HAITI :: Making wishes at Camp Jake

Counselors preparing the hand-made Chinese sky lanterns (photo credit: Brian Clark)

Young Frenel and Michel pushing their wish skyward (photo credit: Brian Clark)

Following the traditional "end of camp dance" on the final evening of Camp Jake, counselors made their way to the beach, each carrying a biodegradable sky lantern to be released at sundown. All counselors prepared a wish for their group of kids that would be shared as the lanterns were lit and released over the ocean.

The onset of rain and the delicacy of the tissue paper may have hurried the process along, but the weather couldn't change the heartfelt wishes each counselor attached to their lantern. It was a memorable finale to the third successful camp, one that was shared by all campers, counselors, Kaliko staff members and other resort guests. 

"I wished for a productive and happy life for my kids 

and for more acceptance of them in Haiti." 

~ Shawn 

"I wished for the campers' safety, happiness and health." 

~ Kathy, The Red Thread Promise President 

"I wished for the kids to never give up hope; 

for them to find their purpose in life and make a difference in the world; 

and finally, for each to know and believe how much they matter."

~ Tina 

Camp Jake Director Tom propelling a lantern into the sky (photo credit: Brian Clark)

HAITI :: Fingerprints of God

Counselors Tina and Jonas working with camper Jonas in the pool (photo credit: Brian Clark)

Much like those who worked in the spa, counselor and massage therapist, Tina, worked tirelessly to give her gift of healing touch to every camper throughout the week. Bringing 25 years of experience in massage therapy and a heart the size of her home state Texas, Tina is one of the therapists for Jake Richard, namesake for the camp. After working with him for the past 3 years and watching the camp materialize, she knew she had to be a part of the experience. And a huge part she was.

Massaging Marie Line (photo credit: Brian Clark)

Throughout the week, Tina "massage-napped" campers in between activities for a one-on-one session. With each camper, she modified her technique, accommodating each individual's needs. For some, the massage table in the spa was the ideal place; for others, it was the pool where a different angle was needed to work atrophied muscles. 

Tina's philosophy is simple, but profound: "I work on the bodies God gave us. Each is a masterpiece and I can see His fingerprints on them. Every body is beautiful." We couldn't agree more.

Tina working on Maille's back (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.

HAITI :: Haitian All-Americans

Remy, our newest Haitian baseball fanatic! (photo credit: Brian Clark)

Remy practicing (photo credit: Brian Clark)

The All-American sport of baseball was introduced to campers this summer. Thanks to our partnership with Physicians For Peace and the generous support of the Major League Baseball Players Trust, we were able to bring baseball caps, bats, balls and gloves to Camp Jake. 

Kids learned the basics and even played modified games on the beach. Seat cushions served as bases in the sand along the beach. Teams were created and the fun began, offering lessons in teamwork, following directions and, of course, exercise. 

Campers of all abilities participated, some ditching their crutches—like Remy—because they could hop faster from base-to-base. We continue to be amazed and inspired by the ability of these campers and relish the opportunity to provide new experiences to them at each camp session.

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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: In the news

Strong partnerships between US NGOs helps expand summer camp for children with disabilities in Haiti

Three-year partnership between The Red Thread Promise and Physicians for Peace brings more kids to camp

Camp Director, Tom, brandishing the donation from Physicians for Peace with campers

Havertown, PA – July 2, 2013 – Thanks to the collaborative efforts of a dedicated group of nonprofits, dozens of Haitian children with disabilities will gather outside Port-au-Prince again this July for an unparalleled summer camp experience. Camp Jake (a program of The Red Thread Promise) removes physical and emotional barriers, engaging campers in activities that promote health, healing and exploration in a fun nurturing environment. Thanks to The Red Thread’s long-term partnership with Physicians for Peace and a grant from the Major League Baseball Players Trust, we are able to expand the camp, bringing hope and healing to more students from St. Vincent’s Center for Handicapped Children.

Together with the Players Trust, Physicians for Peace recently awarded $22,000 to The Red Thread Promise to support Camp Jake. The 40 plus campers expected to attend camp July 12-19 call St. Vincent's Center for Handicapped Children home in Port-au-Prince. 

