Embracing Differences: The Transformative Power of Cleft Camp

For a group of young individuals, a weekend getaway becomes a transformative experience. These are not just any kids - they are a community bound by a shared experience, one that sets them apart from the norm. They are the participants of the Children's Hospital Colorado Cleft Camp, a safe haven where they can embrace their differences and find solace in the company of those who truly understand them.

Empowering the Unique Voices of Cleft Camp

Forging Unbreakable Bonds

The Children's Hospital Colorado Cleft Camp is a haven where young people, ranging from 8 to 18 years old, come together to explore the great outdoors, engage in crafts, play games, and express themselves freely. This camp is more than just a weekend getaway; it is a place where these individuals, born with cleft palates, cleft lips, or a combination of the two, can find a sense of belonging and community."That is what makes them stand out (outside of camp) and coming here to camp… it gives them a unique identity outside of that," says camper Ava Blakely. "We all have had that so it is not the thing that makes us the black sheep anymore. It is what brings us all together and I think that is really special."For many of these young people, the camp has been a constant in their lives, with some, like Ava Blakely and Isabella St. Marie, having attended for the past decade. The camp provides a safe space where they can be themselves, free from the judgments and misconceptions they often face in the outside world.

Overcoming Adversity and Embracing Confidence

The challenges these young individuals face extend beyond the social stigma. They are also constantly in and out of the hospital, undergoing a series of surgeries to address their condition. "I have had 10 surgeries and, fun fact, that is the average number of surgeries that a normal person has in their whole life," Blakely shares. "I had that before I ever turned 18."Despite these obstacles, the camp helps these young people develop a sense of confidence and self-acceptance. As Dr. Gregory Allen, a pediatric otolaryngologist with Children's Hospital Colorado, observes, "It's incredible to see the young woman grow in confidence over the years." This confidence comes from the acceptance and understanding they find within the camp community, where they no longer have to feel ashamed of their differences.

Educating and Empowering the Next Generation

The camp not only provides a safe haven for these young individuals but also serves as a platform for education and awareness. As Isabella St. Marie explains, "People aren't aware of what a cleft is." By fostering open conversations and sharing their experiences, the campers hope to break down the misconceptions and stigma surrounding their condition.As the older campers, like Blakely and St. Marie, prepare to graduate from the camp, they can't help but reflect on the profound impact it has had on their lives. They are excited to see the younger generation of campers find the same sense of belonging and self-acceptance that they have discovered."I hope by the end of this weekend that will be a lot less shy," Blakely says, reflecting on the transformative power of the camp. "Figuring out your identity with cleft, but also without cleft, what else do you do? It's a part of me, I am also so much more than that."The Children's Hospital Colorado Cleft Camp is more than just a weekend getaway; it is a place where these young individuals can embrace their differences, find solace in the company of their peers, and emerge with a renewed sense of confidence and self-acceptance. As they navigate the challenges of growing up, this camp serves as a beacon of hope, empowering them to redefine their identities and forge their own paths.