For siblings Jadon and Kalina Fry, camp became more than a place to make friends, try new things, and have fun. It became a community where they felt they belonged—and a place that helped shape what they wanted to do with their futures.

Today, both are pursuing paths inspired by their camp experiences at Camp Korey, our SeriousFun camp in Washington. And both hope to give other campers the same sense of belonging they found.

Finding a Place to Belong

Jadon and Kalina live with diastrophic dysplasia, a type of skeletal dysplasia that affects bone and cartilage development.

From early childhood through their years at camp both siblings had tracheostomies and needed a trained person, usually a nurse or their parents, with them at all times. Outside of camp, they had few chances to meet other children and families who shared similar experiences.

Finding a place where they could take part in activities, make friends, and simply be themselves wasn’t always easy. At Camp Korey, that changed.

A Place Designed for Every Child

At Camp Korey, Jadon and Kalina found trained medical support, accessible activities, and a community that welcomed them as they were. In the siblings’ own words, “inclusion comes naturally and without any questions.”

With the right support in place, they could try new things, build independence, and enjoy time with friends. Their family found a community of children and parents navigating similar experiences.

“Camp Korey and SeriousFun do a great job at making sure camp fits its campers,” the siblings say.

And as Jadon and Kalina grew, so did their ideas about what they wanted to do next.

From Camper to Camp Leader

For Jadon, camp sparked a dream that began in elementary school: to one day work at Camp Korey or another SeriousFun camp. That dream helped shape his path. He studied business in college and is now pursuing a master’s degree in nonprofit leadership.

And he’s already giving back to the place that inspired him.

After high school, Jadon interned at Camp Korey. Over the past five years, he has volunteered regularly, worked at camp for a summer, and taken on the role of volunteer camp store manager.

His goal is still to work full time at a SeriousFun camp, helping create the kinds of experiences that meant so much to him growing up.

Discovering a Creative Future

For Kalina, some of her favorite camp memories happened during arts and crafts.

Year after year, she found joy in creating projects and exploring her artistic side. That interest grew beyond camp. She took art and design classes in high school and is now studying graphic design.

Like her brother, Kalina hopes to bring her talents back to the SeriousFun community. After aging out of camp last year, she began volunteering at Camp Korey events. She also makes cards and warm fuzzies for campers, sharing her creativity with the community that has meant so much to her.

How Camp Changed Everything for the Fry Siblings

For Jadon and Kalina, camp didn’t just offer a chance to try new activities. It gave them room to grow, explore their interests, build confidence, and imagine their futures.

Today, their paths may look different, but both share a goal: to give other campers the same sense of belonging and possibility they found at Camp Korey.

At camp, Jadon and Kalina didn’t have to change to fit the environment. The environment was designed to include them. And with that support, they found friendships, independence, and inspiration that continues to shape their lives.

For the Fry siblings—and thousands of children around the world—camp changes everything.