Camp Sunshine - Serving families for over 30 years
Speaker, Joe Pappalardo 29 year Board Member spoke to the group regarding Camp Sunshine which began 30 years ago in June. The owners of Point Sebago allowed the use of their property two weeks before Point Sebago opened and two weeks after closure. The camp was designed to support families and their children who had life threatening illnesses.
When Camp Sunshine first approached Dana Faber for support they were not interested as there were many camps for children with illnesses but when it was redesigned to support not only the affected children but their entire family, Dana Farber bought in. This is wonderful opportunity for parents to speak with other parents about the illness and receive the much needed support.
In the late eighties Point Sebago was out grown by Camp Sunshine. At this time they were turning away
More than 50% of those requesting help and the owners of Point Sebago gave Camp Sunshine 16 acres of abutting land. In the early nineties a 24,000 sq. ft. building was framed and 250 Rotarians came and singled the entire building in one day. With this completion 40 families were able to attend with the support of 60 to 80 volunteers for each camp week. At that time the recovery rate for the affected child was 25% and it now 90%. Each camp week addresses the same illness such as sickle cell anemia, transplants, lupus, blood disorders, and leukemia, etc. The cost which is completely free is approximately $2,000 per family. The yearly budget for Camp Sunshine is three million dollars. In addition to the late Spring, Summer Fall programs they have an additional two weeks, the last week in February and the first week of March making a total of 27 weeks.
In 2012 there were 797 families and 31,000 individuals who attended. Since 1984 there have been 43,000 children plus family members, 34,000 volunteers and over a million hours. The attendees are from 48 states and 26 countries. The weeks are maintained completely by volunteers. Many Maine Companies and individuals donate to Camp Sunshine as well as individuals who at one time participated in the various camps. Many come back later on to volunteer. Many participants have come back more than once. There are many events during the year in support of this worthy cause. Recently, the Seals swim on Sebago Lake realized over $100,000 and the third Suitcase Party at the airport was to be held on 9/19.
Camp Sunshine is rated number 1 in the State of Maine for financial responsibility and in the top 4% nationally.