CAMP JAKE :: First day of camp!

Tom helping Miele from the van

Auguste exiting the van in the motorized lift!

Fresh off the bus for Camp Jake

Jimmy carrying his most prized possession: his accordian!

What better way to begin the day than watching the kids pull up to the entrance of Kaliko in the WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE VAN we helped secure for St. Vincent's! The bus finally made it through customs and into the hands of St. Vincent's a few short weeks ago. 


We couldn't have done so without the Rhode Island Conference United Church of Christ Haiti Task Force, Physicians for Peace, St. James Episcopal (Eureka, AR), Episcopal Diocese of RI and all of the Red Thread supporters -- to them we tip our hats and say thank you again. Actually seeing the fruit of our labor in use after months of waiting was fantastic! Just another example of the red thread of destiny connecting us all for the good of others. 


Greeting the van and following bus was our own Camp Jake band, complete with guitar, vocals and percussion. Campers enjoyed the music as they were lowered from the van on the lift and hugged by new and returning counselors. New campers were a bit shy, but the returning ones were exuberant! Their smiles were infectious, their hugs and kisses much anticipated.

Orientation fun

Tom, JoJo and Gregory having too much fun during orientation

The junior counselors all had the same impression of the campers, one that The Red Thread has had for a long time: what an amazing group of kids! They were very touched by the way the campers helped one another. A sighted camper would go to the entrance of the bus to receive a blind friend's hand and guide them to the reception area. A blind camper pushed his wheelchair-bound friend up the ramp to wait with the others. To this day, observing this kindness first-hand amazes us and sets a fine example of how humans should treat one another, regardless of ability.


Following a brown bag lunch, name tags were passed out and room assignments were given. Counselors helped campers retrieve their luggage and find their rooms to settle in and rest after the long, sweaty drive from Port-au-Prince.

Blind campers in the pool

Then the fun really began. We met at the pool mid afternoon and, after reviewing all of the safety rules, it was open for business. Unlike the first camp, where swimming was a new experience and campers needed a lot of encouragement to get in the water, returning campers flocked to the pool. Even the most shy asked to go in. With ample counselors, everyone who wanted to go in, did. Anyone in a wheelchair was lifted out and had their own personal lifeguard. They floated, splashed, dunked, danced, laughed and played. 

Jake doing an assessment (foreground)

Jake, the physical therapist from Physicians For Peace, moved from camper to camper -- focusing primarily on the non-ambulatory ones -- to give an initial assessment of their condition. By doing this in the water, it lessened any anxiety that the kids might experience. He accessed the overall tone and spacicity (amount of rigidity compared to passive motion) of the campers arms and legs. Jake also tried to move their limbs in certain directions to release tension and to see if they have full range of motion. In layman's terms, he was determining how each person was wired for motion. 


Jake then showed Sonya, one of the counselors, how to do weight bearing and stretching exercises with Auguste, one of the wheelchair-bound children whose movement is very limited. When Auguste floated, he didn't respond as well - his legs contracted up to his chest as they often do while sitting in his wheelchair, But when we raised him to his feet in a somewhat standing position, he slowly extended his legs and began to bear weight on one or the other. 


In short, Auguste STOOD in the water, something we had never seen him do! (Sadly, we have no photos since Sonya is the photographer!)


This sparked quite the commotion among observing campers, particularly a group of deaf girls working with Laura. His standing caught their attention and they poked at one another to gain attention. The looks on their faces was pure astonishment. They quickly signed 3 phrases repeatedly:

• "No way"! 
• "That can't be happening!"
• "Do you see that?" 

Laura responded "Yes, he's standing on one leg and then the other. We hope by the end of the week he can stand on both". To which they replied "that is REALLY cool". 


Little did they know that, by the end of our time in the pool, Auguste was already putting weight on both legs! We asked Jake his thoughts on this and he was thrilled with what he observed, stating that Auguste showed lots of potential. We will continue working with him throughout the week, pursuing weight bearing exercises and limb extensions for longer periods of time to improve potential bone and muscle growth. We will also begin training both counselors and caregivers with these exercises so this basic physical therapy can be continued far beyond Jake's time with the kids.

