Camp Provides Uplifting Experience for Youth and Families Navigating the Overwhelming Challenges of Cancer Diagnosis
Platinum-selling group, Sister Hazel, hosted the 2nd Annual “Camp Hazelnut” at Camp Crystal Lake outside Gainesville, FL October 21 – 23, 2016. Camp Hazelnut began with a simple goal: for the band to create a playful, safe, uplifting event for children and families navigating the overwhelming challenges of a cancer diagnosis and to get together with their fans (the Hazelnuts) to share a unique summer camp experience. This year, with triple the available spots for youth and families, forever friendships were made. The band members and camp counselors led activities including archery, water sports, arts and crafts, alpine tower ropes course, songwriting sessions, singalongs, and s’mores at the campfire. Sister Hazel partnered with Wyc Grousbeck, co-owner of the Boston Celtics, to make the event even more special. Grousbeck will once again sponsor Camp Hazelnut in 2017.
“Our 2nd Annual Camp Hazelnut was over the top this weekend!” said Ken Block, Sister Hazel’s lead singer. “It’s hard to put into words what an amazing event this is. Hosting so many incredible kids and their families who are dealing with cancer is hugely inspirational. It was a great escape from the real world, and we all recharged and reconnected with extraordinary families, awesome Hazelnuts, incredible camp counselors, and unforgettable activities at Camp Crystal Lake in beautiful North Florida. This means an awful lot to me personally, having lost my own little brother to cancer when we were teenagers. We already can’t wait until next year!”
“Camp Hazelnut” is part of Sister Hazel’s “Lyrics for Life Foundation” (www.lyricsforlife.org), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to make a difference in the fight against pediatric cancer. Sister Hazel frontman, Ken Block, and his band mates founded “Lyrics for Life” in memory of Ken’s younger brother, Jeffrey, who ultimately lost his four-year battle with cancer that started at age 14.
For more information on Sister Hazel or for details about sponsorship opportunities visit http://www.sisterhazel.com and http://www.lyricsforlife.org/camp-hazelnut. Follow Sister Hazel @SisterHazelBand, Instagram, and Facebook.
ABOUT SISTER HAZEL:
Originating from Gainesville, FL, Sister Hazel is comprised of five gifted, seasoned musicians whose well-spring of natural talent has been called “one of the Top 100 Most Influential Independent Performers of the last 15 years” by Performing Songwriter Magazine. Song “All for You” topped the adult alternative charts during the summer of 1997 and the success propelled their album to platinum status. Sister Hazel has been equally attentive to connecting with their audience through social media. In their first showing on the country music charts they made a strong debut with “Lighter In The Dark” at #4 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart, #6 on Billboard’s Independent Albums chart, #30 on Billboard’s Top Current Albums chart and #79 on the Billboard 200 album chart. Living up to their fan-centered reputation, the band hosts annual events like “Hazelnut Hang,” that focuses on fan involvement, and are co-founders of the “Rockboat,” a cruise featuring nonstop opportunities for fan/artist interaction. In addition to the events and touring, the band also gives back with “Lyrics for Life.” Founded by singer Ken Block, the charity unites musicians and celebrities for concerts and auctions to benefit cancer research and patient-care charities.