At Athletic Club Boise, the Community Impact STAR — Service, Teamwork, Accountability, and Responsibility — is symbolized by a single purple chair inside our stadium.
The chair reflects both the eye of the falcon in our crest and the Idaho star garnet. More importantly, it represents the people and organizations who strengthen our community in lasting ways, those who show up for others, create opportunity, and help shape a stronger future for Idaho.
During our home match on August 1 vs Corpus Christi FC, Athletic Club Boise will recognize Dr. Nathan Meeker, board member and volunteer at Camp Rainbow Gold, as our latest Community Impact STAR honoree.
HEALING BEYOND THE HOSPITAL
As a pediatric oncologist, Dr. Nathan Meeker has spent his career caring for children facing cancer.
And, for more than 16 years, he’s volunteered as a physician at Camp Rainbow Gold, where many of the same patients he treats in the hospital are given something medicine alone cannot provide: the chance to simply be kids.
For Meeker, getting involved with Camp Rainbow Gold felt like a natural extension of the work he was already doing.
That connection changed him almost immediately.
On his very first day at camp, Meeker watched a young camper in a wheelchair look at a ten-foot climbing wall and declare, “I want to go over that wall.” While Meeker quietly wondered if it was even possible, the rest of camp rallied behind him.
“Sure enough, ten minutes later that young man went over the wall,” Meeker says. “Ever since then, I’ve been watching these campers go over both literal and figurative walls.”
A PLACE TO BE A KID
Camp Rainbow Gold serves children who have or have had cancer while also supporting their siblings and families through year-round programs and camps.
While medical care focuses on treating the disease, camp focuses on restoring the parts of childhood that illness often interrupts.
Cancer treatment can separate children from school, friends, and many of the experiences that shape childhood. Camp Rainbow Gold creates opportunities for children to build friendships with others who understand what they’ve experienced, discover new confidence, and enjoy the simple moments of being a kid.
THE POWER OF CONNECTION
For Meeker, one of the most remarkable parts of camp is seeing children in a completely different light than he does in the hospital.
“They’re a whole different person,” he says. “They’re lit up. They’re active. They’re doing things that I frankly didn’t think they could do.”
More than anything, camp gives children experiences they might never have otherwise. And, they create friendships and memories that continue long after camp ends.
“These kids will make lifelong friends there,” Meeker says. “These will be friends that will be with them for the rest of their lives.”
A COMMUNITY THAT SHOWS UP
Meeker says Camp Rainbow Gold is possible because of a community that consistently steps forward to serve.
Volunteers, donors, local businesses, and skilled professionals all contribute their time and talents to ensure children and families have a place where healing continues beyond the hospital.
As the organization continues to grow, one of its greatest needs is volunteer camp counselors who can help create life-changing experiences for campers.
“There’s nothing that you could do that would change your life more than being a counselor at Camp Rainbow Gold,” Meeker says.
RECOGNITION, IN CONTEXT
On August 1, Dr. Nathan Meeker will take his place in Athletic Club Boise’s Purple Seat as the club’s newest Community Impact STAR honoree.
The recognition honors a physician whose commitment to children extends far beyond the hospital, helping young people not only heal physically, but discover confidence and connection, and find joy.
To learn more about Camp Rainbow Gold, volunteer opportunities, or ways to support children and families facing cancer, visit https://camprainbowgold.org/.