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The Rock Star of Camp Ronald McDonald at Eagle Lake

In August, Josh Whitten will arrive at Camp Ronald McDonald at Eagle Lake for the 18th summer in a row. When he rolls onto the campgrounds, it’s like a rock star has just arrived. 

Campers and staff cheer, “Josh is here … Josh is here!” Beaming, Josh descends in his wheelchair from the van and greets his lifelong friends.

Camp Ronald McDonald at Eagle Lake welcomes 1,000 children with special needs and disabilities each year, and for Josh, it’s a place where a child with Cerebral Palsy doesn’t face limits or physical barriers. He has the freedom and confidence to swim, dance, play ball, socialize and SMILE with friends that absolutely adore him.  

Camp Ronald McDonald at Eagle Lake is a program of RMHC of Northern California. The summer camp is a way to extend their support of children and families beyond their core program, the Sacramento Ronald McDonald House, to provide a unique experience for children with special needs, hardships or disabilities.

“Camp creates an even playing field for everyone. We remove all the barriers – physical and mental,” says Vicky Flaig, executive director of Camp Ronald McDonald at Eagle Lake. “Our campers never say, ‘Oh I can’t do that.’ Rather they are always asking ’When can we do archery? When can go on a canoe? When can we go swimming?’  Every summer I see the world physically opening up for my campers.  I see the possibilities expanding.”

Josh first started coming to camp in elementary school. The moment he and his family arrived at the campgrounds and met the staff, they knew this first adventure was going to be amazing. Peggy Whitten, Josh’s mother considers the counselors and staff members the “highest quality people.” She says, “They take such great care of Josh.”

Camp is Josh’s place and the people there are Josh’s friends. At camp he has the freedom and security to explore a world where the physical barriers of Cerebral Palsy are removed. And, although, he has speech difficulties, he is one of the most social people at camp. Everyone there knows his language well – it is one of pure joy, love of life and friendliness.

Josh’s favorite activity at camp is swimming. “It is the most freeing experience for him,” says Peggy. “Secured by a life vest, he is able to swim without assistance – he doesn’t have to rely on the help of his wheelchair or another person. He is powerful, strong and free in the water - so much so, that he can dunk his favorite counselor in the water!”  

The last night of camp is marked with a special dance to celebrate the week of fun. This is another one of Josh’s favorite parts of camp. All night he moves to the rhythms of the music with his good friend, Vicky, who has been running camp Ronald McDonald at Eagle Lake for the past 10 years. On this beautiful evening in this beautiful niche of the world, Josh is getting all the attention as he spins, wheels, and smiles through another memorable Camp finale.  

"Every summer I see the world physically opening up for my campers.  I see the possibilities expanding.”"

Vicky Flaig, Executive Director, Camp Ronald McDonald at Eagle Lake

 


Comments (2)|(Hide)

  • hope leary

    24/07/2010 6:53pm

    I think it is great that kids can enjoy themself. My daughter has Leukemia of the CSF and we have stayed at the RMH of providence RI for 20 months. I love what the house stands for and the many volunteers who are there. Its a house that love built.

  • Alonzo Winningham

    18/07/2010 2:30am

    It is inspiring & comforting to know that there is a place that can & will let people, like Josh, experience the full potential of what life has to offer.

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