Camp Agape Northwest - Gig Harbor, Washington

It all began in Fresno, California at the Children's Hospital. Father John Bakus who was serving as a "lay priest" was also the fundraiser for the Hospital Foundation. He was a first-hand witness to the devastation this disease had not only to the ailing children, but also to their parents and siblings. Because he also helped the San Francisco Diocese aquire the Saint Nicholas Ranch near Dunlap, California which had dormitories, beautiful surroundings and a large heated swimming pool he asked if the property could be used for a "time out" for these families. The money had to come from somewhere and the Ladies Philoptochos Society stepped in and encouraged all their chapters to have fund raisers for "KIDS 'n' CANCER". The local Candlelighter's made all the arrangements for the first camp held in 1989. Everyone had a wonderful time and the children called their respite from the hospital and painful procedures "The Camp of Sunshine and Dreams".

In 1995 Portland, Oregon organized a Philoptochos "hands on" program at Camp Angelos on the Sandy River. It was a well organized camp that had great community involvement and they named it Camp Agape. It was very successful and Bishop Anthony proclaimed that all churches that had access to outdoor camping facilities and active Philoptochos Chapters should also consider doing something for children with cancer.

A meeting was called in Portland, Oregon and attended by Patty Chacopoulos, the Diocese Chairman for Kids'n'Cancer. Bishop Anthony had requested that Peggy Tramountanas attend this meeting with the intention of having a camp by 1997 at All Saints Center on Raft Island. The following were agreed upon: That all Kids 'n' Cancer Camps be renamed Camp Agape followed by location e.g. Camp Agape Fresno, Camp Agape Portland, Camp Agape Northwest (to include the Orthodox Churches in Seattle and Tacoma); the Diocese Bear presently used would continue to be the logo, and each camp would be unique and have its own fundraisers, but would also receive support from the Diocese as needed. The Portland Philoptochos members had prepared a "guide book" with helpful ideas.

At a second meeting in Portland with more Diocese representation, a mission statement was formed that stated: The mission of the Greek Orthodox of San Francisco Philoptochos Diocese is to provide a camping experience for all children afflicted with cancer, their families and necessary medical staff. Camp Agape is a family experience that fosters an opportunity for enjoyment and learning through activities that are enhancing and affirming. It is an opportunity to socialize and yet be independent; and an opportunity to develop self-esteem and self confidence in a safe and trusting environment.

Peggy Tramountanas then contacted the Priests of the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in Seattle and Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Tacoma and asked them to suggest a member of their Philoptochos willing to help initiate the camping program in the Northwest. Heleni Koeman from the Assumption and Marian Palas from Saint Nicholas Church became co-chairs of this wonderful project with Peggy Tramountanas who represented Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church. A cooperative effort of three sister churches of the Northwest is totally unique and very successful with chairman rotating every year: 1997 Peggy Trmountanas-Saint Demetrios, 1998 Heleni Koeman-Church of Assumption, 1999 Sally Hallis (replacing Marian Palas)-Saint Nicholas Church.

The camp is staffed with volunteers from all three churches which include cooks, medical team, counselors, crafts and waterfront activities. The Directors are Jeff and Debbie Greer from Missoula, Montana. They have over twenty years of adolescence camping experience, plus the painful experience of a child with cancer. Their son survived and they have dedicated themselves to promoting Camp Agape Northwest. They bring work crews and program facilitators with them from Montana each year.

In 1997 forty-eight campers hesitantly came to enjoy the fun and fellowship at Camp Agape Northwest. After a fun-filled week, they went back to the Children's Hospital and the Mary Bridge Hospital in Tacoma where they received their treatments and raved about the food, the skits and the "agape" they received at camp. In 1998 over one hundred campers came to enjoy the hospitality of Camp Agape Northwest and our reputation is still growing. Realizing our limits, we hope to host seventy-five to eighty campers in 1999. Campers and their families are welcome at the camp for two years. All new campers are recommended by social workers at the Children's Cancer Centers at the Hospitals.

Camp Agape Northwest is truly a unique camp that provides fun and relaxation for the child with cancer, their siblings and parents.