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Cancer Kid Camps
Time spent at camp is a wonderful experience for our cancer kids and their siblings too. How wonderful for them to leave all those hospital visits behind and be outdoors doing fun things with other kids who understand. It gives them a chance to both have fun and to open up and say what they really feel about being diagnosed with cancer.
Journal article: Camp programs for children with cancer and their families: Review of research progress over the past decade. Alexandra Martiniuk et al., Pediatric Blood & Cancer, epub 7 JAN 2014. Abstract.
Many organizations have established cancer kid camps. These camps have the staff and facilities to deal with the children's special needs and many times the counselors are cancer survivors. Which camp your child will visit is probably dictated by which camp is near you. Check with your hospital social worker or support organization to find what is available in your area.
Besides the list below, up-to-date information on nearly 100 oncology camps is available from the Children's Oncology Camping Association International (COCA-I) at www.cocai.org. Also see Camp Quality's listings.
Camp Smile-A-Mile (SAM)
Year-round programs and summer camps by Smile-A-Mile helps those in Alabama who are affected by childhood cancer thrive during treatment and the years beyond. Programs for both children and their families.
Camp Rap-A-Hope
Provides year-long programming, as well as, a week-long summer camp to children between the ages of 7 and 17 who have, or have ever had, cancer. Most of our campers come from communities along more than 300 miles of the central Gulf Coast; from the Florida panhandle to the Louisiana Texas border.
Arizona Camp Sunrise and Sidekicks
Free programs for children who have or have had cancer, and for their siblings. Summer camp and day camp. From the Southwest Kids' Cancer Association.
Camp Aldersgate
One-week residential camp for children aged 6 to 16 with cancer. Free.
Camp Quality Arkansas
Summer camp for young cancer patients sponsored by Camp Quality.
Seany's Camp Reach for the Sky
Camp Reach for the Sky is based in Southern California and is made up of three weeklong sessions. One session is for siblings of kids with cancer, another is a day camp for kids with cancer (residents) and siblings, and the last is an overnight camp for residents (including a Teen Winter Weekend). The resident camp is fully equipped with medical staff and equipment so that all of the kids’ needs are met while at Camp. (Southern California)
Camp Okizu
For 35 years Camp Okizu has offered support programs to families who have a child diagnosed with cancer. Camp Okizu has become a second family and a home away from home for thousands of patients, siblings, and parents. (Northern California.)
Orange County Foundation for Oncology Children and Families
The “World’s Greatest Camp” is held in the San Bernardino Mountains in June and September. The weekend-long camp is open to patients and their families. The “World’s Coolest Camp” is held in the San Bernardino Mountains (normally in Spring). The weekend-long camp is for teens in grades six through 12.
Kids Cancer Camps of Alberta
www.kidscancercare.ab.ca/our-programs/camp
"Our free camp programs offer kids across Alberta a chance to escape the rigours of cancer treatments for outdoor fun and adventure in a safe, caring environment. And don’t forget, camp isn’t just for kids! We offer year-round family camps, so parents can get-in on the fun too."
Camp Trillium
Camp Trillium (officially The Trillium Childhood Cancer Support Centre) offers year-round recreational experiences to bring children with cancer and their families together. We work to provide an environment that normalizes relationships and experiences, helping them in the healing process and enhancing their quality of life.
Camp Ooch
Camp Oochigeas (Ooch) is a privately funded, volunteer-based organization that provides kids with and affected by childhood cancer with unique opportunities for growth through challenging, fun, enriching and magical experiences.
Colorado
Roundup River Ranch
Roundup River Ranch is a medically supported camp for kids with chronic and life-threatening illnesses.
Nighthawk Ranch
www.nighthawkranchcolorado.org
Kids and teenagers ages 10-18 with cancer (first phases of treatment behind them) have the opportunity to live on a ranch and to develop skills that will show them just how incredibly capable they are.
Hole in the Wall Gang Camp
Campers aged 7 – 15 ride horses, create crafts, swim and so much more, as they bond with other children facing similar challenges and learn they are capable of so much more than they ever thought possible.
Camp Rising Sun
A camp for children ages 5-17 who have been diagnosed with cancer.
