Our medically-supervised camp program began in 1986 as a break from hospital and clinic visits for children with cancers and related blood disorders living in Illinois. Camp COCO is a member of the Children’s Oncology Camping Association International (COCA) — an organization that establishes safety and operational guidelines and practices specific to camps for children with cancer.
More than 140 children, ages 6-17, attend Camp COCO. Siblings of young campers may also attend. Camp week is held during the second week of July at an ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant camp in the heart of central Illinois to accommodate children with disabilities resulting from their cancer treatment. Around-the-clock care is provided by SIU School of Medicine’s pediatrics staff volunteers including an oncologist, nurses, child life specialists, and other health professionals. A full staff of qualified counselors is on-site at all times.
Camp COCO is about building self-confidence. For many campers, it is their first time away from home and their first experience in nature. Campers participate in a range of camp activities: swimming, fishing, boating, horseback riding, arts and crafts, archery, nature hikes, visits from local celebrities, games, dances, and campfires.
Camp COCO is about the bonds of friendship and hope. Camp COCO uniquely offers children emotional support and acceptance. Campers build strong bonds as they share their thoughts and feelings that only others with a cancer diagnosis can understand. The friendships also bring hope when campers meet recovering children diagnosed with the same disease.
Camp COCO is about supporting families. Camp week is a family respite from the daily concerns of caring for a sick child. Families never have to pay for a child to attend camp.
301 North 8th Street
Springfield, Illinois 62794-9678
(217) 545-8042
[email protected]
siumed.edu/foundation/camp-coco.html
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