Page 6 The Phoenix Children’s Hospital’s Camp Rainbow has been a labor of love for over twenty-five years, bringing a week of excitement to children ages seven to seventeen who have been diagnosed with cancer and blood disorders. In 1985, the Phoenix chapter of United Order True Sisters #58 partnered with the Children’s Cancer Center at Phoenix Children’s Hospital to establish the camp. Camp Rainbow was Phoenix Children’s Hospital’s first camp program. In conjunction with the hospital’s “Rainbow Kids” program which brings young cancer patients together each month for exciting outings, such as bowling, game nights, rock climbing and concerts, Camp Rainbow takes place at the Friendly Pines Camp in Prescott and works to bring camaraderie and support to Rainbow Kids and their families. This week long camp ensures that children, who were previously or are currently patients in the Phoenix Children’s Hospital Center for Cancer to be included in at least a few events. And those who are undergoing inpatient care receive a “Camp-to-go” kit, with a t-shirt, crafts, and exciting giveaways. Funded by community donations as well as from the Rainbow Kids Art greeting cards sold locally, Camp Rainbow has grown from 27 campers in 1985 to over 130. Many donations come from the families of former camp attendees, who appreciate all that Camp Rainbow did for their child. One of the Camp’s first attendees, Tiger, “lived for Camp Rainbow as a patient, counselor in training and a counselor,” said his mother Vicki. “He would be packed and ready to go a week before camp…he absolutely loved it.” In 2010, a donation from the Weisbricks’ sponsored an event for the Rainbow Kids and Blood Disorders, receive the care they need while also indulging in the joy of summertime. Dedicated doctors and nurses as well as former Cancer Center patients who return to volunteer, work together each year to give the children a week of fishing, swimming, horseback riding, zip lining, archery, rock-wall climbing and so much more. Camp Rainbow not only provides fun, it also allows campers to connect with their peers, getting to know others facing the same battle while getting a break from the stress of the hospital and doctors offices. As Richard Laston remembered “there’s always exciting events and never a sad day.” Diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma in 2005, Richard is now living a cancer free life and has returned to Camp Rainbow as a counselor. Campers who are too ill to leave the hos- pital for an entire week or who are too young to attend camp are given “Fabulous Friday” to travel to and from the campsite S ummer is a time for adventure and wonderment. And while many children are planning to attend camps throughout their long vacation, three outstanding organizations, Camp Rainbow, Camp Candlelight and the Arizona Magic of Music and Dance provide summer camps for children who would otherwise be unable to experience the same fun that so many take for granted. Make a Difference Three Camps that SUMMER CAMP FOR EVERY KID: By Amanda Goossen in memory of Tiger, who was diagnosed with a brain tumor at six years old and lived to see his 18th Birthday. This year, camp will begin on August 4, 2013. For more information, go to: pchrainbowkids.com.

Page 7 In 2007, Ruth Covey founded The Arizona Magic of Music and Dance with her own son Barrett Dunham, in mind. After Barrett, who has cerebral palsy, attended The Magic of Music and Dance at Challenge Aspen in Colorado, he couldn’t stop talking about his performances and accomplishments. Ruth was determined to give her son and other children and young adults with physical or cognitive im- pairments the same type of memories in Arizona. For one week, each summer, 25 children ages eight to young adult come to The Arizona Magic of Music and Dance, where they are paired with a buddy and quickly become not only campers, but actors. The buddies, who are volunteers from local high schools, such as Notre Dame Preparatory, Mesa Nigh School, Fountain Hills High School, Xavier, Brophy, work throughout the week to prepare their actors for the Friday play production. Previous productions include Snow White and the Seventeen Dwarfs, Jungle Book, Annie, Broadway Cafe, and Once Upon a Time. AZ Magic is held at Christ’s Church in Fountain Hills and includes 25 actors and approximately 45 volunteers who help, not only as buddies, but also with costumes, sets, games, in the kitchen and so much more. A production staff, made up of local teachers, helps to teach and coordinate the actors, as well as transcend their disabilities and develop confidence. The day is filled with activities like arts and crafts, rehearsals, games and move- ment activities. “We’ve had professional soccer players, firemen, gymnastics instructors and pet- ting zoos all come to be a part of days’ activities. Volunteers experience the life- changing joy that comes from working with these special individuals,” said Celeste Teply, Program Manager at AZ Magic. Volunteers and actors aren’t the only individuals reaping the rewards of the weeklong day camp. “Not only do the volunteers experience great personal changes but the parents experience the thrill of seeing their children- who face a life of challenge-experience fun, friendship, and opportunities to develop their creativity, self-esteem and pride in accomplishment,” said Celeste. The Arizona Magic of Music and Dance will be held this year at Christ’s Church in Fountain Hills on June 10th through the 14th. For information on volunteering or attending, visit: azmagic.org. For one week each summer at the Chauncey Ranch YMCA Camp in Mayer, Arizona, the Epilepsy Foundation of Arizona’s Camp Candlelight provides an unforgettable experience for children ages 8-15 who are living with epilepsy. “For many kids, it’s the first time they’re leaving their parents overnight. Camp Candlelight is a time for both kids and their parents to grow,” said Brenna Gonzales. Camp Candlelight gives campers the chance to meet others who share the same fears and experiences related to epilepsy. For many, Camp Candlelight is the first time they meet someone their own age, going through their same challenges. Their week at camp gives them a sense of connection and allows them to forget the feeling of being different than their peers. This week long camp includes horseback riding, s’mores around the campfire, arts and crafts and hiking. Former campers return for years after they age out of the camp to be campers and continue to participate and support the organization that gave so much to them. “Kids who have come to Camp Candlelight since they were eight years old are now twenty year old campers,” said Brenda. The Arizona Magic of Music and Dance Religious Instruction • Strong Academics • Religious Instruction • Strong Academics • Cutting Edge Technology Cutting Edge Technology Leadership Programs • PE and Interscholastic Sports • Instrumental and Vocal Music Leadership Programs • PE and Interscholastic Sports • Instrumental and Vocal Music “Arts Attack” Program • School Nurse • Bus Transportation Available “Arts Attack” Program • School Nurse • Bus Transportation Available Please join us at our Open House Please join us at our Open House on Tuesday, March 19 th from 9:00am – 1:00pm from 9:00am – 1:00pm see us in action – see us in action – small classes, big classrooms! small classes, big classrooms! We’re Adding New Classrooms! We’re Adding New Classrooms! 3901 East Indian School Road • 602-957-7010 • www.clsphx.org CHRIST LUTHERAN SCHOOL Christian Values. Quality Education. Preschool through Grade 8 WHAT WILL YOU CHOOSE? SUMMER PROGRAMS PHOENIX COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL 2-WEEK SESSIONS: JUNE 10-JULY 19, 2013 Phoenix Country Day School www.pcds.org/summer Art, Academics, Technology, Theatre, Sports