COLUMBIA COUNTY, Pa. — Kids splash in the pool while keeping cool at Camp Dost near Millville. This week, the Camp Victory facility in Greenwood Township is hosting the camp for children battling cancer. The Ronald McDonald House started the camp in 1983 as a way for pediatric cancer patients to enjoy summer activities.
"This is all free of charge for our patients. The way we get most kids in the door is usually through our child-life specialists, the ones who are actually in the clinics with kids when they go for their visits," said Mike Lovetro, Camp Dost director. "They go for their treatment, and kids are eligible to come as long as they are on active treatment, and then for five years after which is typically when you can consider them in remission and cancer-free."
In all, 86 kids from all over Pennsylvania and New York are spending the week at the camp this year. Patients between 6 and 18 are able to attend at no charge, thanks to donations the Danville Ronald McDonald House receives.
"Their attachment to Camp Dost is really varied. They might have been a camper here, they might've known somebody who was, they might've been in an organization that's supported the camp," said camp coordinator Chris Lehman.
This year's theme is "Camp Dost sets sail." Campers are participating in a scavenger hunt this week around the facility, looking for clues to find treasure.
"I feel like we have a really strong group because we are one of the older groups. We are actually the same cabin area as the teens, and we are working with the younger groups, so I feel like if we work together, we can figure out where the treasure is and get it before the other groups," said camper Lexi Cable.
The camp runs until Friday, when volunteers will host a graduation ceremony for patients who are in remission and cancer-free.