Clinical Specialist with Hollister Incorporated.
Excitement was in the air from day one as 128 campers and a staff of 80 including registered nurses, counselors and administrative assistants converged. The ultimate goal of the camp is to encourage self-confidence and independent living, and it’s accomplished through a mixture of all-out fun, personal connections and education.
Inspiration is woven throughout the experience. For example, most of the counselors were once campers themselves and act as invaluable role models to the camp attendees. On Friday, Jada Sheeler, world traveler and Spencer Kimbro, Team USA paralympic athlete motivated campers with their uplifting stories.
The biggest hit, especially for first year campers, was the Tuesday break out groups where attendees got the chance to talk with others in a similar situation. A counselor, who had the same or similar medical diagnosis as the campers in each group, facilitated the hour-long sessions. As a Certified Wound Ostomy Care Nurse (CWOCN), Heather answered and clarified any medical questions that came up.
“Mostly the campers explained their experiences and some had concerns that are very understandable for a person caught between childhood and adulthood,” said Heather.
Fun ensued as well, with a field trip for boating and swimming to Green Lake Park; Wacky Wear Bowling Party, Lip-Sync Battle, talent show and an Under the Sea themed dance.
2017 Youth Rally
July 17th – July 22nd
San Diego, California
We look forward to being involved again. Know a young person who would benefit from this life-changing experience? Go to youthrally.org.