By Connie Leonard
(BAGDAD, Ky.) -- For 25 years, Indian Summer Camp has provided a free vacation away from cancer for thousands of Kentucky kids. But as WAVE 3's Connie Leonard reports, it's not just the kids who love it there.
Any kid who has spent any time in Bagdad, Kentucky will tell you there's no better place to be than Indian Summer Camp. Whether campers are learning how to scuba dive, trying their hand at archery or just getting in a game of good old-fashioned kickball, the fun at Indian Summer Camp never stops.
For years, Camp Director Amy Steinkuhl has kept the laughs coming for kids who bear burdens many adults will never know.
"I was diagnosed in 2003 with leukemia," said 10-year-old Will Oldham, who was back for his third year of Indian Summer Camp.
Among other things, activities at the camp help keep his mind off his cancer and on Amy's --kickball game -- or lack of it.
But Will was gracious. "I've seen worse," he said.
Will and pal, 9-year-old Kylon Bibb, are supporting each other in their leukemia fight. That's why this camp is so special.
"We get to get through our challenges together," Kylon said.
Will says "it's good to know that you don't seem like the weird one just because you can't run as fast or something."
Diving lessons are a favorite, courtesy of Louisville firefighters like Milton Hettinger -- aka "Uncle Milty."
He says seeing the kids face their life-threatening problems helps put things in perspective. "If we think we've got problems, nah, we don't.
And Uncle Milty can't imagine being anywhere else during Indian Summer Camp. "Look at these kids -- they give you a lift of life. It's ... it's pretty great."
This year Air 3 Pilot K. D. Lane made a return visit for Indian Summer Camp's 25th anniversary, and helped 12-year-old Austin Williams get a bird'seye view from the cockpit.
And 7-year-old Faith Chadwell was sure impressed. "I just never saw that much technology before."
When it comes to Indian Summer Camp's success, the counselors tell the story. Former camper and cancer survivor Leigh Ann Garrett brings hope to new campers every year. "You let the new ones come in know that we've had it, and we're doing great. Just stick in there, hang in there, and you can come back."
For six years running, counselor Chris Erickson has made the trip from southern California to the Bluegrass, paying all his own expenses -- but he says the end result is priceless. "I come back because I feel it's really the least I can do for these kids that are struggling and gone through so much."
Activities Director Stephon Brown says being with the kids is better than a vacation. "We don't see as many smiling faces of little kids on a beach than you would here.
Smiles like the one 7-year-old fisherman Maddy Tobias was wearing. "Me and Brooke caught a fish on both of our poles."
And Will says the camp is so much fun he still wants to come back even after he beats cancer. "Oh yeah, I want to come back."
As for possibly becoming a counselor one day, Will says "I think it'd be really cool to be a counselor."
Over 130 new cases of childhood cancer are diagnosed in Kentucky every year. The camp, staffed by doctors and nurses, is completely funded through gifts and donations.
If you'd like to help send a child to camp, donations can be made by calling 502-491-8518. For more information, visit the camp's website at www.iscamp.org.
Online Reporter: Connie Leonard
Online Producer: Michael Dever
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