Camps and Family Retreats

Camps and retreats give our patients and families some well-deserved time away from the stresses of everyday life. Whether you prefer to stay locally or in a more distant location, a number of camps and retreats offer special amenities and packages for oncology patients. The stay is almost always free for the patient, and in many cases, he or she is welcome to bring parents, siblings or friends.

Camp Courage
Learn about Children's own Camp Courage, which is held for one week each summer at The Woodlands in Wexford, Pennsylvania.

Camp Escape
This summer camp gives children the opportunity to share their experiences with others who are also coping with Sickle Cell disease.

Western Pennsylvania Camps

Camp Can-Do – Two annual camps for oncology patients ages 8 to 17. Located near Hershey, Pa., and run by the American Cancer Society. Annual camp for siblings ages 8 to 16. Camps are FREE, but you must provide transportation. For an application or more information, contact Pat Seigrist at 717-533-6144.

Camp Christian – “Reaching Out to Cancer Kids” or “ROCK” Camp held annually for oncology patients ages 7 to 16. Located near Uniontown, Pa. A sibling or a best friend between the ages of 7 and 16 may attend with the patient. Camp is FREE. For an application or more information, contact Camp Christian at 724-455-2700.

National Camps & Retreats

Camp Sunshine – Offers family respite at a camp in the Maine woods and by a lake. Located in Casco, Maine (north of Portland). Accepts 40 families for each six-day session. Oncology patient families: several sessions in June, July and August. Brain tumor patient families have their own week of camp as well. Camp is FREE, and meals are included. Family must arrange transportation. For an application or more information, contact the camp at 207-655-3800 or visit www.campsunshine.org.

Believe In Tomorrow Respite Housing – The Believe In Tomorrow National Children’s Foundation, Baltimore, Md., owns and operate The Children’s House in Ocean City, Md., and Fenwick Island, Del. Families with a patient 17-years-old or younger can apply for a FREE week of family respite. For an application or more information, call 410-744-1032 or visit www.believeintomorrow.org.

The Hole In The Wall Gang Camp – Open to patients age 7 to 15. Typically runs four seven-day oncology sessions each summer. Located in Ashford, Connecticut (east of Hartford, Conn.). Apply in the spring for summer camps. Camp is FREE, but the family must provide transportation. For an application or more information, contact the camp at 860-429-3444 or visit www.holeinthewallgang.org.

Camp Fantastic – Offers week-long camps and weekend programs for children with cancer, ages 7 to 17. Located outside Winchester, Va. (northwest Virginia). Camp is owned and operated by Special Love, Inc. Also offers programs for families and siblings. Camps are FREE, but families must provide transportation. For an application or more information, call 504-667-3774 or visit www.speciallove.org.

Camp Simcha – A kosher camp for Jewish children with cancer, ages 6 to 18, with both boys and girl sessions. Located in Glen Spey, N.Y. (along the New York-Pennsylvania border). Camp and transportation to camp are FREE. Applications need to be returned by mid-May. For an application or more information, call the camp at 877-746-2424 or visit www.chailifeline.org.

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