"As always my least favorite part of the camp was saying goodbye. I dread it from the moment I arrive. I love these people with all my heart and leaving them always tears a hole in my heart.", Kelly

It was another extremely enjoyable camp this year; it was my third time. But, for running along the same lines, it is amazing just how different each camp is. There were only two new campers, and two new staff this year so it was pretty much the same crowd. Therefore, not a lot of time was spent on the meet and greet and we basically continued on from where we had left off the year before.

We were joyful upon reunion as we caught up on each other's lives. Ours is a special bond born of common ground through having Huntington's Disease. Our lives are so similar that they seem to overlap. In this, it ceases to become a camp and seems more of a family reunion. Everyone agrees that the camp experience is impossible to put into words for people who have not been there. Yet every year I try to do just that.

I will never forget the fear in my heart as I walked down the driveway in May 2000 for my first camp. The idea of spending a week with 26 people I did not know was terrifying. I had never met someone with HD and the thought of seeing people in later stages than I was, was the equivalent of looking into a mirror of my future.

The first few campers I met had severe Chorea and I found myself spellbound. By the end of the first day the Chorea was no longer noticeable, it faded out as their personalities emerged. I could not help but notice that the Chorea did not slow them down one tiny bit.

What I find truly remarkable is that you have this group of people who have an incurable illness and symptoms that they live with every day and yet no one feels sorry for themselves.

I have never met such troopers. They are an inspiration to all of us. They make a point of getting the most out of life and perhaps that puts us further ahead than the average person who has time to waste.

As for the activities we had art therapy, music therapy, group therapy, massage, therapeutic touch, chocolate making, water basketball, a trip to Alice lake and the Squamish natives who came to sing and tell stories. As a special treat young Kaitlin brought her movie Shrek for us to watch. It was strange how it seemed to parallel our group therapy lessons about learning to set boundaries. An excellent choice.

Having been on the losing team at water basketball for the previous two years I am pleased to announce that we managed to beat the opposition this year. At the risk of sounding childish- nah nah nah nah nah.

The odds were in our favor, plus we had a secret weapon this year. Two, if we count Dean. A good time was had by all. Though we all felt we'd seen way too much of Ed. (Here comes bikini man, he is very hairy.)

I never cease to be amazed on banquet night. After hanging out all week in scrubs everyone puts on a dress or suit. I don't recognize half the people there. We spend the evening dancing and laughing the night away. Plus there is always the handing out of goodies. This year we got two T-shirts. Though I really must question the wisdom of giving people with HD a white T-shirt. But the black one should resist stains for some time to come. It was a wonderful night.

As always my least favorite part of the camp was saying goodbye. I dread it from the moment I arrive. I love these people with all my heart and leaving them always tears a hole in my heart. I am always thankful for the time spent together and the memories made, but seem to have a harder time leaving them than members of my own family.

Fortunately I know I can keep in contact by letter, telephone or email. Plus I am secure in the knowledge that we will meet again. Thank you to everyone who has a hand in making the camp happen. You may not realize it, but it is a lifetime gift you are giving. Thanks again. Or as the Squamish band would say, oseim.

Source:Kelly B.

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