Camp Korey - Laughter is the Best Medicine.

Dia Armenta, Ken Hatch, Jay Biagi, Cathi Hatch

 

Though I have been aware of Camp Korey, founded by Tim Rose in 2005 to honor the memory of his son, Korey, who lost his battle with cancer as a teenager, yesterday was my first visit.  Camp Korey's mission is to provide kids who battle life-threatening and serious illnesses, a safe, friendly, medically sound environment where they they can simply have fun and be kids.

My husband, Ken has agreed to go on the Camp Korey Board of Directors and yesterday was a field trip to be introduced to the camp.  Board member and friend, Jay Biagi, took us along with another incoming board member, Dia Armenta, to see the camp and meet the Executive Director, Lane Youngblood.

Jay Biagi & Ken Hatch on walkway to Ropes Course

Camp Korey is located at the historic 818-acre Carnation Farm and includes a full medical center (that doesn't feel like a medical center), sleeping lodges, the largest barn in King County which includes museums, a climbing wall and full-size basketball court, a huge Hippodrome for parties, a swimming pool, lakes, a rose garden, a Japanese garden and an organic garden, and a zip line and full-size ropes course to name just some of the amenities.

Lane Youngblood with Dia & Ken at Grey Gables Medical Ctr.

It was fascinating to hear Lane and Jay share the stories of, with a ratio of two adults to every camper, no matter how seriously medically-challenged, each camper can participate in every activity that the camp offers including boating, fishing, gardening, swimming, pet therapy, an equestrian program, arts and crafts, wall-climbing and the ropes course.  This includes kids who are in wheel chairs, on ventilators and with any number of other serious maladies.

Jay is absolutely passionate about his involvement and has spent one week during each of the last two summers as an adult mentor and assistant assigned to two children along with a camp counselor where he has spent 24/7 with the children sleeping in the bunk rooms, helping the campers participate in the many activities, including one sleepover each week in small teepees near the lake.

The Cow Statue

I was completely impressed with the camp and the force for good that it represents.  I can see why Jay is so passionate about his involvement in Camp Korey.