Plunging into the Ocean to Benefit Camp Sunshine

This past February, a few men and I traveled from Philadelphia to Long Branch, N.J. to take part in a polar plunge. What this meant was that in freezing weather, we had to strip down to our bathing suits and run into the ocean and plunge under water. This was a huge event; men from New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey showed up to take the plunge. There were over 50 people there. It was crowded and noisy.

I learned that the polar plunge kicks off fund raising for Camp Sun Shine. Located in Maine, Camp sun Shine is a year-round camp where children suffering from life threatening illnesses spend about a week there along with their families, free of charge. The polar plungers raise thousands of dollars so that these children and their families can have fun. Many of those individuals rarely have happy relaxing days and this camp is a place for them to enjoy life.

After I plunged into the ocean and then got out and changed back into warm clothing, I asked several people why this plunge had to be part of the fund raiser. Some of the plungers thought that it was merely a fun and outrageous way to kick off a fund raiser. I soon stopped asking. It was a fun time.

When I took the plunge, I thought that I had left my reporter’s hat at home where it belonged, but I soon found myself wearing it again.

A few days later, I did a brief interview with Kayley Walker, Sr. Director, Communications & Strategic Initiatives by email.

Here’s a brief transcript of the interview:

David Block: How long as Camp Sunshine existed?

Kayley Walker: This year, Camp Sunshine is celebrating 40 years of providing hope, joy and community through unique experiences for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families.

DB: What is special about this camp?

KW: Camp Sunshine’s programs are offered year-round and Camp Sunshine has the distinction of having been designed to serve the whole family. Since 1984, more than 60,000 children, siblings, parents, and caregivers from all 50 states and 27 countries have come to Camp Sunshine. And, thanks to the generous support of donors and volunteers, our programs are 100% free.

DB: What makes this camp stand out?

KW: There are many camps throughout the country where children with life-threatening illnesses can go, but not many that welcome the whole family like Camp Sunshine does.

DB: What makes this newsworthy?

KW: For families with a child battling a life-threatening illness, the need for rest and rejuvenation isn’t seasonal,” said Joanne Bean, Camp Sunshine’s President & Chief Executive Officer. “Maine is a state known for being both a summer playground and a winter wonderland, and with this beautiful state as our backdrop, Camp Sunshine is meeting that need for families from around the globe with programming during all seasons.”

DB: How long do the camp sessions run? When does camp start and end this year?

KW: Programming is year-round and each session is typically five days long. We actually started our first oncology session of the year yesterday and that will run until Saturday. Here’s more information about the other sessions we have scheduled in 2024: https://www.campsunshine.org/programs/program-schedule

DB: Where is the exact location of Camp Sunshine?

KW: Camp Sunshine is located in Casco, Maine and serves families from all over the world!

DB: How old are the dampers who attend?

KW: Campers range in age from 0-18 years old, and their families attend as well (parents, siblings, caregivers, etc.), so Camp Sunshine serves all ages!

End of Interview