Teen Time

Hanging out in the Chicago Bulls Locker Room

Think back.  When is the last time you spent a week shooting lasers, hip hop dancing, learning secrets of intergalactic police forces, and checking out the inner-workings of a couple of pro sport jumbotrons? Well, for most of us, it has been a while. For the lucky 16 who attended Gilda's Club Chicago Teen Camp, that was just the tip of the iceberg.  

For the very first time, we spent five whole days together having fun, learning new talents, and making friends.  With a full week of activities, teens learned basic pottery skills, healthy snack recipes, and teamwork in producing their own rap videos.  We also got out and enjoyed some laser tag, bowling, arcade time, and even caught the hot summer blockbuster, The Green Lantern.  Noogieland Coordinator, and Teen Camp leader, Jamie Mazer-Wiener reinforced the importance of having a program like this for young people, “Camp just isn’t a priority when cancer is in the family.”  It’s a very honest reminder of why we continue to offer these programs to our members. 

The week culminated in a special treat sponsored by the Chicago Bulls’ Wives on Friday morning.  On the final day of Camp, we took a tour of the United Center and U.S. Cellular Field.  We got special VIP access to both venues including a behind-the-scenes look at the Bulls’ locker room, the press conference area, and executive offices where big time basketball deals go down.  We also went out onto the field and sat in the dugout to see the firsthand how the White Sox watch each game.  There was even a special photo shoot with the World Series trophy and a few of the Championship rings from the big 2005 win. 

Spending time in the White Sox dugout

It was an incredible delight for the whole group.  Having the five day camp instead of two days, as it had been in past years, gave all of them the chance to really form friendships and bond through their experiences with cancer in their own lives.  By the end of the week, they were all exchanging cell phone numbers and friending each other on Facebook.  
 
A BIG thanks goes out to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP for providing all of our volunteers for each activity during the week.  To learn more about Gilda’s Teen programs or for Noogieland info, please contact the Clubhouse or visit us online.