Sandy Powers knew exactly where she and her husband, John, would be spending the first week of July.
It's the same place the couple have spent the past 26 years. The pair were two of the 210 volunteers who helped out with Camp Happy Days, Powers as a counselor and her husband as a team-building instructor.
"This is my husband's 29th year," said Powers. "He introduced me to it. I love coming each year. My favorite thing is seeing my former campers who have come back as volunteers themselves. I have one that is here now who is 29, and I was her counselor when she was 13 and 14. I love seeing them come and give back."
Camp Happy Days has, for more than three decades, given back to those children ages 4-16 who are dealing with various forms of cancer, along with their siblings.
Chris Carlisle, 15, is in his fifth year at the camp. Barely old enough to drive, Carlisle has already dealt with two brain tumors on his optic nerve.
"I've been in remission for six years now," he said. "When I found out, it was right after Christmas. It was sad. It's the worst time to find something out like that."
Carlisle underwent chemotherapy to shrink the tumors. He started coming to the camp to get away from a life of doctors, hospitals and nurses - although medical staff is on-hand at the camp at all times. Treatment for those needing it is also provided.
"I have two siblings who came with me; one is 16, the other is 13," said Carlisle, who lives in Moncks Corner. "My favorite part is tubing. It's fun to go off the tube. I like to come back each year to see all my friends."
Carlisle was one of 258 campers to make their way to Summerton's Camp Bob Cooper this week for the annual camp.
"The whole purpose of this camp is making sure children who have gone through crazy battles and whose siblings have gone through crazy battles can have a week where they don't have to think about it," said Director Meghan Carrington. "They are all normal to each other here."
Each camp has a theme, and this year's was no different. "Galaxy of Heroes" provided mini-themes throughout the week, said Programs Director Ashley Regan.
"Every day is a different theme surrounding heroes and legends," she said. "We had medieval times the first day. So, we had jousting. Tuesday was all-American heroes for July 4. The firefighters and police came out. Wednesday was 'You are marvelous,' and we talked about how to be a superhero in every day life."
Thursday provided examples of everyday heroes, such as doctors, nurses and soldiers. Thursday night also included the prom, where the children were escorted by limousine to a location decorated to match the week's theme.
"Friday is 'Let's be legendary,' teaching kids how to leave their own marks on the world," Regan said.
As children danced at Thursday's prom, Aja and Brian Modansky and Mary Alice Eadie were busy in the "Kickin' Kitchen" making party favors for the kids.
Eadie began attending the camp as a volunteer 12 years ago after her father was asked the prior year to help with boating.
"He kept talking about it that year and I visited one day and decided I had to come back," she said. "Once I came, I was hooked. I love everything about it. I so admire these kids. I admire their strength and seeing them dealing with something most adults would have trouble dealing with. They deal with something that is so tough with such positivity and courage."
Aja Modansky, a teacher who works with Eadie in the Charleston area, said she enjoys seeing the children have a good time.
"They want for nothing when they're here, and I think that's great," she said.
Brian Modansky agreed.
"'No' isn't a word you hear at camp," he said.
