Camp Bluebird to support cancer survivors

Held from Oct. 25 to Oct. 27, the camp is an opportunity for participants to learn how to cope with their illness on both emotional and physical levels. By allowing campers a chance to spend some time away from friends and family, they are given time to self-assess what their own emotional needs are in order for them to cope with cancer, thus coming to an understanding of what they can do to help themselves through such a difficult time.

Camp participants can learn how to help both family and friends cope with the pain that comes with having a loved one suffer with cancer. Campers also learn how to assess what they need emotionally from friends and family in return.

Each camper is taught by the staff how to make lifestyle changes that make living with cancer easier. Besides assessing each camperās emotional needs, the physical health of each member is looked at as well. The volunteer staff of 16 people includes a registered nurse, professionals who have previously worked with other cancer programs, and cancer health professionals from Hollings Cancer Center. With the guidance participants learn about health issues for cancer survivors.

Topics discussed include nutritional needs of people with cancer. Through this aspect of the program, each camper can obtain an understanding of how he or she can improve their health while surviving cancer.

The participants are also educated about how to manage this disease and the treatmentsā various side effects. This gives each patient sound knowledge of what to expect from the treatments he or she is receiving so that each may know how to better deal with the side effects.

All of this care is given to each camp participant in an environment where they can turn to both staff and fellow campers for support and find outlets to help them cope with this disease and understand the many health issues surrounding cancer.

Applications to attend Camp Bluebird are currently being accepted. Space, however, is limited to 52 campers, so those interested in participating should apply early to assure a space is reserved for them. For more information, call Patti Roberts of Community Support Services at 792-3364.