Dear Lord; Happy Wednesday Father!
Today Father, my heart is virtually overflowing from this morning’s experience.
As I mentioned last week, through the kindness of the Kaylyn Elaine Warren Foundation I had made arrangements to attend “Media Day” at Kay’s Kamp today, so I could see first-hand what this unique camp is all about.
Kay’s Kamp is currently the only pediatric oncology camp in Delaware. It’s the realization of a vision held by Kaylyn Elaine Warren, who left this earth to join You in March of 2007 at the tender age of 18. While going through treatment for leukemia herself, she learned first-hand the effects that battling a life-threatening illness can have on the world of a child. With that thought in mind, she envisioned a way for other children in that situation to have a place to revel in their childhood; to spend time not focusing on survival, but on being a child and living. When Kaylyn left to be with You Father, the torch was taken up by her family and close friends who formed the Kaylyn Elaine Warren Foundation in her loving memory, and began the long journey of making Kaylyn’s dream a reality.
Kay’s Kamp opened for the first time on August 8, 2009, and has been an amazing Blessing for the children they’ve hosted each year. Since Jonathan attended that first year, we’ve come to think of these people as family Lord, and I thank You from the bottom of my heart for bringing us together. It’s a testament to Your love that the selfless vision of one sick young girl could bring such light, laughter and hope to so many others.
And today, I got a wonderful opportunity to see the love they bring to these children. 🙂
As Jonathan had attended Kamp for two years already, I thought I had some concept of what was involved… I wasn’t even close.
As I drove onto the beautiful grounds of Saint Andrew’s School where Kamp is currently being held, I was immediately overwhelmed by the sight I beheld. The main field was full of blue-shirted Kampers and staff, all standing around a huge multi-colored hot air balloon.
As a surprise for the children, the Kamp planners had arranged for hot air balloon rides and they were in the process of rotating the kids through their turns. When the breeze kicked up making further rides impossible, the Kampers paused for some quick photos and then were whisked off to the main building for the rest of the day’s activities.
In the watchful company of one of the Kamp’s wonderful staff, I spent the rest of the morning going between buildings, and experiencing some of the myriad of well-coordinated activities they filled the children’s days with. From arts and crafts projects, to a brainstorming session for the Kamp’s daily newsletter, to splashing around in the beautiful indoor pool, the Kampers were kept well entertained and cared for by the tireless and devoted Kamp Staff.
On every Kamper’s face I saw nothing but smiles, reflecting joyful memories that I know they’ll take with them when Kamp ends this Saturday.
On the way out, I got the opportunity to stop by “The Zoo” (the Kamp Medical facility), and spoke with Mary Ellen McKnight who heads and coordinates the medical staff that resides there throughout the week. Although certainly tired from the week’s activities, like every other staff member I encountered today she was positively beaming about the experience and couldn’t say enough about how thankful she felt to be involved with such a worthwhile endeavor, and such wonderful people.
All in all Father, it was a joyous and humbling visit. I was absolutely Blessed by the experience.
Heavenly Father, I thank You for the wondrous gifts You bestow on these children through the selfless efforts of the Kaylyn Elaine Warren Foundation. Please continue to Bless them on this inspired mission, and allow the light You shine through their efforts to be sent out to the world through the children they serve.
In Jesus’ Name we pray,
Amen.
~Phather Phil
Hi, I’m Phil Malmstrom, a.k.a. Phather Phil. I’m self-employed, father of two wonderful young men, an ordained minister who delights in spreading Jesus’ Message of Hope and Love, a science-fiction junkie, an aspiring photographer and above all that one of God’s Children who rejoices in His Blessings each day. 
How wonderful that these devoted workers provide the awesome camp for these kids. Sounds like a fun place. 🙂
It really is an amazing group of people Lisa… God Blesses quite a few people through their works. 🙂
Have a Blessed Day!
The experiences Kamp has given Jonathan are nothing less than amazing….
Yes my Love, they certainly are. He’s been shaped in many ways by his times there, and we’re very Blessed to have been brought to them. 🙂
Love you!
Have a Blessed Day!
The camp sounds so wonderful! How awesome that the staff work there with great attitudes and are a blessing to the campers and family. It’s great that you were able to be apart of it.
Thank you Jenifer, it really is an amazing group of people. We, and many other families with seriously ill children have been Blessed by their selfless commitment.
Have a Blessed Day!
What an awesome camp…and some pretty awesome volunteers too!
They absolutely are Allison! Thank you!
Have a Blessed Day!
What a blessing for you as a parent to really know how wonderful this camp is for Jonathan… God is SO good!
We’ve seen the results of what it’s meant to him over the past couple years Heidi, but this was the first time I’d gotten the opportunity to see it in action (parents are not allowed to be there during camp). It was an awesome, eye-opening experience and I feel very Blessed to be involved with these people. 🙂
Have a Blessed Day!
Phil,
This sounds like wonderful camp and great experience for everyone involved. Although Kayln is now living with our Father in heaven her life is still making an impact on this earth, that is is so awesome.
Blessings Phil. And prayers for the all the children and staff at this camp that they continue to have a blessed week.
Amen Kandi. If everyone took tragedies in their lives and allowed God to use them for His Blessings, the world would be a much different place. 🙂
Have a Blessed Day!
I did not get a chance to read this until today. The experience you had yesterday, what a wonderful feeling to see, experience, learning, and appreciate selflessness. The blessings are those that give, create memories, and just plain enjoy. Wow!
Awesome to know Jonathan has been blessed with a wonderful experience, and for you to see with outside eyes the miracle of a child’s life through the dreams of one.
God Bless all of those able to give of themselves. Wonderful!!!!!!
Thank you Dy!
We are truly Blessed to be a part of this group, and to witness such unselfish kindness and caring. 🙂
Have a Blessed Day!
What a beautiful gift to give a child and a family going through the rigors of cancer! Thank you for sharing this ministry with us. I’ve already checked out their website and will be following them as they continue to flesh out Kaylyn’s dream for this kids’ camp!
So glad your son is able to attend.
peace~elaine
Amen Elaine! This is a truly wonderful organization, and we’ve been Blessed to have been a part of it since the first year. They are absolutely acting as the hands and feet of Christ with their work.
Have a Blessed Day!