Recorder Herald, Salmon Idaho

The Camp Discovery Idaho Teen Adventure Program proved to be an incredible journey! On July 23, six teenage cancer survivors met program staff at the University of Idaho Nancy Cummings Research, Extension and Education Center, where they spent their first night.

Located in the shadow of the Continental Divide, the ranch was a great spot for everyone to get to know each other before launching on the river. The evening was spent eating, playing cards, packing bags and making friends.

Three girls and three boys, ages ranging from 13 to 17 participated in the program. They hailed from Boise, Twin Falls, Idaho Falls and American Fork, Utah. The excitement level was high enough to motivate them out of bed by 6:30 a.m. the first morning and each morning thereafter.

“Camp Discovery was an amazing journey that allowed me to let go of myself and the outside world. I pushed and dared myself to do more and be more which is a blessing,” said Emily, age 15.

A journal was presented to each of the teenagers to record their experiences while on the river. Allegra Printing in Hamilton, MT donated the printing and design services to create the journal and Lemhi Art Guild members painted watercolors and made line drawings to illustrate it.

Six days on the river gave the teens many opportunities to try new things like kayaking, rappelling and working as a team to make and break camp. Each walked away with the sense of accomplishment that comes from challenging yourself.

“Oh wow, I could go on and on. Life here is amazing…it feels like you could be normal. The people were amazing; I couldn’t help but feel safe. I love this,” said Destiny, 14 years old.

Linda Buster and the staff of Sophie’s Quilts made memento pillowcases for the young participants. Each is unique, created with a combination of three materials and includes a Camp Discovery Idaho logo embroidered by Stacy Rife of the Mother Lode.

An all volunteer staff led by Katsey Long, licensed clinical social worker and river guide, ensured smooth sailing on the river. Dr. Jeff Hancock, pediatric oncologist from Rexburg, provided medical support and played guitar at the campfire. Brian Lewis, 2008 adult program alumni, was official camp photographer and Connor Long paddled a hard-shell kayak providing support to the teens in inflatable kayaks.

Dr. Hancock provided his observations from the week: “This program is like no other that I’m aware of in the country. While most are centered on a traditional ‘summer camp’ of children with counselors segregated by age into cabins, this was a real wilderness experience for the kids that kept them active and working together as a group.

“Plenty of time for spontaneous hikes, hacky sack games, and water play as well as time to chat, helped the kids really come to know and appreciate one another.

“I really appreciated Katsey taking the time to spend at least half a day with each individual camper on her raft, talking about their unique life experiences and finding out what was on their minds – the best therapy ever.”

Wilderness River Outfitters donated a large portion of the trip cost; guides Jessie Thiel and Matt Westfall led the group on the river.

Five of the teens were flown to Salmon and back home by Angel Flight West, a volunteer organization that arranges free, non-emergency air travel for children and adults with serious medical conditions and other compelling needs.

Camp Discovery Idaho is a non-profit organization located in Salmon and founded by Joe and Fran Tonsmeire, longtime ranchers and outfitters from Lemhi. It is comprised of one part-time employee, a six member Board and a community of volunteers with many years of experience in the mountains and rivers of back-country Idaho.