Boggy Creek Camp
Camp Boggy Creek is a permanent, year-round facility where children ages 7 through 16 with chronic or life-threatening illnesses and their families can come to Camp at no charge to them.
Camp Sunshine
Two one-week sessions are held; a session for children ages 7 – 12, and a session for teens 13 – 18. "At Camp Sunshine’s Summer Camp, a camper can receive chemotherapy in the morning and be horseback riding by the afternoon."
Camp Rainbow Gold
"Camp Rainbow Gold is an oncology camp, a sibling camp and a family camp. It’s a teen support group and a college scholarship program. Camp Rainbow Gold is a celebration of life."
Camp Magical Moments
For children ages 7-12 with or who have had Cancer. See web site for more information.
River Discovery
River Discovery offers outdoor adventures for cancer survivors that promote healing and strengthening of the mind, body and spirit.
Camp Quality Illinois
Camp Quality is a summer camping experience and year-round support program for children with cancer.
Camp One Step
Provided by Children's Oncology Services. Week-long summer camps.
Camp Little Red Door
Camp Little Red Door is a weeklong camp held in June each year for Indiana children ages 8 to 18 who are in active cancer treatment or remission.
Camp Watcha-Wanna-Do
The camp is offered for children ages 7 through high school graduation, and each camper is able to bring a sibling along for the week they are at camp.
Iowa
Camp Quality Heartland (Iowa and Nebraska)
http://www.campqualityusa.org and childrenscancerprograms.com
Camp Quality is a summer camping experience and year-round support program for children with cancer.
Camp Hope-Heartland
Camp Hope takes place each June at Camp Aldrich near Claflin, Kansas. Camp Hope is open to children and teens between the ages of 5 and 17 years.
Camp Quality Kansas
Camp Quality is a summer camping experience and year-round support program for children with cancer.
The Center for Courageous Kids
The Center for Courageous Kids is a not for profit Medical Camping Facility for children who have chronic or life threatening illnesses.
Indian Summer Oncology Camp
www.kidscanceralliance.org/camp-programs.html
"Our week-long camp lets kids with cancer build friendships and focus on the important things in life - arts and crafts, swimming, hiking and s'mores." (Kids Cancer Alliance)
Camp Quality Kentuckiana
Camp Quality is a summer camping experience and year-round support program for children with cancer.
Camp Challenge
New Orleans, Louisiana. The mission of Camp Challenge is to enrich the lives of young hematology/oncology patients. Cancer Association of Greater New Orleans.
Camp Quality Louisiana
Camp Quality is a summer camping experience and year-round support program for children with cancer.
Camp Sunshine at Sebago Lake
Camp Sunshine at Sebago Lake in Casco, Maine provides respite, support, joy, and hope to children with life-threatening illnesses and their immediate families from around the world through the various stages of their journeys.
Dream Day on Cape Cod
Dream Day on Cape Cod is a non-profit organization based in Brewster, Massachusetts, dedicated to bringing respite into the lives of children with serious and/or life-threatening illnesses and their families.
Camp Casco
Camp Casco creates amazing camp experiences that build lifelong connections for children with cancer and their families.
Special Days Camp
Providing a traditional camp experience for children with cancer and their siblings.
Camp Casey
Camp Casey is a nonprofit horseback riding organization for children with cancer and rare blood disorders. Through generous donations and compassionate volunteers, Camp Casey has spread the healing power of horses to Michigan families for over a decade.
Camp Quality Michigan
Camp Quality is a summer camping experience and year-round support program for children with cancer.
Camp Catch-A-Rainbow
www.ymcastorercamps.org/ccar/camp-catch-a-rainbow
YMCA Storer Camps offers Camp Catch-A-Rainbow (CCAR), free of charge, to enrich the lives of children between four and fifteen years old who are being treated for cancer or who are in remission from cancer.
Minnesota
Kamp KACE
Kamp KACE provides a safe, rewarding, and memorable camp experience for school-aged kids with cancer and their siblings. The mission of Kamp KACE is to help kids with cancer feel like kids.
Camp Quality Central Missouri
Camp Quality is a summer camping experience and year-round support program for children with cancer.
Camp Quality Northwest Missouri
Camp Quality is a summer camping experience and year-round support program for children with cancer.
Camp Quality Ozark Missouri Ozarks
Camp Quality is a summer camping experience and year-round support program for children with cancer..
