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Opportunity Rocks at
Camp YOLO
Tahra Peterson
- Assistant Director
Children flying down a zip line at night, girls
huddled in their cabins discussing what they are
going to wear to the dance the next night,
cooking s’mores, riding horses, and so much
more. These are only a few scenes from another
unforgettable Camp YOLO (You Only Live Once).
However, it was not easy getting there.
Camp YOLO was originally scheduled for September
19-21, 2008. 118 kids had been anxiously
packing their bags for weeks and counselors were
ready with their cabin decorations and all were
prepared to celebrate the 10th
Anniversary of Camp YOLO. Then, the unthinkable
occurred. Hurricane Ike came crashing through
Houston and postponed our fun-filled weekend.
With the amount of damage Ike had caused to
Texas, The Periwinkle Foundation made the
difficult decision to postpone Camp YOLO so
families could use their energy and resources to
assist family and friends through this trying
time in our city.
But we also knew that it was very
important to the campers, parents and counselors
to reschedule Camp YOLO. Camp YOLO allows teens
who are battling life-threatening illnesses to
meet and share thoughts, concerns and stories
with other teens that are facing the same
challenges. It also gives them an opportunity
to reach new goals and experience things they
never thought possible. With the generous help
of Camp For All, we were able to reschedule camp
for December 5-7, 2008.
Braving the cold, 72 campers and 51 counselors
traveled this past
weekend to Camp For All for a
life changing experience. The theme of the
weekend was Opportunity Rocks at Rock N’ YOLO.
This YOLO was designed so the campers would have
the opportunity to face and conquer different
challenges. The campers were able
to express themselves artistically with fabulous
arts and crafts projects led by Director of Arts
& Crafts Janet DeJean, they were able to share
their hopes and dreams at the wishfloat ceremony
facilitated by Camp YOLO Director
Jen King, they had the unique pleasure of
learning to cook with Chef John Bullington, Jr.
from Alamo House Draft House and they had fun
away from the hospital routine. The campers
left Camp YOLO knowing that their disease does
not define or inhibit who they are, but only
enhances them. They are truly changed for life!
Thank You
White Oak Energy Gives Back
Thank you to White Oak Energy Gives Back for
their generous $35,000 donation to
underwrite
Camp YOLO. Due to their generous donation,
these teens learned that they are not alone and
are empowered to overcome their disease.
John Bullington and Trish Eichelberger
Alamo House Draft House, Austin
John and Trish taught campers to create their
very own soufflés and graciously provided all
the ingredients!
George Vlahakos
Volunteer and past Board Member
George provided Demeris Barbeque for the entire
camp on Saturday night.
It is always everyone’s favorite meal at camp!
Medical Team
Bryan Cannon, Hubert Ho, Jalane Theis and Cara
Simon
Thank you to our wonderful medical team for
ensuring that the campers were safe while at
Camp YOLO.
Tech Team
David Butler and Oliver Gage
A special thank you to David and Oliver for
truly “rocking out” at Camp YOLO. Also thank
you for being our movers! We could not do camp
without you!
Bus Check-In and Loading
Exxon Mobile Employees
Rick Sperandio
Albert and Drita Kasumaj
Charlie Yelli
Kristi and Cotey Cswaykus
Robert Woods
Casey Meador
Fadhel Hassan
Tien Tran
Matthew Dalka
Jeffrey Demuynck
Brian and Rebecca Stogdill
Thank you to Rick Sperandio
bringing
several wonderful Exxon Mobile employees to help
with bus check-in and loading. You all made a
wonderful first impression on all of the campers
and parents!
Thank you to Camp YOLO
Director Jen King and Arts and Crafts Director
Janet DeJean for another extraordinary Camp
YOLO!
To learn more about Camp YOLO, contact:
Tahra Peterson, Assistant Director
tpeterson@periwinklefoundation.org
www.periwinklefoundation.org
"It's never too late to have a happy childhood" |