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Special Campers Sought

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By ELIZABETH LEE BROWN, The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 7, 2007

CARROLLWOOD - An annual three-day retreat that shares holiday magic with children struggling with cancer is looking for campers.

Organizers of the sixth annual Santa's Workshop Weekend say 80 slots are open for the camp scheduled for Nov. 30 to Dec. 2 at Rotary's Camp Florida in Brandon.

The free camp is open to toddlers and school-aged children with cancer, sickle cell, hemophilia and their brothers and sisters.

The camp, sponsored by the Tampa Carrollwood Rotary Club, is hosted by Faces of Courage Foundation, a nonprofit group that organizes outings and events for people affected by cancer.
Peggie Sherry, founder of Faces of Courage, said they are limiting the workshop to children between ages 3 and 12 this year. Teens, who have participated the past five years, will have a separate camp in May.

"We just got too big, so we decided it would be more magical for the kids with Santa," Sherry said.
Cancer patients can be newly diagnosed, under treatment or survivors dealing with post-treatment side-effects of chemotherapy and radiation.

"They may have hair, but it doesn't mean they're not dealing with the long-term side-effects," Sherry said.

Campers can expect a busy weekend that includes a parade, a visit with Santa and the opportunity to buy Christmas or Hanukkah presents for their family.

The retreat kicks off Friday night with a campfire, singalong and a dessert party. On Saturday, children can do arts and crafts, fish or go canoeing. A Santa's shop allows youngsters to pick out presents for their family, and elves will wrap up the gifts.

"These kids don't get to the mall because their immune systems are diminished," Sherry said.

Children also will ride on the Krewe of Venus float in the holiday parade in Ybor City. The weekend ends with a memorial butterfly release to remember the past campers who have died.

To register for the camp, call the Faces of Courage Foundation at (813) 877-2267.

Reporter Elizabeth Lee Brown can be reached at (813) 865-1502 or ebrown@tampatrib.com.

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