Andy with 2 of our blind campers, Elisme and Markenson

Following pool time, campers returned to their rooms to change and relax before dinner. 


Dinner is another story that we'd like to share. But it is late, we are exhausted and there is time for that story tomorrow. Sleep well, dear readers, and we will talk to you again in the morning.

CAMP JAKE :: Lessons Learned, part 2

It is very time-consuming, expensive and extremely frustrating to go back to Port-au-Prince in search of ONE missing suitcase full of supplies, including half of the backpacks for the kids! Two of the counselors spent 6 hours driving to and from the airport, searching through hundreds of bags in a small, un-airconditioned space and "dealing" with the airport authorities to take possession of the bag. A big thanks to Gregory and Jonas for their perseverance on behalf of Camp Jake!

Our Haitian heroes: Gregory (left) and Jonas (right)

CAMP JAKE :: Lessons learned, part 1

We discovered how beautifully blue and green acrylic paint mix on suitcase fabric after the lids came loose during our travels! Several counselors, including our fearless leader Tom, did their best to clean up and conserve the paint for the wonderful activities in store for the campers. We even made a fashion statement with this messy situation - Ana's shorts are now a new shade of green for the trip home!

Tom scrubbing!

CAMP JAKE :: The Final Countdown

The whole herd

In less than 10 hours, we will be greeting the children from St. Vincent's Center for Handicapped Children at Kaliko Beach Club! In preparation to receive them, today was filled with sorting / planning / rule review / pool safety / walkie talkie training / organizing and resting up for the whirlwind of activity to follow. 

Salle Koray, aka Camp Jake Command Central

It was amazing to see how much work was accomplished this morning after a good night's sleep, a few eggs, fresh watermelon and passionfruit juices and a whole lot of coffee! The team turned the Salle Koray (the enclosed common area that our team is taking over for the next 8 days) into Camp Jake Command Central.

Jonas & Gregory sorting supplies

DeeDee categorizing snacks

All 40+ suitcases were opened, contents emptied, and sorted. Suitcases were re-packed by theme: sports, aquatics, board games, art supplies, snacks, hygiene packages, relaxation / spa, manicure supplies, etc so each can be wheeled to the location of the activity with ease.

DeeDee and Caroline as part of the backpack assembly line

Laura filling backpacks with personal care kits

Just a few of the backpacks!

Individual backpacks were filled with items for the campers including: a bright orange Camp Jake shirt, Tulane Athletic Department t-shirts and hats, personal care kits, a variety of healthy snacks and various school supplies and fun items. All of the new campers will be receiving a pair of shoes as well, like those who attended the January session.


In addition, camper / counselor room assignments were given; activities of all kinds were organized; name tags were hand-made by our resident artist; a tour of the facility was made by the group; a spot was selected for ocean swimming; art supplies were laid out to begin the 3D mask making process tomorrow; strategies were discussed for getting to know the campers on the first day; and finally we were encouraged to use our down time wisely during the week. We're ALL going to need it!


And it rained. Oh did it rain. It was pouring so hard you could hardly hear one another speak. Like last night, with the rain came much cooler temperatures which were welcomed by all.


The team is trying to get to bed earlier tonight so we are ready for the kids tomorrow. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers as they make the bus ride to the campsite early in the morning. ETA: 9:00am!!!

CAMP JAKE :: The Journey Begins

Camp Jake / July 2012 team members (from left to right): Gregory, Kelly, Casey,
Shawn, DeeDee, Tom, Matt, Amanda, Jake, Ana, Laura, Caroline, Jonas
(not pictured: Andy - who was sleeping - and Sonya who was taking the photograph)

It's been a long day of traveling but the entire team arrived safe and sound in Haiti today. Counselors originating from Virginia, Texas, Louisiana, North Carolina and Ohio met at Miami Dade Airport and flew into Port-au-Prince together. Weather made flying for some more complicated than others and, by day's end, sleep was a coveted commodity! 


Upon arrival, the pilot announced the temperature at a balmy 95 degrees. (Author's note: certainly the heat index is higher though, due to the blazing Haitian sun reflecting off all the concrete. I feared we would melt...!)


