Aurora

i d id n’ t r ea liz e h ow m u c h o f a n im pac t

wo u ld h av e o n m y lif e !

kids 2 kids Last summer, as a junior at the Lovett School, I was looking for
my first official job when I came across a post on NextDoor with
These campers changed my perspec-
tive on life by showing me the true
By Lauren Bernard
the opportunity to work as a counselor at Aurora Day Camp in meaning behind living every day
Sandy Springs. I had attended summer camp ever since I was to the fullest. My experience with

Lauren with camper Caroline during color war week

little, so the opportunity to be a counselor seemed like a perfect Aurora Day Camp has impacted me
fit! While I was familiar with “camp life,” I didn’t realize how in an indescribable way, and I hope
much of an impact Aurora would have on my life. Aurora Day that others will also be able to see the
Camp is for children with cancer and their siblings, ages 3.5 to 16. joy that summer camp brings to these
After working for seven weeks at the camp, I fell in love with the kids.
mission of the organization as well as the endless smiles that we
brought to our campers during the summer. On Saturday, April 13, we’ll be
hosting a walk-a-thon at Chastain
At Aurora, we encourage our campers to grow as individuals, Park in support of the summer camp.
build self-esteem, and make new friends! But most important- Aurora Day Camp is completely free
ly, we want them to have fun. That’s what kids need, especially of charge to families. Private dona-
when they are sick. They need an opportunity to just be a kid tions from individuals and businesses
again and forget about hospital beds and needles. Siblings are provide this wonderful gift to the
also welcome at camp. They, too, face challenges socially and campers, which covers everything
recreationally, as the family’s focus understandably turns to their from staff salaries to free bus trans-
brother or sister’s medical needs. Aurora gives them the freedom portation from around the city to
to play with their siblings and make new friendships while escap- waterslides and program supplies. 
ing the constant worry often found at home.
The walk-a-thon will be a fun-filled
One aspect of camp that really stood out to me was that each day day of music, games, prizes and more
is unique, whether that be playing sports, making art projects, … but most importantly, the donations
or performing a new play in drama. There are also lots of special will help us send more children to
activities, such as a carnival, talent show, and bouncy houses. If camp this summer. Walk as an indi-
a child can only attend camp for one day in the entire summer, vidual or build a team with friends,
Aurora wants it to be their best day ever! This was especially family, co-workers, or classmates to
fun for me and the other counselors because we got to help make raise funds for Aurora Day Camp.
each day magical for our campers. Donations of any dollar amount will
help. Please join me and my family
Executive director of the camp Greg Hill says, “When a kid and register at www.aurora-walks.
becomes a cancer patient, it can be difficult to feel like anything org. I hope to see lots of Chastain
but a cancer patient. And for siblings, it can be difficult to feel like Park neighbors there!
anything but a brother or sister of a cancer patient. It inadver-
tently defines them. But not here. At Aurora Day Camp, our goal
is to create an environment where kids coping with cancer can Aurora Day Camp is Georgia’s only
thrive, surrounded by people who have a shared experience and full-summer day camp for children
understand their challenges. All we are trying to do is to bring a with cancer and their siblings offered
sense of normalcy back to these children. Letting our campers be free of charge. Interested in learning
kids again … it’s powerful.” more? Visit www.auroradaycamp.org. 

12 Around the Park • March 2019 March 2019 • Around the Park 13