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Each summer, The Valerie Fund’s Camp Happy Times brings together children who have or have had cancer for a magical week of friendship, fun, and healing. This year, eight-year-old Anderson returned for his second time, joined by his older sister Ava, and gave us a unique glimpse into what makes this camp so meaningful. We asked Anderson to share his camp experiences and, for him, what makes Camp Happy Times a place like no other.

Anderson attended camp for the first time last year when siblings were able to join the campers. Knowing his older sister was there gave him the comfort to participate in the week-long overnight camp. Now, after his second year at camp, Anderson shared that, while he wouldn’t mind the focus being just on him, he is glad his sister gets to share in the experience. “My sister hugged me when she got to camp… she never hugs me!” he said.

Camp begins on the bus ride to the Tyler Hill campus. Anderson found the bus ride to be a lot of fun, meeting new friends and singing songs. “Just getting off the bus made me feel so welcome,” Anderson shared. [Camp Director] Matt shouted my name to my cabin. The welcome coming off the bus made me feel so appreciated.” The campers have a packed activity schedule, but Anderson never worries about being late. “Chuck [his counselor] is very organized, which I like because it keeps us organized and keeps our schedule. We’re there on time, not late, so I like that.”

Anderson’s Camp Highlights

The first thing that came to mind when asked about his favorite camp activities was tubing, loving how fast it is and that he can ride alongside his new best friend. Anderson loves the beach activities and also fishing. Saying he never knew how much he loved fishing until he went, because he really likes catching fish. “I caught two, but it was an improvement from last year, because I caught a blue gill and a bass instead of just catching five sunnies.”  

“I liked the fireworks, and I really liked the dance because it was just lots of partying. It was fun to dance and do photo shoots. I liked that because it was just more open and very party-ish, and I liked that you got to stay up late.” Anderson shared in a true 8-year-old perspective.

Alongside his friends, Anderson choreographed their performance for the talent show. “I danced to ‘Your Idol’ from K-pop Demon Hunters with Mason, Luca, Isaac, and Leo. I made up all the moves. They got in a V-shape, and copied me when I danced!” However, none of this can top the evening quiz show, The Brain Show. Run like a TV quiz show, contestants are asked questions and buzz in to answer, with dance challenges interspersed. Anderson shared how he loves pressing the buzzer to answer questions and dancing. 

When asked what it means to be able to attend Camp Happy Times, Anderson replied, “I can be somewhere where people really can understand me and I don’t have to explain it [cancer], because they already know what it feels like. And I also like it because it’s just a really fun place. You can go get away for a while and hang out and meet new people, experience more fun, and just have an adventure.” 

Looking back at Anderson’s reflections, we see that Camp Happy Times is more than just a place — it’s a community of understanding, laughter, adventure, and healing. Thank you to all the donors who support this experience and to all the volunteer counselors and staff who so lovingly give their time to help make camp happen.