Florida Fun Fest 2025: A Trip Full of Magic, Memories, and Meaning
Jan. 30th, 2025 1:41 pm
The start of a new year always brings a sense of renewal and excitement, and for a special group of Camp Good Days campers, it meant something even more—the chance to experience Florida Fun Fest. This trip has become a beloved tradition, one that gives our campers the opportunity to step away from their daily challenges and into a world where they can simply be kids, free to laugh, explore, and create lifelong memories with other children who understand what they're going through.
This incredible tradition would not exist without the generosity and vision of Wayne Meisenzahl. Wayne was a longtime leader in the Rochester community and a great supporter of Camp Good Days. After completing his own treatment for cancer, he and his wife took a trip to Disney World to celebrate. While there, he saw firsthand the magic that place could bring to children, especially those who had been dealt unfair challenges. He called me while I was down at our Recreational Camping Facility on Keuka Lake and told me he wanted to work with Camp Good Days to send children with cancer to Disney. When I asked how many, expecting to hear one or two, he responded without hesitation—25 to 30 kids. I was astonished by his generosity and commitment to our campers, and we worked together to make his dream a reality. Soon enough, we were in Orlando, showing our campers the magic of Disney World.
Wayne passed away in 2023, but his legacy lives on. To this day, we continue this special trip for our campers, and we just returned from the most recent one. Watching the kids explore Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, you could see the magic unfolding in real time. Some raced straight for the biggest roller coasters, daring each other to take on the wildest rides. Others stood in awe at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, wand in hand, as if they had stepped straight into the stories they love. Then there were the moments in between—the laughter shared in line, the high-fives after conquering a ride, the way they cheered each other on without hesitation.
Halfway through the trip, we spent the day at Disney Springs, taking in the breathtaking Cirque du Soleil show. You could see the campers' faces light up as the performers flipped through the air, seemingly defying gravity. It was a moment of pure wonder, a reminder that sometimes the most incredible experiences are the ones that leave you speechless.
Of course, no trip to Florida would be complete without Magic Kingdom. There's something about walking down Main Street and seeing Cinderella's Castle in the distance that brings out the kid in everyone. The campers packed as much fun into the day as possible—laughing, exploring, and soaking in the magic of it all. As the sun set and the Happily Ever After Fireworks Show lit up the sky, they stood shoulder to shoulder with their friends, taking in a moment they would never forget.
It's easy to look at this trip and just see it as a fun getaway, but it's so much more than that. These kids face challenges that no child should ever have to go through. Yet, when they're here—when they're laughing, playing, and being embraced by a community that truly understands them—those challenges fade into the background, and for a little while, they feel normal and free.
As we made our way back home, the conversations quickly turned to how much fun they had and how they didn't want to leave. That's how much this trip means to them—it's not just a memory; it's something they hold onto and brings them so much joy. It's yet another reminder of why I started Camp Good Days in the first place. It brings me back to those early days when I just wanted to give Teddi and kids like her a chance to experience joy amid something so difficult. All these years later, seeing our campers laugh, form friendships, and create memories that they will carry with them forever reminds me why Camp Good Days is such a huge part of my life. This is my purpose, my passion, and my promise to Teddi. Her legacy lives on in every camper who experiences these special moments, in every volunteer who gives their time, and in every supporter who believes in what we do.
Florida Fun Fest would not be possible without our volunteers, staff, and generous supporters. We especially want to highlight the incredible students behind Teddi Dance for Love, who work tirelessly to raise funds each year to help us make this trip a reality. Their dedication and commitment to our campers is inspiring, and their impact is immeasurable. The 43rd Annual Teddi Dance for Love is happening next weekend, from 8:00 PM on Friday, February 7th, to 8:00 PM on Saturday, February 8th, at St. John Fisher University. There's still time to support their fundraising efforts and help them reach their goal—visit www.teddi.sjf.edu to donate and learn more.
Year after year, these students pour their hearts into this event, and their dedication is a true reflection of what Camp Good Days is all about—giving kids a chance to experience joy, friendship, and moments that stay with them forever. It's because of supporters like them and so many others that we can continue creating life-changing experiences for our campers.
This trip was just the beginning of what promises to be another year filled with good days and special times! Wishing you all a 2025 filled with good health, peace, happiness, and much, much love!