Jesse Solomon truly shone during last night’s episode of Summer House. He offered fans an authentic glimpse into the lives of families afflicted with pediatric cancer by volunteering his time at Sunrise Day Camp. And in doing so, he brought several much-needed, encouraging narratives to a series that’s currently plagued with rumors, deceit, and frustrating gotcha moments. In this writer’s opinion, these scenes were the best part of last night’s episode, followed, of course, by Ciara Miller dressing up as The Lorax.
Lately, fans are watching Summer House with a fine-toothed comb. No one really knows when Amanda Batula and West Wilson started, well, whatever it is they are currently doing. But as Season 10 advances, the signs are all there, suggesting they might have gotten together much earlier than they originally claimed. Personally speaking, it’s all just getting to be… a lot, which is why I loved seeing the footage of Jesse and his costars visiting the campers at Sunrise Day Camp.
What is Sunrise Day Camp?
As explained on their website, Sunrise Day Camp is “The World’s First and Only Summer Day Camp for Children with Cancer and Their Siblings, Offered 100% free of charge.” Their “mission is to bring back the joys of childhood to children with cancer and their siblings worldwide, all through the magic of our summer day camps, vacation camps, year-round programs, and in-hospital recreational activities.”
Sunrise Day Camp offers its participants an opportunity to breathe and let their guard down. Likewise, for their siblings walking alongside them, this day camp brings them face to face with other siblings who can relate to their feelings and lived experiences. This helps all parties feel seen, understood, and validated for their complex feelings on this rather scary journey.
Sunrise Day Camp currently operates in many states. As seen on the most recent episode of Summer House, Jesse and his fellow costars stopped by the Long Island location. Online, fans can see these campers grilling Jesse about his childhood camp activities. They can also see Jesse learning several TikTok dances, which he absolutely nailed.
I loved seeing this side of Jesse on Summer House. I also love the vital work that Sunrise Day Camp does for families, and hope to see more Bravo stars giving back to organizations like theirs in the years to come.
Jesse Solomon’s cancer journey led to his volunteer work at Sunrise Day Camp
Jesse entered Summer House in Season 8. During Episode 2, the cast played a game of “tell us something we don’t know about you.” This was when Jesse shared that he was a two-time cancer survivor.
During a routine check-up in August 2017, Jesse learned that he had testicular cancer. He had one of his testicles removed, joking, “I am a one-nut warrior.” After, Jesse felt “totally fine.” But then he had another check-up, where he learned that the cancer had actually spread to his stomach.
“The first time I was diagnosed with cancer, it was weird because it was like, ‘Did I just have cancer?’ I just had a quick surgery. It was serious, obviously, but I didn’t feel like a cancer survivor,” Jesse admitted. But the second time, Jesse added, he underwent chemotherapy and “the whole thing,” which made everything feel real.
Jesse has thankfully been cancer-free ever since. But this journey understandably changed his life. So, he just took his cast to Sunrise Day Camp for volunteer work. And while there, Jesse explained to the audience how powerful an impact this free organization has on many, many families.
It was nice to see real-life issues and genuine care for others on Summer House
After Jesse explained what Sunrise Day Camp was, he said, “This summer, I started volunteering there.” Now that he is cancer-free, Jesse is “happy” to be “in a place” where he is “able to give back. That’s just like, such a blessing,” he rawly shared.
Then, the scene shifted. Instead of drunken antics or signs of cheating, we saw Carl Radke on a court, lifting a child to help them dunk their basketball. In the next clip, we saw West in the sand, surrounded by kids, leading them in a game of volleyball. Yes, there was one frustrating moment where Ciara talked about missing this man, but we can’t win them all, right?
Next, we learned about the staff at this camp. Many of them were actually former campers. Then, as the cast sat at a long table with many of these staffers and their current campers, making friendship bracelets while talking openly with the children about their various cancer stories, it took all I had not to weep. THIS is what solid television looks like.
Jesse seemingly agrees. “Every time that I volunteer,” he admitted, “it’s such a good reminder that you have it so good. And you really should be grateful for everything that you have.”
As these scenes came to a close, the cast gathered together and led the campers in a dance party. Watching these typically chaotic stars show genuine care and concern for others marked a nice change of pace on Summer House, and I, personally, loved every second.
Summer House streams on Peacock.
TELL US – DID YOU ENJOY WATCHING THE SUMMER HOUSE CAST INTERACTING WITH THE CAMPERS AT SUNRISE DAY CAMP? ARE YOU ENJOYING THIS SIDE OF JESSE? DO YOU HOPE TO SEE MORE SCENES LIKE THIS ON BRAVO?
