Site Links
Reference
About this site
Section Links
on this page
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.
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 Candlelighters to find out what is available in your area. Or, peruse the list below.
Camp Smile-A-Mile (SAM)
First began in 1985 to provide challenging, unforgettable recreational and educational experiences for Young cancer patients from across Alabama at no cost to their families. That same philosophy applies today. Camp Smile-A-Mile's purpose is to provide these children with avenues for fellowship, to help build self-confidence, to help them cope with their disease, and to prepare them for life.
Free programs for children who have or have had cancer, and for their brothers and sisters. From the Arizona chapter of the American Cancer Society.
Jumping Mouse Camp, Inc.
215 North Bonito
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
502-774-9608
For children and adults who have or had serious illnesses such as cancer, arthritis, asthma, diabetes, or sickle cell anemia.
Candlelighters Weekend Family Retreat
Located in the mountains near Tucson, Arizona, this three-day camp in June offers a retreat for the entire family. Free.
Camp Aldersgate
2000 Aldersgate Road
Little Rock, AR 72205
501-225-1444
One-week residential camp for children aged 6 to 16 with cancer. Free.
Camp Quality Arkansas
Go to Camp Quality USA and click on "Locate a Camp".
A year round support programme for children with cancer and their families. Founded and established in 1983 in Sydney, Australia, there are now fourteen Australian locations covering every State and Territory in Australia.
Summer camp offering the opportunity for children with cancer to learn independence, nourish positive self-esteem and gain skills they never thought were possible. "The mission of the Okizu Foundation is to provide recreational, respite and peer support programs to meet the needs of all members of families affected by childhood cancer." (Northern California.)
Orange County Foundation for Oncology Children and Families
P. O. Box 6023
Orange, CA 92863-6023
OCF-OCF, an Orange County California summer camp serving pediatric cancer patients and sponsored by Orange County Foundation for Oncology Children & Families.
Camp Summer Sault
American Cancer Society
936 Pine Avenue
Long Beach, CA 90801
310-437-0791;Fax 310-494-1782
Five-day day camp for children with cancer aged 6 to 13 and their siblings. Leadership experience for teenagers aged 14 and older. Free.
Camp Sunburst
Geri Brooks, Ph.D., Executive Camp Director
5350 Commerce Blvd. Suite I
Rohnert Park, CA 94928
707-588-9477,
adminatsunburstprojects.org
One-week residential program for children aged 6 to 18 who have life-threatening diseases.
We are an organization committed to providing camping programs and other paediatric oncology projects for children with a history of cancer and their siblings in Alberta.
Camp Trillium began in 1984 for children with cancer and their families across the province of Ontario. We provide year round programs including winter camps, teen weekends, family weekends, clinic support programs, monthly youth programs, community programs which all compliment the 3 summer programs. We offer residential camp, family camp and day camp programs at various locations across Ontario.
Note: url not working 2/05.
Located on the Western Slope of the Colorado Rockies, this camp is for children with cancer, brain tumors, and blood diseases.
The Silver Lining Ranch (Kids Stuff Foundation Inc.)
1490 Ute Ave, Aspen CO 81611
970-925-9540 / Fax 970-544-0565
One-week camp for children 8-18 for children actively in treatment and up to 18 months out of treatment.
Nonprofit residential summer camp for children with cancer or other serious blood diseases. It's a place where the children can kick back and just have fun.
A camp for children ages 5-17 who have been diagnosed with cancer. Children attend camp free of charge in the end of August. Situated on the shores of Triangle Lake in the northwest hills of Connecticut. See their website for more information.
Information on this summer camp is available on the web site.
The camp medical staff and facility accomdates children ages 7-17 with many kinds of special needs, from bandaging a minor cut to administering chemotherapy. The medical presence is purposely kept in the background so the children can concentrate on filling their days with all the fun of a good old-fashioned camp experience.
Offers programs for children with cancer.
Support for children and parents of children with cancer. Provides counseling, retreats, and camps (although the web site does not mention a camp 9/01). Organizes fundraisers for cancer research. (Metropolitan Atlanta.)
Indianapolis, IN.
Camp Quality Indiana
Go to Camp Quality USA and click on "Locate a Camp".
Illlinois, Wisconsin, Indiana
The One Step At A Time Project
The One Step At a Time Projects are open to any child with cancer and leukemia between the ages of 7 and 20 who is being treated in Illinois, Wisconsin, or northern Indiana. Children from other states may also participate, depending on available space.
Camp Quality Illinois
Go to Camp Quality USA and click on "Locate a Camp".
