The First Annual Camp Colleen
Aug 5, 2021
Colleen was thankful for everything life had given her; but said if there was one thing she missed out on as a child, it was being able to attend summer camp. “At Colleen’s last meeting with her Red Shoe Society (RSS) Family Enrichment Committee, she expressed an idea of a summer camp day for the families staying at the Lurie Children’s Ronald McDonald House,” explains Christine.
Colleen’s camp wish came true thanks to the coordinating efforts of RSS and Colleen Cares Organization. The RSS honored Colleen by creating her vision with the first ever Camp Colleen. We had perfect weather and an amazing, yet extremely emotional day. This will be an annual event, and we hope next year it will look a bit different with no COVID restrictions.
We were able to have a few family members help with the various preparations. Together with Chef Kevin, we prepared a delicious camp-themed, grab-and-go lunch for the families and continued preparations by decorating the sidewalk in front of the entrance.
Volunteers wearing Camp Colleen t-shirts received a thumbs-up from Chef Kevin! Lunch choices included trail mix, baked beans, corn on the cob, pulled pork and chicken sandwiches, fresh fruit and adorable s’mores theme cupcakes.
Colleen was further remembered when volunteers shared lunch at the nearby Grand Lux. This was a meaningful tradition of Colleen and Christine after any appointment at Lurie Children’s Hospital.
Ronald McDonald House families came back that evening to partake in summer camp activities. The camp fun started on the streets of Chicago in front of the House. Guests were welcomed with sidewalks decorated with chalked campfire and tree, Colleen Cares logo, and more colorful drawings!
“We had quite the artists among our volunteers!”
Families received camp duffle bags featuring the new custom logo of Camp Colleen. Every camper’s bag included a Camp Colleen tee shirt, reusable water bottle, bubble wand, sunglasses, mini flashlight, and more.
Colleen loved bubbles and you can imagine her laughing with the children as bubbles swirled around!
“Camp Colleen was such a success!” Colleen’s cousin, Nicole, commented, “Seeing the happiness of all the children and parents for the camp activities was a memory I’ll never forget.”
The roof deck was transformed into Camp Colleen with activity stations. Guests rotated to their favorites, including beaded jewelry, tattoos, ring toss and personalized picture frames with photos in front of our tent and faux campfire. As Colleen insisted, s’mores finished the evening.
Kristen Sitko, fellow Committee co-chair with Red Shoe Society (RSS), summed up, “We felt that bringing Colleen's summer camp event to life would be the perfect way to honor her. We wanted to make sure this event embodied everything Colleen stood for: helping others, friendship, inclusivity, kindness, fun, and zest for life.”
On behalf of the Colleen Cares Organization, the Gleason family presented Red Shoe Society with a check for $25,000 raised at Colleen’s Celebration of Life. Thank you to everyone who generously donated and made this possible!
Colleen’s presence was felt--and missed--all day long.
Bridgett, Colleen’s aunt, shared, “The best thing there was Colleen’s spirit and her vision come to reality!”
A truly fantastic time was had by all. Christine expressed her gratitude:
“We loved being a part of this camp! Colleen would think this was perfect! She was looking down on us all with a smile. Thank you all so very much for all you are doing to honor her. We truly appreciate it and cannot thank you enough. Having this be an annual event truly warms my heart, and we will be there every year!”
