Another successful retreat

Another camp is over- and everyone seemed to enjoy.

As the Bluebonnet Retreat camp nurse, I was happy that no one got sick or had an accident!

Someone made the remark in our closing ceremonies - where campers and counselors receive a gift and have the opportunity to say something about their weekend if they would like. The remark was that they wished the world would come together and show the love that is shown during our camp. That says a lot about the camp. There are differences in race, sex, religion, type of cancer, socioeconomics, political view and many other characteristics.

But for one weekend they have something in common and it’s not the obvious. It is not that they all have a life-limiting disease - it’s that they give of themselves for the benefit of others. Not just the counselors, but the campers too. They need to share their experiences, to make something count for the pain and suffering they are going through or have gone through. In doing so, they allow the others to support them, emotionally and in many other ways. They don't come here looking for help or a handout. They come to reconnect and to experience what they hope life will be for them again. So many campers say in the closing ceremonies that they hope to one day come back as a counselor. Some friendships are formed that will extend beyond the camp. Some real needs are met such as a camper with difficulty understanding what her doctor and others were telling her because she did not have a good grasp of English. Even basic needs like food, transportation and conversation with an adult are sometimes identified.

It’s neither a requirement nor expectation that friendships and support develop between the camper and the counselor. It just happens because in the quiet moments of our inner self, we recognize how dependent we are on one another. Life is not about competition and being the best.

We did however have a competition event- it was judged by our own "Simon" (Alice Landers) "Paula" (Sue Nichols) and "Randy" (Randy Riddile). They judged the Elvis Karaoke competition, complete with costumes and acts. It’s a good thing we enjoy laughing at ourselves - we did plenty of laughing. Another fun event was the White Rabbit Gift EGGchange. I love to see the creativity of the group- so many original ideas and so many left over Easter decorations! About the only thing we did not see was an Easter dress and white shoes (wish I had thought of that)!

Camp is not camp without a craft and this year we made "bucket bonnets" and decorated t-shirts. Again, there were so many creative folks.

I particularly like the setting - the weather was perfect and spring was obvious at the Garrett Creek Ranch in Paradise, Texas. You could hear birds in the morning and see stars (not satellites) at night. You could leave your window open and feel fresh air without hearing cars, trains or planes.

I for one am very blessed by the Bluebonnet Retreat and I hope it goes on for many years to come. For information on the fall camp, click here.

Jenny Ellis, RN, MS, AOCN
Oncology Nurse Specialist
Texas Health HEB