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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.
These other websites also have listings of cancer kid camps:
Children's Oncology Camping Association International (COCA-I) at www.cocai.org
North America
First Descents, a Kayak camp for young adults with cancer. (Camp is in Vail, Colorado.)
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.
Big Sky Kids
The Big Sky Kids program is designed for children and young adults with cancer. Begun in 1985, Big Sky Kids provides four different summer camps for children with cancer ages 5-23 each year, as well as a family ski weekend every spring
Camp CoHoLo
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.
Happiness is Camping
Residential camps for children with cancer and their siblings, age 6 to 16 years.
Camp Quality New Jersey
Camp Quality is a summer camping experience and year-round support program for children with cancer.
Camp Simcha
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.
Camp Good Days
Camp Good Days and Special Times offers week-long summer camping sessions, weekend adult retreats, and year-round programs for families who have been touched by cancer and other life challenges. All programs are free of charge.
Camp Adventure
Camp Adventure is a free, fun-filled, week-long sleep away camp for children with cancer and their siblings, ages 6 to 18.
Sunrise Day Camp
Sunrise Day Camp is for children with cancer ages 3 1/2–16. Sunrise Day Camps bring the simple pleasures of childhood back to children struggling with cancer.
Double H Ranch
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.
Camp Carefree
Free, one-week camping experience for kids ages 6 to 16 with chronic illnesses, including cancer, Spina Bifida, epilepsy and more. Our program also includes camps for well siblings of ill children, and a week for children with a sick parent.
Victory Junction
Victory Junction serves children ages 6 to 16, who have chronic medical conditions or serious illness.
Kids N'Kamp
Year-round programs and activities for children with cancer or other blood diseases and their families.
Camp Quality Ohio
Camp Quality is a summer camping experience and year-round support program for children with cancer.
Flying Horse Farms
"Flying Horse Farms summer camps serve campers age 8-15 years old who have diagnoses in cardiology, hematology, oncology, rheumatology, gastrointestinal disorders, pulmonary disorders, rare diseases and facial anomalies. Usually, our campers are not able to attend other camps due to their medical needs."
Camp Ukandu
A free, week-long camping experience for children ages 8-18 with cancer or their siblings.
Camp Millennium
Camp Millennium is a free week filled with fun for kids with cancer ages 5-16.
Camp Can Do
"Camp Can Do is for children ages 8-17, who have been diagnosed with cancer in the last 5 years. We also offer a special session of Camp Can Do for siblings, kids ages 8-17, whose brother or sister has been diagnosed with cancer."
Ronald McDonald Camp
Ronald McDonald Camp is for children ages 7 to 17 who are currently undergoing treatment or who have been treated for cancer. Each camper may bring one sibling with them to attend Camp.
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. There is no fee for the camper or siblings to attend.
Camp Happy Days
At Camp Happy Days, kids discover the power within themselves – as they share life-changing experiences with kids
just like them who are battling cancer.
Camp Horizon
Camp Horizon’s Oncology Camp is open to children ages 6 to 17 who were diagnosed with cancer or received cancer treatment within the last five years. SIBS Camp is open to children ages 6 to 17 whose sibling is a current or former cancer patient.
Camp Discovery
For children aged 7 to 16 with cancer.
Camp Periwinkle
For children with cancer treated at Texas Children’s Hospital, and for siblings.
Camp Quality Texas
Camp Quality is a summer camping experience and year-round support program for children with cancer.
Camp Hobé
Camp Hobé is a special summer camp designed for 4-19 year olds with cancer and similarly treated disorders. Their siblings are also welcome to attend. Serves Utah, Idaho, Wyoming and Nevada.
Special Love Camps (Camp Fantastic)
Free camps for patients and survivors (ages 7-17), siblings, and families.
Camp Holiday Trails
Residential summer camp for children aged 5 through 17 with special medical needs, including cancer.
Camp Agape Northwest
A family camp in Washington State for children with cancer and their entire family. There is no cost. Families that are eligible include a child (infant to age 18) that have had or currently have cancer treated in Washington state.
Camp Side-By-Side
www.upc.org/care/side-by-side1
A week-long, no-cost camp offered each August for families of children with cancer.
Camp Hozhoni
angelonmyshoulder.org/portfolio-item/summer-camp-hozhoni
angelonmyshoulder.org/portfolio-item/winter-camp-hozhoniSummer and winter weekend camps for children with cancer aged 18 and younger and their families.
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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