Camp Amanda
JoAnn Zimmerman, Director
Amanda Cares, Inc.
4217 University
Des Moines, IA 50311
515-279-5444
Weekend camps during spring, summer, and fall for bereaved children aged 6 to 16. Free.
Camp Quality Heartland (Iowa and Nebraska)
Go to Camp Quality USA and click on "Locate a Camp".
The Heart Connection Children's Cancer Programs
www.childrenscancerprograms.com
The Heart Connection Children's Cancer Programs is a not-for-profit organization which enhances the quality of life for children with cancer by providing programs for recreation, education, and family support. They run an Oncology Camp and a Sibling Camp for brother or sisters who have a sibling with cancer or have lost a sibling to cancer.
Camp Hope
ACS sponsored camp for cancer kids in Kansas. American Cancer Society, Kansas Division
1315 SW Arrowhead Road
Topeka, KS 66604
913-273-4114
One-week camp for children aged 8 to 21 who have or had cancer. Free.
Camp Quality Greater Kansas City
Go to Camp Quality USA and click on "Locate a Camp".
The Center for Courageous Kids
The Center for Courageous Kids
1501 Burnley Road
Scottsville, KY 42164
270-618-2900
The Center for Courageous Kids is a year round medical camp for children who have chronic or life threatening illnesses by creating experiences that are memorable, exciting, fun, build self-esteem, are physically safe and medially sound. Family retreats serve children 3-17 and summer camps serve children 7-15. No child or family will pay to attend camp. The camp will be funded by donations from individuals, foundations, and corporations with a heart for children.
in Kentucky.
Camp Quality Kentucky
Go to Camp Quality USA and click on "Locate a Camp".
New Orleans, Louisiana. Camp Challenge is a camp for kids with cancer and their siblings. Cancer Association of Greater New Orleans.
Stacy S Drury M.D., Ph.D, President and Medical Director of Camp
504-988-4794
sdrury@tulane.edu
Camp Quality Louisiana
Go to Camp Quality USA and click on "Locate a Camp".
in Maine, a retreat for families whose children are in active treatment for cancer, kidney disease, Diamond Black Fan Anemia, Fanconi Anemia, and other life-threatening diseases.
35 Acadia Rd
Casco, ME 04015
207-655-3800
fax: 207-655-3825
13 weeks of camps for families with children with life threatening illnesses.
Camp Rainbow
American Cancer Society, Maine Division
Barb Edison
52 Federal Street
Brunswick, ME 04011
1-800-464-3102 (ME only)
207-729-3339
For children from Maine aged 4 and older who have or had cancer and their families. Free.
87 Redlands Rd
West Roxbury, Ma. 02132
Provides a fun atmosphere where children aged 8-15 living with cancer and other serious blood diseases, from New England, can escape their everyday life and enjoy being a child.
Camp Friendship
A camp in suburban Maryland for children with cancer (a OneVoiceUSA benefit organization).
Dr. & Mrs. Bill Egan
87 Redlands Road
West Roxbury, MA 02132
617-327-1913
(see listing under "Maine" - this camp is associated with the hospitals in Massachusetts)
Dream Day on Cape Cod
"Camp Nan-Ke-Rafe"
P.O. Box 364
Yarmouthport, MA 02675
508-375-0003
Contact: Margaret Leonard
We currently hold six (6) 1 week sessions. Camp 2001 begins July 9th.
e-mail: infoATdreamdayoncapecod.org
Special Days rents facilities from Pinehills Camp and Retreat Center in Brighton, Michigan for cancer kid and cancer sibling kids camps.
Special Days Camps, P.O. Box 1154, Bay City, MI 48706-0154
(866) 448-4710
(See web site for the most current information.)
"Helping kids conquer cancer one neigh at a time." Camp Casey holds a series of 1-day horseback riding retreats throughout Michigan. At no expense, children with or recovering from cancer and their families are invited for a day on the farm to go horseback riding, make arts and crafts, play team building games, go on tractor rides, treasure hunts and more.
Camp Quality Michigan
Go to Camp Quality USA and click on "Locate a Camp".
Little Mary's Hospitality House
1580 Seaman’s Road
Wellston, MI 49689
1-800-435-4297/616-848-4699
Vacation retreat for families who have a child with a bereaved. Six lakeside apartments (handicapped access) and playhouses. Free.
Camps for cancer kids: Camp Courage (Maple Lake, Minnesota) and Courage North (Lake George, Minnesota).
Courage Center, Camping Dept.
