saluting camp h-town
Young Houstonians battling cancer treated to luxe camp at Four Seasons Hotel
Courageous Houston kids who're battling cancer were treated to a hotel getaway at Camp H-Town, which recently kicked off its inaugural, five-day event. The experience, put on by Four Seasons Hotel, is meant to be the first-ever urban, hotel oncology camp in Houston. The children, along with their siblings, experienced a summer camp in a less conventional setting while exploring different facets of the city.
In partnership with The University of Texas MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital, Camp H-Town gave children and teenagers ages 8-14 a fun and safe camp environment at no cost to their families. The children were under constant supervision of volunteers along with medical staff from MD Anderson during their stay.
“Our goal with Camp H-Town was to provide these children with a worry-free environment where they could just enjoy themselves and have fun,” said Four Seasons Hotel Houston general manager Tom Segesta. “Camp H-Town gives the campers a chance to build relationships, make new friendships, explore our great city and just be kids.”
Segesta and his wife Robin started a similar urban oncology camp in Chicago. Upon moving to Houston, the couple ensured they would start a camp at Four Seasons that would positively impact more children and teenagers living with cancer.
To ensure the kids enjoyed a true camp experience, Four Seasons Hotel Houston converted an entire floor into a “campground,” with bunk beds and camping gear, in which the campers enjoyed activities both at the Hotel and surrounding attractions. Highlights from the activities included a welcome reception at George R. Brown Convention Center, a private tour at Minute Maid Park, a day at the Downtown Aquarium, and dinner and a dance party at the House of Blues.
Kids also enjoyed lunch at Jackson Street BBQ, an art project with local artist Angela Fabrri, poolside campfire and movie at the hotel, an adventure to the Houston Zoo, dinner at Ninfa’s on Navigation, a day swimming at Market Square Tower, a catered lunch by Pappasito’s, and more.
The hotel held a series of fundraising events leading up to the camp, raising a total of $30,000. Most recently, a group of local celebrity chefs including Chris Shepherd and Alex Padilla gathered on the pool deck to raise awareness and funds for the camp.
“The support of the community has been overwhelming,” Segesta noted. “Cancer is something that has touched everyone in one way or another, and with the help of the community we were able to make a difference in these kids’ lives. We are looking forward to making this wonderful impact with Camp H-Town for many years to come.”
Katie Dillon, David Foster, Katherine McPhee, and Lisa McCoy.
Photo by Jenny Antill; Courtesy of Texas Children’s Hospital