Sailing camp for young people with cancer: ‘Children are sometimes hard, here is different’

Even before my visit, contact with the organization is already very nice. The involvement and love for the camp radiates from it. SKOV organizes five holiday camps and a family day for children with cancer every year. Participation is free of charge for all participants. The foundation runs entirely on volunteers and all the money raised goes to the camp itself. You feel that. Everything is arranged here with care and attention.

When I arrive in Enkhuizen, eight boats are moored. Three to four young people and three supervisors sleep on each boat, including a medical volunteer (nurse or pediatric oncologist). For example, there is almost one-on-one guidance. The classification is carefully compiled by nurse Anne, who consults with parents and young people in advance about their care needs and group dynamics.

They have a day of rest today, which does not mean nothing happens. At the Zuiderzee Museum the young people receive a treasure hunt and a professional photo shoot, complete with make -up artists and photographer, all volunteers. Everything to make as special as possible this week.

I walk with volunteer Jacco. He tells me why he spends his vacation days on this: “If yourself is doing well, what could be better than others who can use the help?” He is on the boat with two other volunteers and four girls. Immediately after my arrival I can sit down for lunch: pancakes. The atmosphere is relaxed and the girls determine their pace and plans themselves.

What strikes me: this week is not about illness. There are no mandatory talk rounds and nobody is asked about his or her story, but that doesn’t mean it’s not there. The stories often come naturally, when someone starts to talk about it. For example, I am impressed by the story of Isa (15) with whom I get into a bench after lunch. She tells me that she has been blind for almost all her life by a tumor on her optic nerve.

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She came into contact with Skov through her doctor. “I found it very exciting, because I didn’t know anyone, but I immediately felt welcome.” Isa is at a regular school, because she does VWO level and does not want herself to be limited. Yet that is not always easy: “Children are sometimes hard. Here is different. Everyone has experienced something and I think that makes you a bit more mature.”

She writes books, plays the piano, hooks and cooks. “I actually have too many hobbies,” she laughs. Isa is an example of the power that all young people radiate here. Not despite, but thanks to everything they have experienced.

At the photo shoot I meet Bas (19). After he had stood in front of the camera, I look for him. Bas has now come along for the third time. Three years ago he received three brain tumors, one of whom was pressing his view, one on his memory and one on his feelings. “I sometimes react a little more botter than before. My environment notes that, I don’t always.” Bas is sober about his situation, but acknowledges that it can be lonely. “I didn’t really have friends at the end of my high school period. I thought: I meet new people in a new study, but then I got sick. That makes it extra nice to get to know people at this camp.”

Jelmar (40) offers a special perspective, who himself went with Skov twice as a child after two tough periods of leukemia. After his recovery, Jelmar went to study and work as a cameraman. Now he is back at the camp as a volunteer. “The first time back on board was confronting. It brought a lot of memories up. But at the same time I immediately felt what this place makes so special. Nobody has to do differently here than he is. You see it literally happen: children who wear another wig on day one, take it off on day three.”

He has been around for years to make the after movie. “That offers a unique position, because I sail once with every boat.” His own background makes him a confidential adviser for many young people. “Sometimes someone comes to me:” I heard that you have been sick too. ” Then special conversations arise.

He also knows that not every young person can continue after the camp. “Some have been treated. Then you don’t want it to always be about disease. You want them to be able to really enjoy here and make a nice memory, perhaps for the last time.”

“Actually, it just has to feel like a summer camp, like everyone else. Friendships arise, you see couples arise, exactly as it should be at this age. It makes it so valuable.”

At the end of the week an evaluation with all volunteers always follows. “There is often crying,” says Jelmar. “Not because it is sad, but because it touches you. That resilience of the children.” What stays with me is precisely that: the power of the children, but also the self -evidence with which everyone takes care of each other.

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