“Camp Kaleidoscope: A Vibrant Haven for Families Battling Cancer”

Six Skov’s mother succumbed to a neurodegenerative condition at the time of Skov’s birth and passed away when Skov was 13.

Now at 24, Skov is pursuing graduate studies at Stanford University and is part of the leadership group of a collective of youths — many of whom also share the profound experience of losing a parent — initiating a fresh Bay Area initiative for children and families impacted by cancer, Camp Kaleidoscope.

The nonprofit organization intends to provide children with the relief, friendships, and community that they primarily had to navigate without as they endured the disorienting isolation due to a parent’s decline, followed by the sorrow and loss when a figure who nurtured, cared for, and loved them was permanently taken away.

“More individuals than you might expect are confronting this situation,” Skov asserts, “and they shouldn’t have to face it alone.”

The camp welcomes children who have lost a parent to cancer, those with a parent undergoing cancer treatment, or whose parent had cancer but triumphed over it. There are numerous services and resources available for children or adults battling cancer, yet Camp Kaleidoscope seeks to bridge a gap, according to Skov. “There’s a significant deficiency in support for families endeavored in this journey together,” she states.

If everything proceeds as envisioned, 120 kids compelled to mature far too quickly due to a parent’s cancer diagnosis will find respite from their emotional loads for six days in the Santa Cruz Mountains, gaining a community of support that will endure throughout their lives. The camp and associated programming for both kids and parents is free of charge.

“I wish I had access to something like this during my childhood,” reflects Carlson Marquez, the program’s executive director, whose mother fought pancreatic cancer for a year and a half before she lost her battle when he was 15. “I yearned for someone to confide in. Many of these children grapple with feelings of isolation. Numerous ones also become caregivers for their parents. Our main goal is to allow these kids to relish being children.”

Marquez and Skov are supported by other leaders whose challenging, traumatic childhood experiences have inspired them to extend joy and assistance to children navigating similar trials and losses. Jacob Steffen-Brune’s mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and succumbed three years later when he was merely 8. Now 21, he is in his fourth year at San Jose State University. Mary Frazier’s father faced pancreatic cancer and passed away just prior to her high school graduation. She is currently 20 and is in her third year at Stanford University.

Camp Kaleidoscope is actively seeking contributions through Wish Book to facilitate children in attending and interacting with others who, unlike most of their peers, understand what it’s like to witness a parent affected by cancer.

“Many other children don’t grasp the concept of loss,” stated Marquez, who at 23 is a Stanford graduate aiming to become an oncologist. “When you have individuals who comprehend your situation, it significantly alters everything.”

Also fundamental to the initiative will be continuous gatherings, mentorship, and camaraderie for children and their families.

The six-day, five-night camp is scheduled to occur from June 16-21 next year. Marquez — the sole compensated member of the leadership team — and his fellow volunteers have reserved the YMCA Jones Gulch camp near La Honda, and by early November had enlisted roughly half of their 80 volunteer camp mentors, primarily comprising local undergraduate university students.

The leadership group, many of whom have past experience with a similar camp program, were just beginning to connect with local cancer-support organizations to help identify families that might show interest in participating. Camp Kaleidoscope is expected to start accepting applications at the end of this year for children aged 6 to 18.

“We want to ensure that it encompasses families from every variety of background and socio-economic status,” states Marquez.

Campers will be arranged by age and will sleep in cabins, with boys in one and girls in another.

The activity schedule includes Glow Games with evening events lit up by glow sticks and radiant balls, a carnival, a scavenger hunt, arts and crafts, skits and theatrical performances, hiking, dodgeball, volleyball, and basketball. For older children, an overnight backpacking excursion is planned.

Counselor and counselor-coordinator Kennedy Hetts, a 20-year-old human biology major at Stanford, expresses particular excitement for a talent showcase for campers.

“It serves as an opportunity for them to showcase their interests or any enjoyable skills they possess,” said Hetts, whose mother passed away from breast cancer when she was 16. Additionally, she mentioned, “Much of what I am eager for involves the personal interactions with my campers and the chance to connect with them individually.”

One evening will be designated for children to share their experiences with cancer, should they choose, and to listen to one another. Participants will have the freedom to express their emotions and memories regarding their loved ones at any time, explains leadership member Rose Horan, 21, in her fourth year at Stanford.

Counselors will be chosen with the goal of creating a diverse array of personalities — from high-energy to more reserved — enabling campers to connect with those they identify with, notes Horan.

The camp will have three nurses and three therapists present throughout the week, addressing the physical and emotional needs of the children.

This initiative was also designed to assist the parents of campers who are grappling with the illness and loss of their partner while continuing to raise their children, who may not be very equipped to handle such grief. The camp will offer a respite for parents lasting nearly a week, and it plans quarterly gatherings, outings to sports events, and other activities for both participants and their parents to cultivate connections that provide support, community, and friendship, states Marquez.

“We aspire for our campers to remain lifelong friends, and for these parents to support and communicate with one another,” Marquez expresses.

Mentoring bonds between counselors and campers will persist beyond the camp’s duration. For counselors, “the commitment encompasses more than just the camp week”, asserts Skov. “Cancer continues to impact families outside the camp week.” Counselors will send birthday cards to participants in the program, attend birthday celebrations, come to school sports events, be available to talk to children experiencing difficulties, and, if necessary, attend a parent’s funeral.

As of early November, the leadership team has secured approximately 9% of the $260,000 required to conduct the camp and support its programming for the year.

They aim to reach out across the Bay Area to elevate awareness that Camp Kaleidoscope stands ready to assist during challenging times and beyond.

“If you happen to be a family that aligns with our mission,” remarks Skov, “please don’t hesitate to contact us.”

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THE WISH BOOK SERIES
Wish Book is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit entity operated by The Mercury News. Since 1983, Wish Book has been producing a series of narratives during the holiday season that illuminate the desires of those in need and encourage readers to assist in fulfilling them.

WISH
Contributions to Camp Kaleidoscope will enable 130 children affected by a parent’s cancer diagnosis to attend the week-long overnight camp free of charge. Aim: $15,000

HOW TO CONTRIBUTE
Support at wishbook.mercurynews.com/donate or send this form.

ONLINE EXTRA
Explore additional Wish Book narratives, view images and videos at wishbook.mercurynews.com.

Originally Published: December 31, 2024 at 6:15 AM PST