Camp Ta Kum Ta Needs New Home, by Darren Perron, WCAX, June 2, 2008

Camp Ta-Kum-Ta Needs New Home

By Darren Perron
WCAX
June 2, 2008

http://www.wcax.com/Global/story.asp?S=8414417&nav=4QcS

[with video]

Camp Ta-Kum-Ta is located on the shores of Lake Champlain in Colchester. It operates on nearly 30-acres of prime real estate, which is owned by the Catholic Diocese. But now the Church may have to sell it.

The church says it must terminate a lease with Camp Ta-Kum-Ta because it's looking at properties that can be sold to pay for lawsuits against the church. This is one of them.

High flying trapeze acts, good ol' fashioned water fights, and variety shows, where kids are the stars.

Just a taste of Camp-Ta-Kum-Ta.

"It's just the best place on Earth," said Linell Pierce, whose daughter attends the camp.

A place — for kids with cancer.

"The want what every kid wants, to run around and go swimming at the beach," Linell said.

For 23 years, Camp Ta-Kum-Ta has operated on this property in Colchester. The property is owned by the Roman Catholic Diocese. It's the old Camp Holy Cross. But now Camp Ta-Kum-Ta is looking for a new home.

The church opted out of its lease and may sell the land, which some real estate experts say could fetch millions.

"When the kids hear about it, they'll be devastated. That's their special place out there," said Camp Ta-Kum-Ta Director Ted Kessler.

But the Diocese says it may be forced to unload the property to help pay lawsuits over the priest sex abuse scandals, including a recent award of nearly $9-million.

"There's been two times I have had to give sad news to my son and this is going to be a tough one. I know what it means to him," said Margaret Ford. Her son attends the camp.

Parents of current and former campers say Ta-Kum-Ta lets kids forget about their sickness, even if, for just a short while.

It offered him, for lack of a better word, hope," said Cindy Burton.

Burton's son, Theo, loved camp and went two years in a row before losing his battle with cancer.

"When I go to camp, I can feel Theo's presence and now that will not be there," she said.

But camp organizers are determined to find another spot where, for one week each year, kids with cancer — can just be kids.

"Until there's a cure for cancer, they'll be a camp here in Vermont. That's a definite," said Kessler.

Camp Ta-Kum-Ta will be in session at Camp Holy Cross this August. But organizers are already busy looking for a new home for next year.

The site must be within an hour's drive from Fletcher Allen Health Care and the organization wants a long-term lease or land to buy.

The Bishop plans to have the Camp Holy Cross property appraised soon.