Have you ever seen a Hazelnut sing and dance? How about conquer a ropes course? Well, you would have seen Hazelnuts of all shapes and sizes cracking up and having a good time if you were lucky enough to attend Camp Hazelnut, the pet project of alt-rock band Sister Hazel!
Camp Hazelnut held its second annual gathering at Camp Crystal Lake in North Florida, in late October. The camp was developed as a fun escape from the real world for children and families experiencing the upheaval and uncertainties of cancer.
The five man band from Florida, named after Sister Hazel Williams, a local woman who ran a homeless shelter, developed the camp in order to make 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.”
Archery, songwriting, arts and crafts, and singalongs were just some of the entertainments that lucky campers participated in.
Camp Hazelnut is one of several charities within the band’s “Lyric’s for Life Foundation,” a nonprofit organization founded in memory of Jeffrey Block, the late brother of band leader Ken Block.
Our 2nd Annual Camp Hazelnut was over the top this weekend!” said Ken. “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.”
Sister Hazel has made music together for over 20 years. Their 1997 debut album, “…Somewhere More Familiar,” achieved platinum status and their 2000 follow up, “Fortress,” was certified gold.
To learn more about the band and their philanthropic activities, you can visit their website and follow them on Twitter and Facebook.
Written by Tanya Clark
