For the past six years for one week each summer, I have attended a sleepaway camp called Camp Oasis. Run by the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA), it is a camp specifically for people with Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis. All of the kids who attend have one of the diseases, along with the volunteer counselors. I remember I was extremely nervous going into camp my first year in 2011 and I had no idea what to expect, but I can safely say that it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

Now, reading this, you’re probably thinking that a camp for kids with Crohn’s or Colitis must be really boring and weird, and must completely revolve around the two diseases. I know that because that’s what I thought walking into my first year; but contrary to my prediction, camp was the complete opposite. After my first year, I was completely in love with Camp Oasis and I knew I would be going back every summer that I could. Unfortunately, this year was my last year I could go as a camper, and next year I have to take a gap year before I can apply to be a counselor (which I will definitely be doing).

Camp Oasis showed me that no matter how bad a situation may be, something good will always come out of it. Without being diagnosed with Crohns, I never would have been able to go camp, and I can’t even begin to imagine not having that experience. Camp allowed me to open up even more about my illness, while completely forgetting I even have one at the same time. More time was spent building friendships and making unforgettable memories than ever talking about our diseases. Of course, our diseases did come up in conversation occasionally, and when they did I always felt so comfortable talking about it with people who I knew understood exactly what I was going through. These people quickly became some of my best friends over the past six years and I am forever grateful for each and every person I ever came across at camp.

It’s so hard to write this article because it’s so difficult to put into words how much camp means to me and how much happiness it brings me. It’s such a special feeling to be so accepted, loved, and understood by people going through the same things as you. Nothing will ever compare to the feelings camp brings me, and I know it’s the same for everyone else who has the privilege to attend. Through numerous Facebook posts and asking some of my camp friends to tell me why they love it so much, these are some other people’s perspectives on camp:

“I can’t imagine what my life would be like without [Camp Oasis], and without all of you. Thank you all for welcoming me into the family, and giving me a home to come back to. I’ll cherish the camp smell as long as it lasts, and the memories even longer.” (Keri Ann Flaccomio, Facebook.)

“Camp Oasis truly is my favorite place in the entire world. It has changed my life for the better in every way, and has provided me with a place to feel comfortable with my Ulcerative Colitis, while also allowing me to create lifelong friendships that I will cherish forever.” -- Halle Parigian

“I have so many amazing things to say about this camp, it’s truly a home away from home. I may have only gone to camp for two years, but it’s been the most wonderful thing in the world. The friends I have made from this camp will be friends for life…All I hope is that everyone who has Crohn’s or Colitis can experience how wonderful Camp Oasis is.” (Gavin Stroup)

“Although IBD can surface so many challenges, I am so thankful for the diagnosis because of the biggest blessing to come out of it: camp. All of the pain and sickness is so worth it when I think that I never would have met such an incredible group of people who have truly changed me for the better or made the memories that really will never be forgotten…I have found acceptance, I have found love, I have found understanding, I have found my home.” (Kristen Sedlak, Facebook.)

Camp Oasis is a special place. It’s a place that brings friendship, family, memories, laughs, and lots and lots of tears when it’s time to leave. I cry every year at the end of the week at camp, but this year brought even more tears, knowing I won’t be back next year. It truly is the end of an era. One year of a wait for camp is already too long; two years will be unbearable. Thankfully I have the memories I’ve already made to reminisce on during my wait to hopefully make even more in the coming years.

“Oasis” by definition, means “a shelter serving as a place of safety or sanctuary”. I can honestly say that Camp Oasis is my oasis and always will be. No matter how far apart we are, all of the people I’ve met through camp are family, who all share a bond that won’t ever be broken. I can’t imagine what it will be like to not go to camp next year, I don’t know how soon I’ll be able to return as a counselor, and I don’t know how far away from camp college will bring me. However, Camp Oasis truly is my home away from home. And no matter how much time passes or how far away I go, I’ll always find my way back home.

Thank you, Camp Oasis, for everything. I will love you forever.