Region 1 – Monica Ploof

Camp Ta-Kum-Ta

Monica Ploof has served as a volunteer for Camp Ta-Kum-Ta for over 6 years. During this time she has served as a member of our Board of Directors and is currently Camp Ta-Kum-Ta’s Medical Director. Monica is a full-time Pediatric Oncology Nurse Practitioner at the Vermont’s Children Hospital at Fletcher Allen Health Care in Burlington, VT.

Since the very first time Monica’s presence entered through the gates of Camp Ta-Kum-Ta her smile, her hard work and her love for the children has always been apparent. Monica creates this bridge from the hospital to Camp Ta-Kum-Ta for these kids. Monica’s personality and ability to allow these children to forget their worries and enjoy the little things in life is what makes her so deserving of Region 1’s Camp Spirit Award.

Region 2 – Marilyn Scalf

Camp Sunrise

Marilyn started out as a camper and then rose through the ranks as counselor, director and finally camp director, all of which have been voluntary. She is dedicated to camp and puts in countless hours to make sure it is a smashing success each year. She's is committed to the ideals of COCA-I, and always shares what she has learned at conference with her fellow volunteers. She is funny, enthusiastic and an amazing person who exudes Camp Spirit.

Region 3 – Greg Wells

Indian Summer Camp

Greg is the “Activities Director” and works tirelessly year round as a volunteer to plan and coordinate fun and engaging activities that become very special memories to our campers. Throughout his 18 years of service, Greg has truly embodied the spirit of camp each and every day from wearing camp shirts to work to planning giant life size checkers games. Greg has become a wonderful role model and someone the other staff look to emulate. His sense of humor, attitude, and leadership skills are invaluable during camp staff training and throughout the camp week. He works incredibly hard to make sure camp is an amazing experience for every camper and volunteer. Greg embodies camp in so many ways. It's hard to put into words how important he is to Kids Cancer Alliance and Indian Summer Camp. Camp would not be the same without him.

Region 4 – Richard Brown

Camp Smile-A-Mile

Richard Brown has been involved as a volunteer with Camp SAM for 24 of the 29 years of the camps existence! Many say he is a 'fixture' at Camp SAM! Richard first volunteered with Camp SAM when he was a college student. From there, his love of nursing grew and several years into his career, he decided his passion for kids with cancer was an area he wanted to devote his career to.
From an RN degree, Richard quickly accomplished becoming a hem/onc nurse practitioner. Richard’s devotion to his patients in the hospital as well in the camp setting was obvious as years later; he pursued a degree in law to become a stronger advocate for children with cancer.
Camp SAM would definitely not be what it is without Richard's love, passion and service to children with cancer in Alabama! However, Richard would quickly tell you that "he wouldn't be who he is today if it weren't for his rich experiences with Camp Smile-A-Mile and oncology camping."

Region 5 – Joey Cavazos

Camp Discovery

Joey loves to tell people that, when Camp Discovery was getting started in 1984, he was "volun-told" to serve as Director. Thirty years later he is still serving in that role. There is no part of Camp Discovery's success that Joey has not directly had a hand in. He is known as a fun-loving, yet no-nonsense leader among his all-volunteer staff; He sets high expectations and helps his volunteers and campers achieve them. He leads by example and believes fully in the concept of a servant leader, and exemplifies that servanthood in all he does. Joey's tireless dedication to Camp Discovery and the children and families it serves makes him beyond worthy of receiving Region 5’s Camp Spirit Award.

Region 6 – Kristi Rico

Camp Okizu

Over the past seven years, Kristi has volunteered in a variety of roles including the Fishing Director, the Archery Director, and as a Unit Leader As the Unit Leader, Kristi is charged with everything from planning and facilitating special events and activities to working with campers who are having behavior issues. Kristi is a hands-on Unit Leader. She spends as much time with each cabin group as she possibly can and she knows how to have fun. She can tell you a cute story about each of her campers because she works so hard to get to know them and because they trust her, look up to her, and absolutely adore her. Kristi’s hands-on approach is incredibly effective when guiding the counselors she supervises. She exemplifies Okizu’s mission. She says “yes” as often as possible. She teaches by example and shows her fellow staff members how to love even the most challenging campers. She helps counselors to work together more effectively and works with new and inexperienced staff to improve their counseling skills. Kristi is most deserving of Region 6’s Camp Spirit Award!

Region 7 – Faye Sledge

Camp Magical Moments

Faye has been an active volunteer from camp from day one - 10 years now and counting. She volunteers her time at not only our oncology camp in June, but also at the Mom's Retreat AND SIB's Weekend. She always has a smile on her face and embodies all that is Camp Magical Moments! Many young volunteers look to Faye as a great mentor and role model. Faye gives 150% of here time and energy to camp - outlasting some of the younger volunteers during the long week of our oncology camp. Planning new activities and themes each year for the oncology camp are her areas of expertise. Camp Magical Moments is fortunate to have such a dedicated and active volunteer who

Region 9 – Jeff Rushton

Camp Trillium

Jeff Rushton describes himself as a passionate founder of Coast to Coast Against cancer – a successful cycling charity raising funds for Camps Trillium, Oochigeas, Quality and Kids Cancer Care Alberta. Tour for Kids has established a reputation for attracting hundreds of passionate and enthusiastic cyclists. It is four days of spectacular riding, warm friendships and countless carefree laughs all in support of camps that bring similar joys to children with cancer. So dedicated to the cause, Jeff accepted board of directors positions with both Camp Quality and Camp Trillium. He gives so much of his personal time, money and contacts to ensure that children living with cancer have everything they need to live life to the fullest. Jeff Rushton is the spirit of not only childhood cancer camping but all programs for children living with cancer in Canada.