I was given the opportunity to attend Camp Hope as a counselor for the high school-aged guys. I was nervous because I’m an “old” guy, and how would I be able to keep up with this group of high-energy guys? Well, I must tell you that this group of guys and Camp Hope changed my outlook on life. Camp Hope is co-sponsored by The National Pancreas Foundation and Rebecca’s Wish. Morgan’s Wonderland Camp in San Antonio, Texas, is the host. Camp Hope is specifically for children 8-18 years old who have pancreatitis, have had the TPAIT surgery, or have other pancreatic disease. For many of these campers, this is their first experience away from home at a sleep-away camp, due to their fragile medical conditions. There were almost 2 adults to each camper supporting their every need. These adults were Pediatricians, Pediatric Endocrinologists, Pediatric Trauma Doctors, Pediatric Cardiologists, Nurse Practitioners, Registered Nurses, and then there were folks like me. Most of the adult counselors have also experienced pancreatitis or had the TPIAT surgery. The doctors set up a pop-up hospital on the campus of Morgan’s Wonderland to ensure that if any emergency arose, then they were able to treat the emergency on site. The campers have spent many days in the hospital, so the goal was not to be required to be transported to the traditional hospital for treatment. They had all the equipment, medicine, and know-how to treat the emergencies that popped up. There was also a nurse or two in every cabin to ensure that all medicine was given properly, and blood sugar was monitored closely day and night.
So, what did we do during the day in this CRAZY hot weather in June in Texas? We rode horses, competed in archery, rode a huge zip line, climbed the rock wall, traversed the high ropes course, rode the giant swing, visited the nature center, and every day there was pool and lazy river time. We also had built-in cabin time during the hottest part of the day to give everyone time to rest and recharge.
After lunch, we would come together as a camp to have a Pancreas Activity. One day, we did a role reversal where the campers were the doctors, and the doctors were the patients. It was so interesting to watch the campers treat the doctors with compassion and empathy, just as they would want to be treated. Many of the campers have trauma from people not believing that they were in so much pain and thinking they were lying. For the doctors to experience the patients’ point of view was so meaningful, and the bombardment of questions was quite impactful.
The most impactful Pancreas Activity, in my opinion, was the day when everyone wrote down lies that they had either been told or believed about themselves. Once we wrote those lies down, we took them outside to the fire pit and burned the lies, so they will never have an impact on us ever again. Then we were given a piece of cloth as we came back inside to write down truths that we wanted to believe and hold close for the next year. We tied the cloth around our ankle or wrist to remind us of the truth. Many of the campers got everyone to sign their cloth to remember the friendship and support they received at camp. For most, this was the first time they had met anyone else with pancreas disease like theirs. This was an emotional activity, and one of the guys in my cabin really rallied around a couple of the guys who had lots of emotional baggage to unload. Tears were shed, support was given, friendships were strengthened, and this world is a better place because of each person who attended Camp Hope 2025.
So, what did Camp Hope mean to me, the “old” guy in the cabin? I found myself in awe of the resilience of each of the campers, especially the guys in my cabin. I had the opportunity to have a deep conversation with most of the guys, and I asked each one what he wanted to do when he grew up. More than 75% said they wanted to be a nurse because nurses really made a difference, and they wanted to emulate the outstanding care they had received. A couple said they had had bad experiences with some nurses, and they hoped to make up for that in the future. I thought that I had suffered with my pancreatitis battle, misdiagnosis, being treated as an alcoholic, and being labeled a drug seeker. Most of the campers and counselors at Camp Hope have been through so much more than I had ever dreamed, and they are now thriving. However, there were some cases that absolutely broke my heart. One young camper was in excruciating pain, and he could not eat since that would make the pain worse. He also did not want to go for medical help because he would miss some activity, and in his mind, enduring the pain was worth it. I had to excuse myself and go around the building and just cry because I believed I would have folded, but he pushed on. I have been home for a few weeks now, but I’m still processing all the things that Camp Hope taught me. I will step up my game as a passionate advocate on behalf of my friends from Camp Hope.
If you know a child who has a pancreatic disease and would like to attend Camp Hope, please reach out to me, and I will point you in the right direction. If you are an adult who would like to volunteer your time and have your life changed, reach out to me, too, and I will point you in the right direction. I assure you; I hope to attend Camp Hope every year going forward.
Scott Reavis
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