Jonas and Gregory, our invaluable translators and drivers, met us at the airport to help the entire team of 14 and 40+ pieces of luggage. We were a hot, sweaty mess filling up a pickup truck and 2 mini-buses in the chaos that is the PAP airport, but we managed to leave with everyone and everything we came with. And, all we have to say is "Thank GOD for vehicles with air-conditioning!" 


For a change of pace, we thought you might like to take a virtual ride with us from PAP to the campsite.

Leaving Port-au-Prince

A roadside stand on the way out of the city

The beautiful mountains along National Route 1, Haiti's largest road

Canaan, one of the remaining tent cities north of PAP

One of the many concrete bodegas along the way

The fantastic view from the campsite
(psst - does it look familiar?)

The storm rolling in above the water
(hmmm, think we've seen those trees before) 

The edge of the front right before the downpour

The electrical storm that rolled in cooled everything down as the counselors made their way to the dining area of Kaliko Beach Club. 

No, that isn't a type-o. Just 5 days before Camp Jake, Club Indigo cancelled our reservation for 62 people at their facility. Of course, we were less than thrilled to consider a change of venue at the last minute for such a large group of people, but we weren't going to let this "hiccup" affect Camp Jake. 

After much fast and furious work by Tom and Kathy, we secured rooms at Kaliko Beach Club and the rest, as they say, is history. We are thrilled to be back at the same campsite as the January season. The staff is as friendly as we remembered, the rooms clean, and the ocean just as beautiful. 

Following a quick meeting and a dip in the warm waters of the pool, most of the counselors retired to their rooms to get a good night's sleep. Tomorrow holds a day of preparation, sorting all of the supplies, finalizing all daily schedules, and the review of all safety and aquatic guidelines.

Bonswa, friends. Check back again tomorrow as we prepare to greet the children!

CAMP JAKE :: St. Paul's Music Director Goes To Haiti

Dr. Caroline Carson

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


July 3, 2012: Dr. Caroline Carson (pictured below), Director of Music at St. Paul’s Episcopal and Director of Choral Studies at The University of New Orleans, has the chance of a lifetime this July 2012. While she has traveled internationally and taught overseas in academic situations, Caroline jumped at the opportunity to go to and make a difference in the lives of others in a non- tourist location: Port-au-Prince, Haiti with the Red Thread Promise (www.redthreadpromise.org ). She applied and was accepted.


Why Haiti? Moving to New Orleans after Katrina and seeing the city re-grow over the past six years has helped her witness what a determined community can do with each others’ help. Working at St. Paul’s Episcopal for the past four years and volunteering with The Homecoming Center’s seniors program has shown her many opportunities for service and introduced her to the movers and shakers of service in New Orleans. After Caroline learned about the devastating 2010 earthquake in Haiti, she heard about The Red Thread Promise's work there. She wanted to do something....so she and the members of Inconspicuous 8, a local professional women’s choir, gave a benefit concert for the organization and its work. Since that time, she has kept a close eye on happenings in Haiti and approached Kathy Korge Albergate (President of The Red Thread Promise) and her husband, Rev. Dr. Scott Albergate (rector of St. Paul’s) about applying for the trip this July. Caroline is the second person from St. Paul’s to go to Haiti with the organization. The first was Mr. John Joseph, Sexton of St. Paul’s, in January 2011. In talking to Caroline about the trip, she says: “I’m absolutely thrilled to go and I know our team will have a blast with the kids. I believe it’s equally important to put your time where your mouth is when you say you want to make a difference...and I believe volunteering is something we all need to try and find time for.”


Camp Jake is an annual summer camp designed to meet the special needs of handicapped children from the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. The team consists of 16 counselors and one photographer who will be working with 44 campers—who are blind, deaf or non-ambulatory - for a week on the Haitian coast. The children are from St. Vincent’s Center for Handicapped Children. The camp removes physical and emotional barriers, giving participating children the chance to engage in creative arts, as well as physical and social activities under the supervision of a team of volunteer counselors, artists, musicians, mentors and healthcare professionals. Photo at left of Diana in her new all terrain wheelchair donated by Episcopal Church Women across the US.


