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Newsletter Highlights: 

• President’s Corner
• Camp Agape: A Week in Paradise
• Plan Ahead for the Holidays & Visit Our Children’s Store

Presidents Corner - Mark Lambert

Now is the time when we shift gears from summer to winter. Summer camps are over and it is back to the books for most of the kids. Back to school can bring special challenges to those families on the cancer journey as classes are missed and there might be a feeling of being left behind. Do not miss the “Educating the Child with Cancer” and “Cancer in the Classroom: What Every Teacher Should Know.” There are many programs that are available to help you with this transition.

I want to thank the Ladies Philoptochos Society for funding and hosting the 14th year of Camp Agape for Candlelighters families. This is a very special camp for 20+ families that keeps them busy for 7 days of exciting entertainment. Activities included a spa day, fishing, archery, swimming in the Sandy River, jet boat rides and the most thrilling, “Greek Day” where everyone is treated to wonderful Greek food, dancing and entertainment.

Camp Agape all began in Fresno, California at the local Children’s Hospital when Father John Bakus was the fundraiser for the local Hospital Foundation. He was a first-hand witness to the devastation this disease had not only to the ailing children, but also to their parents and siblings. The money for camp came from the Ladies Philoptochos Society. The local Candlelighters made all the arrangements for the first camp that was held in 1989 under the name of “KIDS ‘n’ CANCER, The Camp of Sunshine and Dreams” in Dunlap, California.

In 1995 the Portland Ladies Philoptochos Society of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church organized their program at Camp Angelos on the Sandy River. They named it Camp Agape and it was very successful, leading the way for other Philoptochos Chapters to start camps for children with cancer in other regions. They now have over 6 active camp programs through the West to serve families of children with cancer.

A very big thank you for the Ladies Philoptochos Society of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church showing true Agape love to us each and every year!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 Camp Agape: A Week in Paradise By Sue Sumpter

Agape is the Greek word for unconditional love and that’s exactly what 21 families received when we attended Camp Agape in early August. From the welcoming hugs through the array of fun activities provided by the Philoptochos Society from the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, we were treated so well and with such love.

Camp Agape exists for a week on the beautiful grounds of Camp Angelos on the banks of the Sandy River. Every day had a theme, including Spa Day universally loved by all the parents where we were pampered, had our hair and nails done and got heavenly massages we wished would never end. We also had an Olympic day with games and gold medals and a special trip on the Willamette Jet Boats which featured a “Wet Boat” and a “Not So Wet Boat.” Guess who had the most fun, and got the most wet?! The love and generosity of the staff was also expressed through all the delicious food we were served. I think we all gained about 10 lbs. and two dress sizes but left happy and full.

Efcharisto is the Greek word for thank you, but that really can’t do justice to the remarkable, dedicated people who put on this memorable and loving camp. We are so very grateful for their thoughtfulness, generosity and hard word in making this such a wonderful experience. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

 Plan Ahead for the Holidays & Visit Our Children’s Store

Consider doing your holiday shopping at Our Children’s Store at Lloyd Center Mall, and by doing so, you’ll be giving twice! Every item you purchase benefits children in need in our community. Candlelighters For Children With Cancer is one of 40 local charities who receive a portion of the profits at this retail store each year. Our Children’s Store carries a wide variety of unique gifts for all ages, including gourmet food; stationery; toys; gardening items; Halloween, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah and Christmas decorations, cards, ornaments, and gifts; house wares; gifts for pets and pet-lovers; books and calendars; and unique products made by children. The store operates from mid-Sept through early January, and is located inside Lloyd Center Mall, near Marshall’s store. Candlelighters is responsible for providing a minimum hour of volunteers to help staff this store, so please let us know if you’re interested in helping. To learn more, contact Jenny Lambert at CandlelightersVolunteers@gmail.com or 503.332.6526.