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Camp MUSC a success by Cindy Abole Public Relations     For most children, memories of summer are synonymous with all types of outdoor fun including camp. For one week in August, MUSC Children’s Hospital patients got a chance to meet others, build confidence in themselves and gain from positive new experiences as participants with Camp MUSC.   Camp coordinator Kristie Opiola plays a board game with patient Britney Goodley during a teen activity.  The camp is a new in-house summer program created for sick and terminally ill pediatric patients.   “We’re excited to be able to provide this new program to our patients,” said Kristie Opiola, 7B child life specialist. “Its purpose is to provide participants with a fun, easy time that promotes play, relieves stress and creates positive memories for patients within a caring, nurturing environment.”      Patient Katelyn Hoffman, sitting, and a visitor prepare to meet and touch Marty, a bull python. Marty is being presented by S.C. Aquarium's Jamie Cooms.  The camp follows in the steps of another successful summer program, Camp Get-A-Well-A, at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Opiola and the entire child life team wanted to create a similar program in Charleston teaming up with local museums and area businesses including the Charleston Children’s Museum, Charleston Aquarium, Home Depot and other guests. As for timing, Opiola  wanted to conduct camp during the summer and prior to the beginning of school. She and other child life specialists and organizers talked to colleagues and evaluated patient data trends prior to setting a date.      “Camp MUSC is very important to our patients and their families because we strive to always support the whole child and create a comfortable child-friendly environment,” said Carol Dobos, Ph.D., R.N., director of the Children’s Hospital.   On Aug. 15, patients/campers were assigned to camp cabins organized under patient care areas. Using Hawaiian names, the cabins included Cabin Malama (7A), Cabin Kaimana (7B), Cabin Lahaina (7C), and Cabin Ali'ikai (8D). Most of the camp’s activities and special events took place in the Activities Cabin or Children’s Hospital Atrium.      Home Depot's Julia Suggs helps Children's Hospital patient Courtni Moultrie, 15, build a bird house.  Each morning, campers like Spartanburg native Karli Reynolds, 13, arose to receive camp mail in their doorway. For five days, she read about the camp’s schedule and planned activities for teens and children of all ages.   Reynolds was admitted on Aug. 15 and learned about the program from Natalie Bazzell, 7C child life specialist, and the 7C nursing staff. Skeptical at first, she soon warmed to the camp’s many teen activities and crafts planned for her and others.   “I was a little hesitant and scared not knowing what to expect,” said Reynolds, who was discharged Aug. 19, Camp MUSC’s final day. “I loved getting the notes in my door and going to the activities cabin each day during my stay. I was able to meet other kids, build a bird house, fish magnet, key chain and other stuff. I even got to see a turtle and baby alligator.”   “It’s been a fun experience for Karli,” said mom, Melissa Johnson. “Letting her participate in camp was a nice diversion from the tests and the reason for our stay. It helped us not worry and took the edge off for us as parents.”    “Kids love to participate in camps during the summer,” Dobos said. “If our patients cannot attend camp, why not bring camp to them while they are in the hospital. Kids need a sense of normalcy to help them cope with illness and treatment. Anything we can do to help the children feel normal as well as have fun, we will do if we can.”   Friday, Aug. 26, 2005 Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to petersnd@musc.edu or catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Community Press at 849-1778.