'You're not the only one': Kids with cancer - and a sibling - can attend TLC Camp in Lombard
Registration is now open for TLC Camp, which is sponsored by the Lombard Junior Women's Club.
This annual summertime event takes place June 19-23 at Sunset Knoll Park, 820 S. Finley Road, Lombard.
What makes this camp special is that it is for kids ages 5-13 who have cancer. Even better, a sibling gets to join the fun.
Established in 1983, this camp has the typical offerings - arts and crafts, sports, games and outings at various local venues like the bowling alley, zoo and water park.
The difference is the campers have a week of relief from the worries of coping with cancer, and their siblings have a reprieve from their own stressors.
"TLC Camp is so amazing. Not only is it a week full of adventure for the kids, but it is done at no cost to us, the family. This provides a place for kiddos and their siblings to come where they don't need to worry about treatment or doctors, they can just enjoy the week with no worries at all," said Kim Garvey of Schaumburg, whose daughter Savannah, 8, attends the camp.
"Most importantly, parents can breathe deep and enjoy some time not worrying about the kids."
It costs the Lombard Junior Women's Club approximately $500 per camper to put on TLC Camp. To ensure each child can attend for free, the club relies on donations from civic organizations, churches, corporations and private individuals.
To help with the costs, you can make a donation online via the club's PayPal account, lombardjrs.com, or mail a check to TLC Camp, P.O. Box 512, Lombard, IL 60148.
TLC Camp is a 501(c)3 organization, so all contributions are tax-deductible, and it is entirely run by volunteers, with no paid employees.
Volunteers are always needed for the week, including nurses, counselors, and photographers. The time commitment is from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday.
If you can't give a full week, the camp is also looking for people to serve food, run games, and provide general support.
More important than just giving your time, you will know you are giving kids with cancer a chance to just be a kid and know they aren't alone.
"Camp helps you see that you're not the only one going through this battle," said camper Braden Kubish of Lombard.
Camp director Cassandra Hartness talks about TLC Camp and how you can help.
Q: What is the Lombard Junior Women's Club? Give a brief overview of what the organization does and who you serve.
A: Established in 1930, Lombard Junior Women's Club is a member of the General Federation of Women's Clubs, one of the largest nondenominational, nonpartisan women's volunteer organizations in the world.
They are also affiliated with the 190 federated clubs in GFWC Illinois, including 20 clubs in DuPage County as members of the Fifth District.
Q: What are some of your programs?
A: Our club sponsors TLC Camp, a weeklong day camp for children with cancer and a sibling every summer, and also coordinates the Lilac Princess Program, a scholarship program for young ladies in Lombard.
Members organize fundraisers to support many charitable organizations in Lombard and beyond. Favorite activities include: preparing meals for PADS; providing holiday gifts through York Township's Secret Santa Program; packing food via Feed Our Starving Children and the Northern Illinois Food Bank; and playing bingo with the veterans at Hines VA Hospital, to name a few.
Q: Tell us about the TLC camp.
A: TLC Camp is a nonprofit organization whose goal is to provide a fun-filled week of camp activities for children ages 5-13 with cancer and a sibling.
What makes this camp unique is that it is the only camp in the state of Illinois that allows a sibling to share in the experience.
Q: How can people sign up to participate?
A: People can check out our website, www.lombardjrs.com/tlc-camp-inc, to learn more or email us for information about camp at tlccampinc@gmail.com.
Q: How can readers help TLC camp?
A: We are always looking for donations. Camp is completely volunteer based and runs solely on donations from the community and individuals. You can follow us on our Facebook Page - TLC Camp. We are always posting about upcoming events we are doing to raise money for TLC Camp. We also post many pictures all week during camp so people can see what we are up to.
Q: What else would you like readers to know?
A: We are having a dine-in and carryout fundraiser Thursday, April 20, from noon to 11 p.m. at Sebastian's Ale and Whiskey House, 801 E. Roosevelt Road, Lombard.
All you need to do is mention TLC Camp when dining in or calling for a carryout order and 15% of proceeds will be donated to us.
TLC Camp
What: A camp for kids ages 5-13 battling cancer and a sibling
Who: Sponsored by the Lombard Junior Women’s Club
When: Camp runs June 19-23
Where: Sunset Knoll Park, 820 S. Finley Road, Lombard
Cost: Free
Register:
lombardjrs.comDine and share fundraiserWhen: Noon to 11 p.m. Thursday, April 20Where: Sebastian’s Ale and Whiskey House, 801 E. Roosevelt Road, LombardDetails: Dine or carryout; mention TLC Camp and 15% of proceeds will be donated to Lombard Junior Women’s Club. View the menu at
www.sebastianshouse.com; call (630) 376-6947 to place an order.