Camp Quality Ozark Greater Kansas City
Camp Quality is a summer camping experience and year-round support program for children with cancer.
Camp Rainbow
Different programs for different ages, from a day camp for 4-5 year olds, a sleep-over camp for older children, and a teen camp.
NOTE: I updated the links above this note April 2018. I am still working on the rest!
Located on a ranch in Montana. An appropriately supervised, cost-free camp program (CAMP MAK-A-DREAM) for children and young adults with cancer, in order that these children may have the opportunity to participate in a variety of fun-filled camp activities, learn new skills, form positive peer relationships, and develop greater independence and self-esteem.
For One Another Cancer Family Network
PO Box 6446
Bozeman, MT 59771
ph 406.587.8080
fx 406.556.1050
For One Another Cancer Family Network (FOA) was founded in 1990 by volunteers dedicated to providing a supportive and nurturing experience for Montana families dealing with cancer, whether the child or the adult is diagnosed. FOA understands that every relationship in a family is affected dramatically by a cancer diagnosis. We offer no-cost seasonal programs including: two 1-week summer camps in July, a fall weekend retreat and spring parties across the state. We provide opportunities and activities for families to spend quality time together and with other families sharing a similar journey in a fun, healthy and loving atmosphere.
Eagle Mount – Bozeman
6901 Goldenstein Lane
Bozeman, MT 59715
406-586-1781
The Big Sky Kids program has been holding camps for children and teens with cancer for 21 years. Information is at the web site or call 406-586-1781.
21520 W Highway 3
Gretna, NE 68028-7264
Camp CoHoLo's mission is to serve children between the ages of 6 and 17 who are impacted by cancer or blood disorders. Campers include children undergoing therapy and those who have completed treatment.
Camp Quality Heartland (Iowa and Nebraska)
Go to Camp Quality USA and click on "Locate a Camp".
Blairstown, New Jersey. Happiness Is Camping, for children with cancer, was founded in 1980. About 400 children, girls and boys aged 6-16 years, attend the overnight camp, staying from one to six weeks, depending on their health. The camp is free to all, supported by donations and volunteer staff members.
Camp Quality New Jersey
Go to Camp Quality USA and click on "Locate a Camp".
The Tomorrows Children's Institute
Hackensack, NJ
A week-long day camp for patients of the Tomorrows Children's Institute, their siblings and patients at other healthcare facilities.
Imus Ranch
A Working Cattle Ranch For Kids With Cancer
Imus Ranch for Kids With Cancer
P O Box 250
Ribera, NM 87560
(575) 421-4687
Imus Ranch is an authentic working cattle ranch nestled beneath a majestic mesa in the rolling hills near Ribera, New Mexico, 50 miles northeast of Santa Fe. Imus Ranch hosts nine “Go Rounds” each year, one in the spring and eight in the summer. Each Go Round is nine days, seven full days on the ranch with one travel day at the beginning and end. Imus Ranch underwrites all costs, including airfare to New Mexico, so there is no cost to the families. The children must be ages 11 to 17 and cannot have any lines or ports. The Ranch is designed to house 10 children per Go Round, plus a doctor, nurse, EMT, and 2 child life specialists. It is important that all parents and children understand the fundamental philosophy of Imus Ranch: It is not a camp --it is a working cattle ranch.
Camp Simcha is located in bucolic Glen Spey, New York. It is sponsored by Chai Lifeline, the international children's health support network that provides emotional and social support for seriously ill children and their families. (Chai Lifeline has five regional offices in the United States and affiliates in Israel, Great Britain and Canada.)
Camp Simcha offers two, two-week sessions for children with cancer. Our goal is to give children an exciting and enjoyable camp experience that will enhance resiliency and help them through the inevitable rough patches of fighting illness. The medical staff is comprised of pediatric oncologists from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and the camp infirmary can accommodate children on treatment. Each child has his/her counselor, so that schedules can be tailored to a child's interest and energy level, and the activities mirror those at camps for healthy children (with modifications when necessary).
Camp Simcha is free of charge, and pays for transportation from a child's home city. For more information, contact at 877 SIMCHA4 or 212 699-6630.
