Derek's Camp Flip Flop - June, 2018

What is Derek’s Camp Flip Flop?
Started in June of 2010, the Angel 34 Foundation supports the love the late Derek Graffis had for children battling cancer and the shore and combining them together to provide “Derek’s Camp Flip Flop”, a two-session, two-week camp providing much needed downtime for the entire family.

Each camp session takes place for four days / three nights in Wildwood Crest, NJ.   The children battling cancer and their families attend the camp at no cost and are given opportunities to experience the Wildwoods many attractions (Water Park, Morey’s Pier Ride Day, Beach Treasure Hunt, PoolSide BBQ, Breakfast and Dinners at the Best Restaurants, Pool games, Beach Activities, Miniature Golf, Movie Night by the Pool, and more).

Why Derek’s Camp Flip Flop: 
Derek’s Camp Flip Flop allows kids facing a variety of limitations, because of their disease, to be kids.  During their battle we forget that they just want to be kids and want to be treated like kids that don’t have cancer with opportunities to RUN, PLAY, SWIM and ENJOY BEING WITH OTHER KIDS.

Derek’s Camp Flip Flop provides both support and opportunities so the child/family are in control of their experience.  By choosing activities in which they wish to participate, they are able to gain a sense of normalcy in their lives.

Derek’s Camp Flip Flop is a respite assurance for all the campers involved.  While at the camp the children can gain independence from the parents, meet friends, develop new skills and discover new and old interests in a safe environment.  It also allows the parents to relax, gain support from other parents and spend quality time with their children in a fun environment.

Derek’s Camp Flip Flop creates a bond between siblings, friends and families that carries over, long after the last day of camp.  Through the camp experience, everyone is able to discover they are not alone, are able to have their feelings validated and discover there is HOPE.  

Thank you to the Bel Air Motel, The Sand Jamm, Morey’s Piers and the Morey Family, Green’s Bike Rental, Cone Crazy and Surfside West Diner for their support for Derek’s Camp Flip Flop.