Smile-A-Mile’s mission is to provide hope, healing of the spirit, and love for the whole family during the childhood cancer journey. Through year-round meaningful and educational programming, Smile-A-Mile helps those in Alabama who are affected by childhood cancer thrive during treatment and the years beyond.
Smile-A-Mile has seven camp sessions each summer at Children’s Harbor on Lake Martin. Children’s Harbor is a separate non-profit organization that lets us use their facility for our summer sessions. All of the sessions are staffed by Children’s of Alabama healthcare personnel who are able to care for the children’s unique medical needs.
On Therapy Family
This session is for patients up to 18 years old who are in therapy and their immediate families including siblings up to 18 years old. Participants enjoy an array of activities that foster relaxation, fellowship, and fun. At least one parent must attend. Patients and siblings ages 5 and older are assigned to volunteer counselors who assist them with their activities and stay in the cabin with them. Patients and siblings ages 4 and under stay in a private room with their parents and are also assigned a volunteer counselor. All other parents stay separate from their children.
Sibling CampThis session is for siblings ages 6-18 of children who are on or off therapy. Bereaved siblings are welcome to attend this session but no patients or parents attend this session. Siblings often feel forgotten and alone when their sick brother or sister is receiving most of the attention due to treatment. Sibling Camp gives them a chance to be around other children who understand being a sibling of a child with cancer. Siblings enjoy all of the traditions and fun activities of camp.
Youth Weeklong Camp
This session is for children ages 6-12 who are on and off therapy. No parents or siblings attend this session. Campers participate in activities such as arts & crafts, fishing, boating, archery, talent show, and canoeing.
Jr./Sr. Camp
This session is for high school juniors, seniors, and recent graduates who are on or off therapy. Campers enjoy all the traditions of camp, but there are also educational components of this session which help prepare them for life after high school as childhood cancer survivors.
Teen Weeklong Camp
This session is for teens ages 13 through 10th grade who are on and off therapy. No parents or siblings attend this session. Campers participate in activities such as arts and crafts, fishing, boating, archery, talent show, and canoeing.
Young Adult Retreat
This educational session is for childhood cancer survivors 19-25 years old. Participants learn about long-term survivorship issues, hear guest speakers on topics such as health insurance, time management, jobs/careers, living a healthy life style, and other pertinent issues. The survivors also enjoy the many wonderful camp activities such as arts and crafts, canoeing, fishing, and swimming.
Off Therapy Family Camp
This session is for off therapy patients up to 18 years old and their immediate families, including siblings up to 18 years old. Participants enjoy an array of activities that foster relaxation, fellowship, and fun. At least one parent must attend. Patients and siblings age 5 and older are assigned to volunteer counselors who assist them with their activities and stay in the cabin with them. Patients and siblings ages 4 and under stay in a private room with their parents and are also assigned a volunteer counselor. All other parents stay separate from their children.
1600 2nd Avenue
South Birmingham, AL 35233
205-323-8427
smileamile.com
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