Estie Kleinkaufman
Chai Lifeline
151 West 30th Street, 3rd Floor
New York, NY 10001
877 SIMCHA4 or 212 699-6638.
Camp Open Arms is a program of Cancer Action, Inc. with assistance from the Penfield School District, the Town of Penfield, and the United Way. The camping period is usually held during the first part of July, and is carried out at one of the school locations in the Town of Penfield (NY).
Cancer Action
255 Alexander Street
Rochester, NY 14607
716-423-9700
Two-week day camp for children aged 3 to 15 with cancer or blood diseases and their siblings. Fee. Scholarships available.
Camp Good Days & Special Times, Inc. Recreational Facility
Camp Good Days and Special Times was founded, in 1979, in Rochester, New York, by Gary Mervis, following the diagnosis of his youngest daughter, Teddi, with a malignant brain tumor. Teddi lost her battle in 1982, however Camp Good Days has become Gary’s memorial to her and offers a variety of residential camping programs and year-round recreational and support activities for children, adults, and families whose lives have been touched by cancer. Camp Good Days offers programs for children with cancer; women with cancer; men with cancer; young adults (18-27) with cancer; children who have a parent or sibling dealing with cancer; and children who have lost a parent or sibling to cancer. All of the programs and services provided by Camp Good Days are offered free of charge for the participants.
Camp Adventure
kidsneedmore.org/campersandfamilies/more-camp-adventure
New York: serves the east coast & tri-state area
Camp Adventure is a free, fun-filled, week-long sleep away camp for children with cancer and their siblings, ages 6 to 18 -- a place where kids can just be kids.
The 52 Association for the Handicapped
350 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1829
New York, NY 10118
212-346-5586
Skiing lessons for the physically challenged. Originally for veterans who lost limbs in war, they now teach amputees and physically challenged how to ski. Nationwide chapters. Free.
Sunrise Day Camp is for children with cancer ages 5-16. This day camp is designed to meet the emotional, social, recreational and physical needs of these children while allowing them to enjoy the comforts and safety of their own homes at night. They run 3 2-week sessions in summer.
Michele Vernon, MSW
Phone: 516-766-4341 ext. 106
Fax: 516-766-0513
mvernon@friedbergjcc.org
Double H Ranch
97 Hidden Valley Road
Lake Luzerne, NY 12846-3318
518.696.5676 ext. 263
The Double H Ranch, co-founded by Charles R. Wood and Paul Newman, provides specialized programs and year-round support for children and their families dealing with life-threatening illnesses. Our purpose is to enrich their lives and provide camp experiences that are memorable, exciting, fun, empowering, physically safe and medically sound. All programs are FREE of charge and capture the magic of the Adirondacks. Our largest program is our summer residential camping program and our second largest program is our Adaptive Winter Sports Program where we teach children ages 6-16 years old to ski or snowboard.
Kaleidoscope Program
Alex Gordon, Director
P. O. Box 3417
Duke University Medical Center
Durham, NC 27710
919-681-4349/919-681-3446
Three one-week sessions for selected children aged 7 to 16 treated at Duke Medical Center. Free.
Camp Rainbow
Jacquelyn P. Sauls, Child/Family Specialist
East Carolina University School of Medicine
Pediatric Hematology/Oncology
PCMH 288 West
Greenville, NC 27858-4354
919-551-4676
One-week program for children aged 6 to 18 with cancer. Also siblings and bereaved siblings. Free to children from eastern North Carolina.
275 Carefree Lane
Stokesdale, NC 27357
Phone: (336) 427-0966
Camp Program Directors are David Suggs and Timmy Vernon.
Provides a week for children with cancer and a week for siblings in the summer.
Victory Junction
Victory Junction (a Hole-in-the-Wall Association camp)
4500 Adam's Way
Randleman, NC
phone: 877-VJG-CAMP
Offers a one week-long summer session that serves children with cancer and a week-long sibling session. Also offers weekend programming in the Fall and Spring for families (usually families with a child with cancer are served during the Spring General Sessions).
Kids N'Kamp
Beverly S. Circone, Executive Director
3440 Olentangy River Road, Suite 103K
Columbus, OH 43202
614-262-2220
Year-round programs and activities for children with cancer or other blood diseases and their families. Other programs include educational assessments, tutoring, support groups, and counseling for all members of the family. Free.