"The concept for Camp Jake was inspired by my 16-year-old nephew, Jacob Richard, who suffers from Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a degenerative terminal illness,” said Tom Landry II, camp director and Red Thread board member. “We believe every child deserves the most life has to offer, regardless of ability, class, race or circumstance. Camp Jake will assure that physical limitations are left behind and replaced with endless opportunities for emotional and physical development in a fun-filled atmosphere. 

During camp, blind, deaf and non-ambulatory children take part in creative arts, music, occupational and physical therapy, expand on personal hygiene, hone life-skills, and participate in career-building opportunities under the supervision of a team of volunteer counselors, artists, musicians, mentors and healthcare professionals. Most importantly, campers learn to love and accept themselves for who they are and experience that love and respect reciprocated by Camp Jake counselors. 

"Physicians for Peace is thrilled to work with our partners to ensure that these children receive the care and fun-filled experience they deserve and need to lead healthier, happier lives," said Brig. Gen. Ron Sconyers (USAF, Ret.). "Once again, Camp Jake will be a life-changing experience."

“The Players Trust and all Major Leaguers are honored to support the efforts of Physicians for Peace and Camp Jake in helping provide these special young children with an experience they’ll never forget,” said Melissa Persaud, director of the Players Trust.  “Major Leaguers, through the Players Trust, are passionate about helping people in time of need. The players realize that misfortune can befall anyone at any time and are determined to partner with like-minded charitable organizations that share their passion to help.”

ABOUT THE RED THREAD PROMISE

The Red Thread Promise is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to bringing hope and healing to needy and orphaned children in China, Haiti and the United States. Our diverse programs exist to improve the quality of life for children with disabilities so they can live independently with dignity, health and, most importantly, HOPE. For additional information about our work in Haiti, please watch our video. Find The Red Thread online, on Facebook, and Twitter: @trtpromise. 

ABOUT PHYSICIANS FOR PEACE
Physicians for Peace is an international non-profit organization that mobilizes volunteer healthcare professionals to assist developing nations with unmet needs and scarce resources. Through effective, hands-on medical education and training, clinical care and donated medical supplies, Physicians for Peace develops long-term, sustainable, replicable and evidence-based programs to help partner nations build medical capability and capacity to help themselves. For additional information about Physicians for Peace, please visit our website and follow us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter, Physician4Peace.

ABOUT THE MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL PLAYERS TRUST
Through the Players Trust, Major Leaguers contribute their time, money and celebrity to call attention to important causes affecting the needy and to help encourage others to get involved in their own communities. For additional information, please visit www.MLBPLAYERS.com and visit the Players Trust channel on YouTube. Follow the Trust on Twitter: @MLBPlayersTrust.

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: Arts & crafts

Multi-talented Dieumene beginning her masterpiece (photo credit: Brian Clark) 

Clauricianne deep in concentration (photo credit: Brian Clark)

A favored activity at each camp are the various art projects. Each is selected so campers experience something new. In this case, painting on the curved surface of wooden eggs offered both a challenge and a creative outlet. 

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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: Christmas in July

Robin, Alen (Kaliko staff member) and Jonas ready to begin the 
Christmas in July celebration! (photo credit: Brian Clark)

One of the cultural exchanges enjoyed by campers this year was a Haitian version of Christmas in July. Borrowing heavily from a 50+ year old tradition in Quebec, Canada, our campers got in on the fun! 

Having first been celebrated in 1962 at the Domaine de Rouville, Noël du Campeur (Camper's Christmas) is now widely celebrated across the province on (or around) July 25 with colourful decorations, Santa Claus parades, presents under the tree, big family dinners and midnight mass. (http://music.cbc.ca)

Moise and Tina dancing the night away (photo credit: Brian Clark)

(photo credit: Brian Clark)

Kaliko staff decorated a special area for us with the club's Christmas decorations. Campers made Christmas balls and garlands all morning while enjoying holiday music. Counselor Michel donned the Santa hat for the occasion and helped pass out gifts from counselors to campers. Toward the end of the evening, cake was devoured, dancing ensued and the movie Elf was enjoyed!

It was truly a July that campers will never forget.

(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.