Friday, 1 June 2012

Hollywood is Coming to Tooele

While Hollywood and Tooele, Utah might seem like contradictory terms, this August, Hollywood is coming to a humble Elks camp in beautiful Settlement Canyon.  Witnesses will report sightings of survival skills ala Hunger Games, Extreme Counselor Make-overs, Movie Stars dressed up for the Oscars and even an Iron Chef event. Every camp has a theme, and this year it’s Hollywood. 
Since 2008, Splore has partnered with the Utah Hemophilia Foundation to coordinate the activities and management of the annual Camp Valor.  Camp Valor is a five day camp for children with Hemophilia or Von Willebrand’s and their siblings.  Over the last four years, Camp Valor has come to hold a very special place in the hearts of Splore staff.
According to Merriam-Webster, Valor means “strength of mind or spirit that enables a person to encounter danger with firmness: personal bravery.” 
Bravery is evident in every child at Camp Valor.  Living with a bleeding disorder requires one to be self-sufficient at an early age, resilient to misconceptions by peers, and savvy in navigating the risks of being a kid.  What is remarkable about the Hemophilia Community is how connected, supportive and loving everyone is with each other.  Parents, friends, community members and young adults come together to make a week of unforgettable memories for the kids. 
On Friday, though tired and worn out, we all leave camp a bit reluctantly.  It is rare to be a part of such a warm, welcoming and fun community.  At Splore, we pride ourselves on the “magic” of Splore and providing clients with a nurturing supportive environment on trips.  However, at Camp Valor, we, the Splore staff, are the ones who get to experience the magic of the Hemophilia Community.  And are all the better for it.
Thank you to the Utah Hemophilia Foundation—we can’t wait for another fantastic year!
***If you are 19 years and older and are interested in helping out at Camp Valor July 30-August 3, 2012, please e-mail janine@splore.org.  Applications accepted through
June 30th.
   

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