What is Camp Quality Northwest Missouri


History

Camp Quality NWMO is a non-profit, all volunteer organization, affiliated with Camp Quality USA, Inc. Kay Jensen of Barnard, Missouri, brought the idea of a camp of this nature back from Australia to the United States. Kay, along with many volunteers and monetary donors, started the first Camp Quality in the United States in 1986. Held annually in June at Camp Farwesta near Stewartsville, Missouri, Camp Quality NWMO has grown from 43 campers in 1986 to 104 campers in 2005, proving a need truly exists.

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Goals

To give the children a week of new experiences and friendships, and to give their families a break from the routine of taking care of a sick child. The goals and aims of Camp Quality NWMO are to allow children with cancer to be children again; to create a stress-free environment that offers exciting activities, fosters new friendships and helps give children courage, motivation and emotional strength; and to give children hope for the future in that the camping experience will be such fun they will look forward to and anticipate their next camp; and that the memories from their special week will sustain them in the weeks and months ahead as they continue their medical treatment.

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FAQ

Does it cost parents anything for a child to go to camp?
No, Camp Quality funds the entire expense of camp and the year-round support program.

Who can attend Camp Quality?
Any child who has been diagnosed with cancer (any stage of treatment or remission) can attend. Campers must be 6 to 16 years of age.

Does Camp Quality receive any government funds?
No, community groups, small and large businesses, private foundations and individual donors fund Camp Quality.

Are there background checks of all camp staff?
Yes, a background check is conducted for all staff including camp directors, companions, and volunteers. The background check is accompanied with personal reference checks, face-to-face interviews and training before the start of camp.

Will the privacy of a child and his/her family be protected at Camp Quality?
Yes, Camp Quality considers privacy of the family to be of utmost importance. We never publish or give out a camper’s last name in order to ensure privacy.

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Typical Day

A typical day at camp starts around 8 a.m. with breakfast followed by morning activities consisting of horseback riding, swimming, archery, fishing, hair dressing, crafts, canoeing and paddle boating . Lunch starts around 11:30 a.m. and continues until nearly 350 people are fed. Afternoon activities include swimming, water games and inflatable games. Invited guests come by to entertain the children with puppets, storytelling, petting zoo, magic shows, music and so much more. Evening entertainment consists of the ever-popular dance, a talent show, scuba diving, hypnotist, campfire and fireworks.

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CQ Family

Camp Quality NWMO holds an annual reunion in which campers receive memory-mate photos, camp logs and video tapes. This gives the camper an opportunity to share the "Camp Quality Family" with their individual families. Camp Quality is not just a five-day experience, but includes a year-round support system. Unfortunately, some children do not get to come back. So it is very important to make camp a happy experience they will never forget. We look forward to the day that Camp Quality will no longer need to exist, but until a cure for cancer is found, Camp Quality Northwest Missouri will continue to raise money for their annual camp.

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