CAMP JAKE: Spa night

JoJo and Marie Carmel receiving facials at the camp spa (photo credit: Brian Clark)

Thank you Neill Corporation! (photo credit: Brian Clark)

Over the course of two and a half days, counselors DeeDee, Shawn, Audry, Emily, Ashly and Marigny operated the camp spa. Using Aveda massage oils and facial products generously donated by Neill Corporation, the six set out to accomplish their goal: bringing every single camper to a state of relaxation. 

Capitalizing on the trust being built from camp-to-camp, counselors convinced even the most reluctant camper to experience the healing touch of human hands in the spa. Campers who had refused in the past, agreed to participate. Campers who had previously agreed but refused to be taken out of their wheelchairs, allowed themselves to be placed on a bed for the full treatment. Self-conscious campers softened and finally embraced the experience, delving into relaxation that they had never dreamed possible.

The team made efforts to create a true spa atmosphere, complete with plants, soft lighting, candles, music and crisp white sheets. In some cases, silent tears were shed by counselors when they watched relaxation wash over the faces of the campers. Knowing that people with disabilities in Haiti are often overlooked, abused and ostracized for their differences, demonstrating to the campers that they are loved and valued in whatever form they are is a key tenet of Camp Jake - a tenet that we are very proud of and will continue to embrace for camps to come.

Marigny giving a facial to a camper (photo credit: Brian Clark)

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Interested in serving as as a counselor for Camp Jake 2014? 

Please fill out the volunteer interest form on our website and we'll get back 

to you! We're already looking for people for next year's camp.

CAMP JAKE: Continuing with physical therapy

During Camp Jake July 2012, with the support of Physicians for Peace therapist, Jake M, we began doing physical therapy with some of the campers. That therapy continues through Camp Jake 2013 with the help of our nurses, Ashly and Danielle. The pair took Marie Line and Christina into the pool for adpated therapy where they stretched and toned muscles while strengthening their cores.

Christina being helped into the pool for therapy (photo credit: Brian Clark)

Ashly working with Christina (photo credit: Brian Clark)

During an interview prior to camp, we asked each of our nurses to tell us a bit about themselves and what compelled them to volunteer. (Read about Danielle.)

ASHLY, RN

Originally from New Orleans, Ashly is a recent graduate of nursing school and sister of Camp Jake Director, Tom. After speaking with her, it was evident that Tom's enthusiasm for camp had certainly rubbed off! Having heard the gritty details of the two previous camps first-hand, Ashly acknowledged that the workload would be huge but she was up for the challenge. "This certainly won't be a vacation, but I am really looking forward to doing things for others. Relationships built with the campers will be hard to break at the end of the week. I'm prepared for this to bring out raw emotions in all of us."

In a more formal statement, Ashly wrote "My underlying passion is caring for others. This passion fuels my search for volunteer opportunities where my compassion and skills can be used to their fullest. I was—and still am—inspired by The Red Thread Promise’s mission to provide for orphans and needy children and positively impact their young lives. As this is my first mission trip, I plan to learn more about Haiti's culture, population end environment to further my involvement in projects dedicated to improving living conditions. Finally, I hope that I will be empowered by the individuals I encounter, walking away with a humbling and satisfying experience that will change my outlook on life."  

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Interested in serving as medical staff during Camp Jake 2014? 

Please fill out the volunteer interest form on our website and we'll get back to you! We're already looking for people for next year's camp.

CAMP JAKE: In the ocean

Good times with Tina and Elisme (photo credit: Brian Clark)

Ashly and Sandee (photo credit: Brian Clark)

Tom and Frenel (photo credit: Brian Clark)

Relaxation after a swim (photo credit Brian Clark)

CAMP JAKE: Medical care at camp

Ashly & Danielle treat Jean for an aggravated lesion received prior to camp 
(photo credit: Brian Clark)

Thanks to our long-term partnership with Physicians for Peace, campers receive medical care during their week with us. Physicians for Peace sponsored our two nurses, Danielle and Ashly, bringing round-the-clock expertise to our team.

We will be keeping our nurses busy! The pair will:

• provide guidance to campers and caretakers alike on maintaining clean and healthy habits when caring for themselves or others
• support the camp in any medical situation that may arise, including recommendations for followup care upon their return to St. Vincent's
• record any medical concerns campers bring to Camp Jake, address them as possible during the week, and follow up with Fr. Sadoni for further treatment following camp
• continue the physical therapy exercises taught by Jake during the July 2012 camp, encouraging similar practices

To avoid infection, Danielle applies anti-bacterial creme after swimming 
(photo credit: Brian Clark)

During an interview prior to Camp Jake 2013, we asked each of our nurses to tell us a bit about themselves and why they wanted to participate in camp. (Read about Danielle below and Ashly in our next post.)

DANIELLE, RN
Originally from Baton Rouge, Danielle is a recent graduate of nursing school. For her first mission trip, she brings her bubbly positive attitude, deep love of children, and passion for healthcare to the table. When asked how she felt about going to Haiti, we couldn't write fast enough! "Happy. Excited. Nervous. A touch scared. But mostly excited! I know that my perspective on life will be forever changed. I hope I can be a positive influence on the campers' lives."

In a more formal statement, Danielle wrote "I chose to be a part of Camp Jake for many reasons. I want to refine my vision of life, to broaden my thinking based on this experience, and consider new ways of doing things. By serving these children, I hope to learn and refine skills that can be used throughout my life and shared with others. But most importantly, the measure of success will be based on one thing: returning with knowledge that will help me impact the needs of my own community."

Ashly (left) and Danielle (right)
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Interested in serving as medical staff during Camp Jake 2014? 

Please fill out the volunteer interest form on our website and we'll get back to you! We're already looking for people for next year's camp.