Camp Onkoi Benek: Year One

Colored by: Jesse Richardson

Colored image of our camp '88 t-shirt. Click for original copy.

Wednesday, July 23rd 2014

   

     If I had to describe my first year at Camp Onkoi Benek with one word, it would be special. For those reading this and don't know, Camp Onkoi Benek (Indian for To Conquer Tomorrow) was a summer camp for kids, teens, & adults living with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) that took place in July outside of Battle Creek, MI (cereal capital of the world) in Dowling, MI. I went to CF camp for 8 years until it was discontinued in 1996. The camp is actually called Camp Clear Lake and is operated by the Battle Creek Public Schools, but for that week it was called 'home' to us CFers and staff members. The counselors (staff), cooks, and others were a reason why camp was so special. A lot of adults took their vacation time during camp, which meant they were away from their families to be with us. That's something special.

     During my senior year in high school I was on the yearbook staff ('97 as well) and our yearbook theme for that year was 'Unlocking The Magic' and I remember day dreaming about camp when we chose that theme. It described camp perfectly. Each one of us held a key to a treasure chest. By unlocking that treasure chest, we unlocked magical moments at camp, moments that we'd never forget. The most magical gem I unlocked that year was meeting Elizabeth Michalski a.k.a. Liz, who adopted our patrol for that week. She took me under her wing and made my week very special. If I had to craft that week into an image, it would be the one below.

Liz & Jesse: Camp '88 Dance

     I first got wind of camp in 1987 by meeting Brian Weber (left) and his Mom at Karate class (Taekwondo). I don't recall seeing Brian at Taekwondo class, but if so, he didn't go for that long, or maybe they were just checking it out, I'm not sure. Anyway, his Mom talked to my Mom about a camp for those with CF. We got more information from my CF doctor at Children's Hospital in Detroit. The rest is history.

     I believe I received my packet from camp in May 1988. I recall being excited to see the activities for that week, and the fact that there was going to be a dance. I remember packing for my first week at camp. Hawaiian style shirts (insert Miami Vice & Magnum P.I.) were very popular around this time. I think I had quite a few shirts from 1986-1990. The style that I had was different and a bit thicker. As I read the papers in my packet, I learned that a Beaver was our mascot and the theme for that year was WBVR, which was a fictional TV station. The weeks activities surrounded that theme. 

     My first year of camp was the first time that I was around other's with CF, besides the time that I met Brian and his Mom. This was the case for a lot of CFers who attended camp for the first time. Prior to camp, I didn't know what to expect. I just knew as a 9 year old it was going to be my first time away from home, and not just that, but for a solid week. Let the fun begin!

Camp Onkoi Benek (1972-1996)

     My first year of camp should've been in 1987, but my parents felt it was best I wait a year. I think they were hesitant about me going since it was going to be my first time away from home (besides with relatives) for that length of time. I would've been 8 back in 1987. In order to attend camp you had to be at least 7 years of age.

     That trip from Highland to Dowling was 2 hours long, but it felt so much longer. Some people travel even further.

     As my parents slowly drove up to the drop off area, I remember getting out of the car and all of a sudden I heard a man's thunderous voice say.

     "JESSSSEEEE!!!."

     My first thought was. "Who in the heck is this guy, and how does he know my name?"

     That guy was Jim Meyer a.k.a. Jimeyer, and little did I know then, we'd become friends right off the bat. He was my camp counselor for that year, along with Rob. Jim was the counselor for the kids, and to my knowledge always was until 1996. Jim came up to me and gave me a big hug, and still to this day we're friends.  He was the first person that I met at camp, and I can't say enough about Jimeyer, I really can't.

     Since its been 26 years, it's a bit hard to remember things, but on that day I started a lot of friendships that lasted for years, until sadly my friends passed away. This was back when Burkholderia Cepacia (B. Cepacia) positive CFers could be around Cepacia negative CFers (I was Cepacia negative), we just couldn't do our postural drainage (PD) together. We had to be in separate rooms. PD is basically when someone pounds on our chest (back and front) to break up the mucus so it can be coughed up. We could do our breathing treatments, share things, hang out, and eat together etc. Things were different in the CF community back in the 70's and 80's. For those wondering, B. Cepacia positive CFers carry bugs (bacteria) that other CFers who are Cepacia negative are more apt to catch, especially with a somewhat weakened immune system. When Cepacia positive CFers become sick (due to their CF) it's hard to treat their lung infections with antibiotics, because their bacteria is resistant to a lot of them.

