By Devynn Barnes
Summer camp is a joy of childhood that brings fond memories to many people across Indiana. Camp Little Red Door in Martinsville, promises more than just fun times and good memories to participants however; it offers the chance for Indiana children with cancer or those in remission to escape their everyday lives and focus on fun instead of illness.
Camp Little Red Door is a program created by the Little Red Door Cancer Agency of Indianapolis. It takes place in Bradford Woods, just 30 minutes south of downtown, and is in Indiana’s oldest camp for kids with cancer. Kids of all ages can participate in different one-week sessions during the summer, and enjoy swimming, horseback riding, archery, fishing and much more.
According to Zina Kumok, the Little Red Door Cancer Agency media and communication coordinator, the benefits of sharing in these activities with other kids going through similar hardships are endless.
“There are lots of summer camps kids can go to, but there are few where children with cancer can attend and feel normal,” Kumok said. “We hear of so many kids who are glad to go somewhere and have people who understand what they are going through.”
This year, three children from Zionsville will be attending camp, including James and Kyle Lehman. James is 12 years old and is in remission from leukemia. His brother will accompany him to camp this year for the first time.
Terri Lehman, mother of the two boys, said she heard about the camp through the family’s oncology clinic and has had great experiences ever since.
“It is a wonderful camp experience, where James can meet other kids that have gone through similar struggles with cancer,” Lehman said.
Thanks to fundraisers, grants and community support throughout the year, the cost for a child to attend camp is only $25. According to Kumok, the small cost makes a big impact on the kids who get to attend.
“We have kids that go every year until they age out and so many want to come back and be counselors. It’s amazing to see how five days can change their lives,” Kumok said.
More information about Camp Little Red Door and the Little Red Door Cancer Agency can be found by visiting www.littlereddoor.org, or by calling 925-5595.