Camp Quality Ohio
Go to Camp Quality USA and click on "Locate a Camp".
Flying Horse Farms is located in Mt. Gillead, OH. They accept campers ages 8-15 for our residential summer sessions (2 sessions each summer) and campers age 7-15 for our Spring and Fall family camp weekends. (Their name is a bit misleading we don't actually have horses on the premises, we are named after a children's book.)
Camp Quality Oregon
Go to Camp Quality USA and click on "Locate a Camp".
Camp Ukandu
campukandu.org
(503) 276-2178
A free, week-long camping experience for children with cancer. Camp Ukandu is medically supervised and offers a wide variety of activities including art, weaving, swimming, archery, field games, the climbing wall, and campfire. Camp Ukandu is near Portland, OR.
Camp Millennium
www.campmillennium.org
(541) 677-0600
Camp Millennium is a week filled with fun for kids who spend too much time in hospitals and clinics because of cancer. It is a time to be themselves and to share in a variety of summer camp activities, such as hiking, fishing, archery, swimming, arts and crafts, horseback riding, and many other surprises. The goal of this weeklong adventure is to provide these children with a camping experience that can be extended into their everyday lives. A member of the Children's Oncology Camping Association.
Ages 5-16; free for all campers.
Camp Can Do is for children, ages 8-17, who have been diagnosed with cancer in the last 5 years. We also offer Camp Can Do II, a sibling camp for kids, ages 8-17, whose brother or sister has been diagnosed with cancer. Camp Can Do takes place at Gretna Glen Camp & Retreat Center in beautiful Mt. Gretna, PA. Gretna Glen sits on over 200 acres of scenic hills and woodlands just east of Hershey, PA.
Ronald McDonald Camp
Doris M. Sterner, MSW, Camp Admin.
The Ronald McDonald House
3925 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
215-387-8406
Residential camp for children aged 8 to 18 with cancer on or off therapy. Junior counselor program for youths aged 17 to 18. Free.
Camp Hope
Camp Hope is a camp for children who have or had cancer, who are between the ages of 7 and 17, and also welcomes their siblings. Camp Hope is a weeklong overnight residential camp that takes place one week a year and a weekend in the winter. There is no fee for the camper or siblings to attend.
Camp Happy Days and Special Times
Happy Days is a non-profit organization providing emotional and financial support to children with cancer and their families throughout the Southeast. Held the first week in July. From a camper: "This camp is wonderful!"
Camp Happy Days
1622 Ashley Hall Road
Charleston, SC 29407
Tel: 843-571-4336, ext #26
www.camphappydays.com/
Camp Debbie Lou
Main office: 2634 Sharon Road
Charlotte, NC 28211
704-364-7471 tel
704-287-6265 cell
704-348-4550 fax
For children, between the ages of 4 - 14, that have been diagnosed with cancer and their families.
www.campdebbielou.com/
Camp Noogie
Gilda's Club Nashville
1707 Division Street
Nashville
TN 37203
615.329.1124
Offered to children ages 5-12 as a free day camp in the winter and summer breaks from school, Camp Noogie provides fun themes, specialized workshops and lots of laughter for children who have a loved one living with cancer, have a diagnosis of cancer themselves or are grieving the loss of a loved one. Snacks are provided. There is no fee for Camp Noogie but registration is required, as there is limited space. Please visit our calendar for specific dates and/or contact Leslie Marnett, MS, CCLS for more information (leslie@gildasclubnashville.org).
Camp Horizon
Beyond the Horizon Corporatio
402 Dahlia Dr
Brentwood, TN 37027
One-week residential camp for children aged 6 to 17 with cancer.
Camp Barnabas-Tennessee
Camp Barnabas serves children with cancer and chronic blood disorders, such as AIDS, hemophilia and Sickle cell. For 17 years we've served these children, their siblings and other children with special needs in a Christian summer camp setting. Each camper has a one-on-one volunteer and each week of camp is staffed by two doctors and 6-8 registered nurses, including nurses with pediatric oncology specialties. Our focus is showing our campers that every one has been uniquely created to live a life of ability. During their time at Camp Barnabas they enjoy just being a kid while their parents have a chance at a restful break from the day-to-day care of their child. Scholarships are available and no one is ever turned away because of a financial need. On active treatment or in remission - we look forward to having your child at camp this summer.