     In today's world (2014) it's a huge no no for either (Cepacia positive & negative) to be around each other, and this includes non Cepacia CFers being around other non Cepacia CFers (6 ft rule, it us to be 3), and the CF Foundation is currently tightening things up at the CF centers across the U.S.  

     Chapel Hill and Pittsburgh are the only two centers that do lung transplants for those with Cepacia, at least to my knowledge. Lung transplants are very difficult for those with Cepacia, even though they have new lungs.  It's not so much the 10+ hour surgery that's complicated (any double lung transplant has its worries), but more so the aftermath. B. Cepacia can be tricky post transplant, especially when you still have CF in the sinus cavity.

                  (left to right, back to front): Rob, Jimmie LaFrance, Debbie, 

              Jesse Richardson, Brian Weber, Jason LaFrance, Mike Wilson, Jim Meyer

     I still remember when our patrol picture was took. I actually think Liz took this picture, but I could be wrong. It was when we were playing bocce ball. 

Being a rookie camper meant a few things, but one thing was certain. You were getting a swirly, and yours truly was no exception to the rule. I'm not sure who gave me my first swirly, but it might've been Willie Halpin, who the next year would become my camp counselor along with Ken "The Mail Man" Osterman. I didn't fight the swirly. I wasn't stupid. I knew that anyone could grab me at anytime and flush my head down the toilet. Maybe I over exaggerated on that one, but it's the truth. My rookie initiation was complete. My only thought was. . .  how come the girls didn't get swirlies?  :)

To see the photos above in their original size and form, please click below.

"Sailing" by Christopher Cross (1980)

Camp Onkoi Benek: Year One (Part 2)

 

My joy for volleyball started at Camp '88

     
     One of my favorite outdoor games that we played that week was Bocce ball, which was my first time playing, including four square and human pinball. I also played volleyball (above) and we did archery (above) that week as well. It was my first time with a bow and arrow.  I loved it. After I came home from camp that week, I recall taking up target practice in my back yard.

     As campers and staff, we were hardly indoors. With other activities like fishing, swimming, riflery, and sitting outside talking, there was way too much fun to be had outdoors. Even when it was raining (non storms) we were outside. About the only time people were indoors (during activities) was when they were doing arts & crafts or eating/snacking.

     Speaking of eating, one of the chores us campers had during our week at camp was being a table hopper, which each patrol (once a week) were chosen to set up the tables for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I believe senior campers (at least when I was a senior) were hoppers twice a week. Of course in 2014 that would be a huge no no, due to germs.
     
       One of the fun contests we had during my first year was the turtle race. This was pretty cool. We each painted a pre-carved turtle made out of wood. I think I was the only one who painted my turtle yellow (image below). Hey, it was different. I'm not sure who won the race, but I recall it being difficult. I kept my turtle for several years after that.

           (left to right, back to front): Jesse Richardson, Jimmie LaFrance, 
         Jason LaFrance, Mike Wilson, Brian Weber

Another fun game we played indoors was Wheel of Fortune, which was part of the WBVR theme.  Game show! I actually don't remember this, but by Brian's face. . . he didn't win the car. Don't be silly!! Not a new car, a hot wheels car.  Our camp didn't have that type of budget. :)

Our camp didn't have the funds to get Vanna White and Pat Sajak for the evening, so Matt Jastrzembski a.k.a. Ski (far left) and Craig VanLaanen (far right) it was.

Photo courtesy of Damian Kiska

     So, what's the story about the monkey? It being 26 years ago, I'm sure I'm going to leave out some bits and pieces. I don't know how it came about, but Laura Varon Brown (girls counselor) had brought an electronic dancing monkey to camp. I started having some fun by dancing with the it. It was really fun. I guess by dancing with the monkey, it prepared me for our camp dance. I loved those shoes I was wearing. They were my favorite shoes. Sorry Reebox Pumps circa 1992.

     Another fun event at camp was the obstacle course, which was held each year and it was a blast (as you can see by the photo), but sadly, like so many things, I come up short remembering everything about it that year. It just didn't take place on land, but in the water as well. Fun is the best word to describe the course.

To see the photos above in their original size and form, please click below.

Camp was one of the finer things in life.

"Finer Things" By Steve Winwood (1986)