Camp Quality in Neosho welcomes back campers for a week of fun
NEOSHO, Mo. — Camp Quality Ozarks in Neosho is back in session, as campers come back for the first day.
“I’m really excited about that,” said Maddy C., Camp Quality Ozarks camper.
That’s Maddy C, who’s attending her 4th year at Camp Quality Ozarks in Neosho.
She says from her experience of attending regular summer camp and Camp Quality – it’s a big difference.
“I don’t feel like they get what I’m talking about, but instead with the people here, I feel like there’s not as much people and there’s still a lot to have a lot of fun,” said Maddy C.
The year-long support program offers children with cancer and their families one week without the daily worry of their diagnosis.
“Things you do at a regular summer camp where they are safe with our medical team here, but also here with a buddy that’s going to make sure they have the best week,” said Kristin Patterson, Camp Quality Ozarks executive director.
Kids can go fishing, do arts and crafts, go swimming, attend a dance, and play board and card games.
But it also offers campers to be campers, just like Camp Quality Ozarks executive director, Kristin Patterson, who attended the camp herself after she was diagnosed with cancer.
“To be able to get back to the kiddos that are going through something that I went through myself as it’s full circle,” said Patterson.
For this year’s opening day, it holds 32 campers and 45 volunteers ready to enjoy the outdoors and one another.
This year’s theme is ‘Game On’ to ensure each kid is a champion, while still celebrating winning.
As for Camp Quality Ozarks companion, Kylee Burke, it’s about making this one week count.
“The drive is just to be there for the kids and have fun with them. That’s all I really see does, and I just love how happy they are,” said Kylee Burke, Camp Quality Ozarks companion.
The camp also dedicates a piece of camp to someone who’s passed away.
This year it was Rybug’s Gifts, a flowers and gifts section for campers to enjoy, and a pond full of fish for one of the companion’s fathers, who loved to fish.
“What’s cool is that Camp Quality is a life thing and you always get to enjoy Camp Quality family and we get to just enjoy it together and sit back and just enjoy all the blessings,” said Patterson.
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