Camp Discovery
VisionWorks, Inc.
P.O Box 692153
San Antonio, TX 78269
210-698-9485
contact@visionworkscamps.org
www.visionworkscamps.org/camp-discovery.html
For children aged 7 to 16 with cancer. Free.
Camp Periwinkle
Jayne Finkowski, MD
6720 Bertner Street
Houston, TX 77030
713-661-4960
For children aged 7 to 15 with cancer treated at Texas Children’s Hospital. One sibling invited on a space-available basis. Free.
Camp Star Trails
Janet Johnson RN, Pediatrics
M. D. Anderson Cancer Center
1515 Holcombe Box 87
Houston, TX 77030
713-792-3362
Camp Quality Texas
Go to Camp Quality USA and click on "Locate a Camp".
Camp Barnabas-Texas
www.campbarnabas.org/deercreek
Camp Barnabas serves children with cancer and chronic blood disorders, such as AIDS, hemophilia and Sickle cell. For 17 years we've served these children, their siblings and other children with special needs in a Christian summer camp setting. Each camper has a one-on-one volunteer and each week of camp is staffed by two doctors and 6-8 registered nurses, including nurses with pediatric oncology specialties. Our focus is showing our campers that every one has been uniquely created to live a life of ability. During their time at Camp Barnabas they enjoy just being a kid while their parents have a chance at a restful break from the day-to-day care of their child. Scholarships are available and no one is ever turned away because of a financial need. On active treatment or in remission - we look forward to having your child at camp this summer.
Camp Hobe
Summer camp for children with cancer and their siblings.
www.camphobekids.org/
A program of Special Love located in Winchester, Virginia. Provides cancer kids a chance to have a camp experience.
Camp Five Seasons
Patricia Holden, Executive Director
3704 Farnsworth Drive
Chesapeake, VA 23321
804-484-0984; 804-547-5145
Five-day residential camp for medically challenged children aged 7 to 14 of all nationalities and their siblings. Fee. Limited scholarships. (Not presently operating)
Camp Holiday Trails
Tina LaRoche, Executive Director
400 Holiday Trails Lane
Charlottesville, VA 22903
434-977-3781
Residential summer camp for children aged 5 through 17 with special medical needs, including cancer. One-week and two-week sessions available. One-week sessions also welcome siblings. Fee asked of families: $120. Financial assistance available.
PO BOX 65504
University Place, WA 98464
Camp Agape NW is a family camp in Washington State for children with cancer and their entire family including parents and all siblings. There is no cost to the families attending. Families that are eligible include a child (infant to age 18) that have had or currently have cancer. Any family which receives treatment in Washington state is eligible. This year's camp runs from July 26th thru July 31th, 2010. Please check our website www.campagapenw.org for more information.
A week-long, no-cost camp offered each August for 20 families of children with cancer. Visit the web site for more information about this unique camp.
Camp Goodtimes West
Seattle, Washington
www.campgoodtimeswest.org
For children ages 7-17 who are going through cancer treatment or have completed treatment, and a sibling.
Hozhoni Weekend
angelonmyshoulder.org/camps/camp-hozhoni
Links to other lists of camps and to national camp headquarters
Camp Quality USA National Headquarters
2311 East Cragmont, Springfield, MO 65804
417-877-0177
infoATcampqualityusa.com
Camp Quality USA
Each Camp Quality offers free camping experiences and year-round support programs for children with cancer. Typically, the campers (ages 5-18) attend a camp from their state--so they can remain close to their hospital provider. Campers can be in any stage of cancer treatment or recovery to attend.
North America
First Descents, a Kayak camp for young adults with cancer. (Camp is in Vail, Colorado.)
Children's Oncology Camping Association, International
C.O.C.A., Children's Oncology Camping Association International is an international assembly of people providing camping programs for children with cancer. Many of the members camps serve a broad range of special need populations but we all share the common thread of working with pediatric oncology patients.
General Disclaimer
These pages are intended for informational purposes only and are not intended to render medical advice. The information provided on Ped Onc Resource Center should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease. It is not a substitute for professional care. If you suspect your child has a health problem, you should consult your health care provider.
© copyright 1998-2018 by Patty Feist
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