25 Years of Happiness, Hope and Healing - Camp Sunshine

Our Dedicated Volunteers
Michael Katz
As we move forward into
our 25th year of providing
a respite and haven of caring
for families that have a child suffering
from a life-threatening illness, I can’t
help but reflect upon the many special
people that have made this celebration
possible. These special people,
known as volunteers, both young and
old, have been a large part of Camp
Sunshine’s journey, giving of themselves,
their time and talents and most
importantly their spirit, helping to
ensure the growth and success of the
Camp Sunshine mission.
Through the past and into the present,
volunteers of all ages have come
from all over the country, in fact from
all over the world (Japan, Scotland,
Germany, etc.) with the sincere desire
to help others. Students, CEOs of
large companies, and even Olympic
Gold Medalists have left their egos
and their own needs at the symbolic
three front doors of camp with one
common goal in mind…To matter!!
To make a difference in someone
else’s life…To be a ray of sunshine,
aiding others through darkness! More
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C a m p S u n s h i n e
so, and even if for only a brief
time, be the support, the ear, or the
warm smile that creates and then
transcends the moment, forming a
memory for a child or a family that
will last a lifetime!
“The Magic of
Camp Sunshine”
I am often told by many volunteers
when asked about their experience
at Camp that they feel they have received
more from volunteering than
what they actually feel they have
given in return. I believe that in
part this is because the very nature
and character of a Camp Sunshine
volunteer is one of caring and selflessness.
I also believe, as I watch
volunteers embrace each other and
the members of the families we care
for in a farewell hug or see the tears
in the eyes of the volunteer who has
been touched to the core by a young
child, that they in fact truly do receive
more and deservedly so. The
expression of love seems to display
that there is no greater gift than to
feel the sincere sense of mattering,
of making the difference in improving
the lives of those around us,
while feeling good about ourselves.
It is a simple unselfish act from one
human being to another. To quote
inspirational author and speaker
Leo Buscaglia, “Too often we underestimate
the power of a touch,
a smile, a kind word, a listening
ear, an honest compliment, or
the smallest act of caring, all of
which have the potential to turn a
life around.”
Over the past 25 years, I feel very
fortunate to have had and continue
to have the opportunity to
work with and share the Camp
Sunshine experience with so
many wonderful people. Interestingly
enough, when I think of
Camp Sunshine and its volunteers,
I can’t help but remember
a phrase I once heard… “Volunteers
don’t make money, they
make a difference.” It is to all
these dedicated individuals who
have made a choice to make a
difference that I extend my sincere
gratitude and look forward
to making the “magic” of Camp
Sunshine shine for the next 25
years!
Michael Katz
Campus Director
The Board of Directors and Staff of
Camp Sunshine wish to formally
recognize Michael Katz for his 25 years
of unyielding service.