The calm before the storm

It has just begun to rain here. Irene is moving up the coast, and we are anticipating strong winds and lots of moisture for a rather sustained period.

Yesterday we were in Boston, picking up Pete after camp. It couldn’t have been a more gorgeous day.

It wasn’t just the weather that was perfect:  greeting all the kids and counselors as they returned from their week at Camp Kesem was one of the best experiences ever. Pete straggled in with his pillow and a big grin. “It was amazing,” he said. “Just amazing”.

Campers ranged in age from six to eighteen and Pete’s group was teens fourteen and up. An almost equal number of counselors, all MIT students, accompanied the group as they swam, hiked, camped out, canoed, played games, and participated in a ropes course. In the evening they hung out together and talked. All of the campers had a parent fighting cancer and in some cases the parent had died; Peter said the conversations were at times incredibly sad but also very moving.

What I witnessed on the day of pick-up, was a staggering amount of joy, love, support and energy. Pete was emotional as he hugged his new friends, both campers and counselors, goodbye. I had so hoped this would be a wonderful experience, and in fact it exceeded all expectation.

Grabbing a snack afterward

And so, from the Duff family, a big, big shout out to Camp Kesem (click here for more information about camps in your area and/or to donate to this very worthy cause). As for all the counselors (who volunteer their time and fundraise as well); you are beyond amazing. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.