The John Wayne Cancer Foundation has announced a $60,000 grant to the Newport Aquatic Center to support the We Are Ocean camp. The five-day ocean adventure camp is designed for 24 young adult cancer fighters, including individuals currently in active treatment as well as those in remission.
The program is scheduled to take place from Aug. 24-28 at Emerald Bay on Catalina Island. The location sits in the same waters used by the Wayne family for decades during trips aboard their vessel, The Wild Goose. The geographic connection dates back to the 1920s, and it was reinforced in 1971 when the family vessel served as the escort for the Catalina Crossing outrigger canoe race.
Camp participants will engage in various ocean activities throughout the five-day session. The itinerary includes paddling outrigger canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards. Campers will also participate in swimming, snorkeling, sailing, hiking, and ocean education.
The camp staff includes Olympic and world-class rowers and athletes who assist the participants during the activities. The initiative builds on existing ties between the Newport Aquatic Center, the local outrigger paddling community, and the foundation.
The grant honors the legacy of We Are Ocean founder and Newport Beach native Jack Marshall Shimko, who previously raised funds for the foundation through a paddle event in 2011. Organizers noted that Shimko credited outdoor engagement and oceanic adventures with supporting his own health during his personal experience with Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Ethan Wayne stated that the foundation is gratified to provide the donation in memory of their friend. He noted that Shimko was a strong believer in using outdoor engagement to support individuals undergoing treatment for cancer.
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