For as long as I can remember, one of the annual rides of the Greater Kansas City Chapter of Harley Owners Group has been a visit to Camp Quality in early August. The camp, located at Lake Doniphan east of Excelsior Springs, Missouri, is a week-long camp for kids who currently have or have recovered from cancer. The group always takes doo rags to give to the campers and on some visits donated Harley T-shirts have been presented as well. The kids have opportunity to sit on the bikes and have photos taken.
This year’s ride was on Tuesday, August 1, and was led by Road Captain Kent Blackman. A group of 48 motorcycles and one trike met at Hill Park in Independence and made the ride of about 35 miles to the camp. When we arrived, we met briefly with the campers in one of the main buildings. While the motorcycles cooled off, Chapter Director Jeff Holland gave a brief talk to let the kids know what to expect and to warn them that certain parts of the motorcycles would still be hot. Then the kids waited in line to select their doo rags that had been donated by chapter members.
While the campers were choosing their doo rags, I visited with Brooke, one of the camp counselors referred to here as companions.
CC: How many campers are here at camp quality and what can you tell me about their medical condition?
Brooke: We have 46 campers this year. As you can see, some of the kids look perfectly normal. Some have lost their hair due to treatments. Some are have been recently diagnosed. Some are now caner-free. For instance my camper, Caitlynn, has been cancer-free for eight years.
CC: What qualifies children to come to this Camp Quality?
Brooke: They have to currently have or previously had cancer. Some are allowed to bring their siblings. Especially the first year or two, it helps them to adjust so it’s not a scary experience.
CC: Do many of the campers from previous years return?
Brooke: Yes, there are lots of us. Although now I’m a companion, I used to be a camper.
CC: How many counselors or companions are there?
Brooke: There is one for each camper. We are with them around the clock.
CC: How do you get matched up?
Brooke: Sometimes the kids keep the same companions from year to year. Otherwise, we try to match up based on common interests.
CC: What else goes on at the camp other than the motorcycle activies?
Brooke: Oh, gosh, there is so much going on: swimming and fishing. Corvettes come out. We did tie-dye today. We do boat races and all sorts of fun stuff.
CC: Do the kids live in dorms or camp out?
Brooke: Well, today were are having a campout, but normally we stay in air conditioned rooms with bunk beds.
CC: What is the age range of the campers?
Brooke: They are from five to 18 years old.
CC: I’m sure the kids look forward to seeing the motorcycles.
Brooke: Definitely! My camper is very excited. She wears the same Harley shirt every year when the bikes come. She loves to hop on and have her picture taken.
CC: Thanks for the information, Brooke.
After visiting with Brooke, I joined the group outside as the campers moved from bike to bike, talked to the owners, and posed for pictures. At the end of the visit, group pictures were taken, and the bikes headed out. Many of the Chapter riders stopped in Excelsior Springs to enjoy barbeque together. The campers had another motorcycle visit to look forward to, as members of the Star Riders Club were to be at Camp Quality on the following Thursday.
Story by Stripe
Photos by Stripe and John Howe. Thanks, John!
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