Camp Jinka Uses Art to Heal

Young artists will be showcasing their work at the Middletown Arts Center this evening from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

The artwork on display has a special story behind it.

The artists are a part of Camp Jinka, a free summer day camp for children who have been affected by brain tumor. The participants, aged between 5-18 are either brain tumor survivors or have been affected by the diagnosis of a family member.

“We do all kinds of projects,” said Jessie Chism, director of Camp Jinka. “We made juggling balls, we had a dance class, a karate class, an “uncooking” class, photography classes and art workshops.”

For the teens, the camp also organizes a sleepover camp. This year, the teens got to visit Gettysburg, Pa. where they attended a photography workshop and went on a ghost tour. The intention of the trip was to help these children foster bonds and friendship.

The list goes on and on but there is a very intentional objective behind all of these activities, especially the artwork. According to Chism, the artwork gives children the opportunity to express their journey and struggles with brain tumor.

“More than anything, it’s a place of respite for these kids,” said Chism. “You know if dad’s at home and he’s very sick and mom can’t pay attention to them, they have an outlet. They get a lot of one-on-one attention here because of our great counselor program.”

The camp is organized in collaboration between The David S. Zocchi Brain Tumor Center, The Jinka Foundation and the Middletown Arts Center and Poricy Park.

The camp has various other initiatives that help foster a community and a strong support system for the children. At the camp kids either have a picnic style lunch or a lunch in the kitchen. The kitchen lunch is set up like a family style potluck where the children and the staff have an opportunity to get to know each other well and make connections.

The camp’s dedication to family is visible in every part of its functioning.

“One of the really awesome things about Camp Jinka is that often times children whose parents have had a brain tumor are not able to drive,” said Chism. “In these cases, Camp Jinka picks up these children for free and we have kids that live an hour and a half away in all directions”

At Camp Jinka, the children never have to feel like no one understands what they are going through. Chism said that looking at each other’s artwork, the children know that they are not alone.

“If the kids can’t use words to express themselves, they use art,” said Chism. “It’s a healing process but it’s not therapy.”

Photo courtesy of Camp Jinka