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Stacy D. Stumbo - The Roseburg News-Review September 1, 2002KELLOGG — A role-playing game at Camp Kellogg for Kids this week was meant to build self-esteem and empower Douglas County children who've lost the ability to trust.
A counselor started the activity by telling the 22 campers between ages 7 and 11 a story: A swallow and a hummingbird are thrown out of their nest by a circling wind. Too young to fly and with nowhere to go, they had only one choice — to rely on each other.
Fun time Elyshia Egan, 11, holds her nose after being tossed by camp counselor Barry Foote at Camp Kellogg. Photo by ANDY BRONSON
They hatched a scheme to challenge the wind: they touched wings and circled around and around the wind until it abated and they could return to their home.
Once the story was finished, another camp counselor pretended to be the wind. The children held hands and ran in circles around him until he fell to the ground and gave them a necklace that symbolized his power.
Robbie Wolke, camp co-director, said the wind is a metaphor for fear. The lesson is that united with friends, even the most terrifying situations can be overcome. The message becomes even more significant when considering that all the campers have either been victims of neglect, physical or sexual abuse.
Department of Human Services Delivery Area No. 6 sponsored the sixth annual event, which was held at Kellogg Springs Campground roughly 10 miles east of Elkton.
Wolke said the camp was first held in 1993, under the premise that taking the in-office treatment group into a carefree and playful environment could benefit children who hadn't known a lot of joy during their short lives.
"We wanted it to be the kind of place where some healing could occur," she said.
The focus of this year's three-night and four-day camp was to create and maintain friendships. Since the camp idea was conceived by Child Welfare Program staff, it has provided children the chance to experience nature and meet children with similar backgrounds.
"We want this to be a positive experience for them," she said. "We want them to have fun without any worries."
Jazymyn Duncan, 9, of Myrtle Creek was a little apprehensive about going to camp at first. But within hours she'd let her guard down and was having fun.
"I met new friends, made people happy and people have me happy, too," she said. "I can't even tell time up here because I'm too busy having fun."
Duncan has already learned about conflict resolution. Staying in a cabin with three other girls has provided ample opportunity to test new techniques. She's also learned empathy, and lamented the way some of the other campers made fun of one of her friends.
"I've learned to be strong and honest," she said.
Steve Darling, child welfare program manager for the Department of Human Services, said although there are other recreational programs for children receiving services from child welfare, none besides Camp Kellogg is entirely staffed by case workers and counselors from their home office.
"It's very unique in this state," he said. "They love it when their case workers come up here. These are contract providers and former employees who are familiar with these kids and know how to relate to them. They're pretty special people."
Darling said the Department of Human Services decided to reduce the age of camp participants in order to increase safety. Some of the children exhibit violent behavior, and with older children potential sexual activity was a concern.
"We just want them to be able to respond (to the camp) in the most positive way," he said. "We want kids who will get the most out of the experience to come and feel safe up here. That's part of why we have lots of staff here around the clock. We have therapists and at least one or two nurses. When they go home, we hope that they've enjoyed themselves, feel better about themselves and are more trusting of adults and other children."
Drug and alcohol abuse prevention, behavior problems at school and stopping the cycle of violent behavior were topics addressed at the camp.
The free program is not state-subsidized, Darling said. The event was funded by the Camp Tyee Foundation, the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians and state Sen. Bill Fisher.
Craft supplies, counselors, storytellers, activities and snacks were supplied by local businesses and agencies. Valley View Counseling and Douglas County Mental Health provided on-site services.