3915 Golden Valley Road
Golden Valley, MN 55422
612-520-0504
One-week residential camp for children aged 6 to 17 with cancer and their siblings. Free.
is a week long camp for children with cancer and their siblings, held every August.
Camp Hopewell
Oxford, Mississippi
Hopewell Camp and Conference Center is funded and directed by St. Andrews Presbyterian Churches in North Mississippi, COCA members, ACA accredited. They host a camp for families surviving cancer. Most of the campers are St. Jude's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tn. patients. However, that is not a requirement for participation. Also, most of the families are not Presbyterian, nor even Protestant. This is a free camp for the families with all the camping activities. Canoeing, Swimming, Archery, High and Low challenge courses, and more. They have families from California, Missouri, Peru, Ghana and of course, the mid-south.
Camp Quality Central Missouri
Go to Camp Quality USA and click on "Locate a Camp".
Camp Quality Northwest Missouri
Go to Camp Quality USA and click on "Locate a Camp".
Camp Quality Ozark Missouri
Go to Camp Quality USA and click on "Locate a Camp".
Camp Quality Ozark Greater Kansas City
Go to Camp Quality USA and click on "Locate a Camp".
Camp Sunrise
American Cancer Society, Missouri Division
3322 American Avenue, P. O. Box 1066
Jefferson City, MO 65101
314-893-4800
Family weekend for families with a child to age 8 with cancer. Free.
Kiwanis Camp Wyman
David A. Hillard, Executive Director
600 Kiwanis Drive
Eureka, MO 63025
314-938-5245
Summer program for children age 8 to 16. Mainstreams children with cancer into the regular program. Fee. Financial assistance.
Camp Barnabas
"We run a Christian camp for children with special medical needs. We have a week where we serve children with heamatology or oncology diseases. We also serve their siblings. Our camp offers full scholarships to ALL children in need. We do not require proof of need. We know that disease takes a financial toll on families and we want to serve these families, regardless of ability to pay. Our camp has been operational for seven years. We have five nurses and one or more physicians each week. Ages 7-17. On active treatment, or in remission-you qulaify for our progarm."
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.
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.
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".
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).Holly Widanka, Director of Health Education
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.
www.campgooddays.org
1332 Pittsford-Mendon Road, PO Box 665
Mendon, NY 14506
585-624-5555 or 800-785-2135
Camp Good Days & Special Times, Inc. Recreational Facility
www.campgooddays.org
58 West Lake Road
Branchport, NY 14418
315-595-2779
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.
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
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 Michelle Richardson and Scott Richardson
Provides a week for children with cancer and a week for siblings in the summer.
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".
Camp Quality Oregon
Go to Camp Quality USA and click on "Locate a Camp".
Camp Can-Do
Camp Can-Do, sponsored by the Commonwealth Division of the American Cancer Society for over a decade, gives young cancer patients a break from the often scary and monotonous time spent in hospitals and in treatment routines. Camp Can-Do places the young campers in an atmosphere that promotes comfort and self-confidence, surrounded by others who are sharing similar experiences. The Camp takes place in Mt. Gretna, PA, on a beautiful wooded lakefront site.
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 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
http://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.
http://www.campdebbielou.com/
Camp Horizon
American Cancer Society, Tennessee Division
1315 8th Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37203
1-800-280-1227; in TN: 615-255-1227
One-week residential camp for children aged 7 to 18 with cancer. Free.
Camp Discovery
American Cancer Society
P. O. Box 149054
Austin, TX 78714-9054
512-928-2262
For children aged 6 to 18 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 Hobe
Summer camp for children with cancer and their siblings.
http://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
Cleo Velle, Director
P. O. Box 5806
Charlottesville, VA 22905-5806
804-977-3781
Therapeutic residential summer camp for children aged 7 to 17 with medical and physical health needs including cancer. Three 2-week sessions. Fee ~$900 each. Substantial financial assistance available
PO BOX 65504
University Place, WA 98464
ggianacos@hotmail.com
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 23th thru July 28th, 2007. 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 Winica
American Cancer Society, West Virginia Division
2428 Kanawha Boulevard East
Charleston, WV 25311
304-344-3611
One-week residential camp for children aged 7 to 16 and junior counselor program for youths aged 17 to 18 from West Virginia who have or had cancer. Free. Transportation provided.
Hozhoni Weekend
American Cancer Society, Wisconsin Division
N19 W24350 Riverwood Drive P. O. Box 902
Pewaukee, WI 53072-0902
414-532-5500
Three-day weekend for families from Wisconsin with a child with cancer. Free.
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.
contact webmaster/ped-onc home/last updated 4/08