Camp Quality is a summer camp and support system that empowers children battling cancer and their families.
Deeply rooted in resilience, love and community, Camp Quality provides an experience beyond traditional summer camps. It’s a place where children facing this sickness can be themselves and create fond memories, at no cost to the families.
Located in Excelsior Springs, Kansas, Camp Quality began in the summer of 1986 with one site hosting 43 campers. In almost 40 years of business, the number of attendees has grown to 100 at the original location with an added 15 camp sites throughout the Midwest.
Despite their nobel mission, Executive Director of Camp Quality Greater Kansas City Crystal Davison says they want to increase general awareness about the brand.
“Our team is working to further strengthen our brand so that one day Camp Quality may hopefully be a household name,” Davison said.
The organization wants to impact the people they serve directly, but additionally want to increase their outreach to people who wouldn’t be involved otherwise.
“Conveying that message to people in the community, locally or abroad, nationally even, it’s a way to get people engaged and excited about making a difference, learning more, and being a part of letting kids with cancer be kids again,” Davison said.
Camp Quality also assists and supports the families of children at the camp. They host a “Parent’s Night Out” event and support bereaved families or families who have lost a child due to a fatal illness.
“Part of my responsibilities are creating year-round events to bring all of the families together and be there for when they have a hospital day,” said Family Outreach Coordinator Tammy Gustin. “Currently I’m working on a partnership with Children’s Mercy. And during the week of camp I actually oversee the day-to-day.”
With physical health being so important to these children, mental health is also covered and assisted by the camp. The organization offers safe spaces for kids or volunteers to go to if they need a time reset named the Zen Den.
“Being ahead of the game and preventing behavioral issues in the first place is the goal,” Davison said.
Volunteers are welcomed and encouraged. UMKC students can volunteer and learn more about the experience here, or email Davison at [email protected].