"The concept for Camp Jake was inspired by my 13-year-old nephew, Jacob Richard, who suffers from Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a degenerative terminal illness,” said Tom Landry II, director of Camp Jake and a member of The Red Thread board. “Our camp will bring Jacob's selfless, energetic spirit to the orphaned children of St. Vincent's. We believe every child deserves the most life has to offer, regardless of disability, 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."


ABOUT THE RED THREAD PROMISE
The Red Thread Promise (TRTP) is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to provide hope and healing for needy and orphaned children—children who have no one to advocate for them and cannot advocate for themselves. Our program exists to improve the quality of life for these children. We provide them with the treatment they need so that they can each lead a life with dignity, health and hope. Find us online at www.redthreadpromise.org. Follow us on Facebook: The Red Thread Promise or on Twitter: Red Thread Promise.

CAMP JAKE :: Color Them Beautiful

Counselors building relationships with campers 

CAMP JAKE / July 2012 :: In addition to physical, art and music therapy as well as multiple opportunities for physical activity, another goal of Camp Jake is to instill a strong sense of self-worth into each and every camper. This is especially critical in Haiti, where those with handicaps live in a part of the world that scorns those with physical limitations and often turns them into social outcasts. The sharp looks, long stares, ridicule and neglect can slowly creep into your being, diminishing your self-respect, and cause you to believe that you really are a second-class citizen.


The Red Thread Promise vehemently rejects this treatment of physically-challenged people, both young and old alike. Our goal is to make sure that each camper knows:

• how valued they are as human beings
• how loved they are by our team
• how critical it is to love themselves for who they are

Our team treats campers with respect in a supportive environment throughout camp. They encourage campers to become more independent, teaching them how to successfully accomplish things for themselves. We talk to campers about their hopes and dreams and encourage them to work toward those goals. Camp Jake is not only about fun and learning, but also about nurturing and developing personal skills that will allow campers to progress into adulthood with the fundamentals necessary to live independent, successful and fulfilling lives.


Personal Hygiene
We all understand the value of keeping a clean body - not only from a physical aspect, but also to nourish a sense of self-respect and personal pride. At each camp, we will continue to teach the importance of personal hygiene, give a variety of products to each camper as well as ample instruction for their use. Included in kits are: a toothbrush, large tube of toothpaste, dental floss, Chapstick, personal wash cloth, full-size bar of soap and deodorant. It is a humbling experience to give these personal care kits to such grateful people. Their gratitude and thankful hearts are an inspiration to those of us who often take these simple things for granted.

Diana with her personal care kit and a snack

Dieumene helping Elisme apply Chapstick with her feet

Just a few of this year's personal care kits

Thank you to Kimmie (our young supply drive queen) and the women of Peace United Methodist Church for their donations of products to fill these bags. And a big thank you to counselor Laura for assembling the kits.


Relaxation
In what turned out to be a very successful program during our first camp, we offered an evening of spa treatments to campers. The team transformed one of the camp rooms into a spa-like suite, surrounding participants with soothing music, ambient lighting and a space absent of the spoken voice. Each interested camper was given a facial, massage and optional manicure.

Kelly showing Danika how to give Oxilus a massage

Sienna and Petera giving Solomon a facial and hand massage

This new experience was extremely profound for the participants. Their relaxation was so deep that many fell asleep during the treatment, murmuring in their dreams. Some left in tears, sharing how special they felt and how they were more relaxed than they ever recalled. These strong emotions confirmed for us the importance of relaxation and its healing qualities that far surpass the current popularity of spa treatments. We will work to teach the campers how to perform these tasks themselves, enabling them to enhance their own lives and the lives of others. 

Sonya, Siena and Kelly running the nail salon

The Red Thread Promise would like to thank Neill Corporation, the worlds largest distributor of Aveda products, for their support of this program and their generous donation of essential oils and lotions. We are grateful to Kathy and Fr. Scott Albergate for bottles of nail polish in every color imaginable. 

Yes, we still need your help! If you are interested in contributing to any part of Camp Jake, donations can be made via check or online. Please be sure to mark the memo line with "Camp Jake". For electronic donations, please use the PayPal button located on the right sidebar. If you prefer snail mail, our mailing address is at the top of the page on the right. No donation is too small and everything is appreciated.


Thank you!