A FREE COMMUNITY FOR KIDS IMPACTED BY A LOVED ONE’S CANCER
Cancer is hard on the whole family. We’re here to help.
In the climbing world, “belay” means to secure or to hold fast…
When “On Belay,” the climber knows that a support system is in place that allows them to fall safely or take a break.
That is what we do for our kids and families – allow them to fall safely or take a break from the world of cancer.
On Belay programs encourage participants to uncover their inner resilience, create community, and connect with other children experiencing the impact of having a loved one with cancer.
We currently host programs in New Hampshire, Southern Maine, and the North Shore of Massachusetts.
On Belay is not a therapeutic program in the traditional sense. Still, we offer participants an opportunity to cope and perhaps heal through adventure, play, and time away from dealing with their family’s illness by providing opportunities to:
On Belay is a supportive and comfortable place to make new friends who understand what you are going through; friends you can turn to when times are tough.
Participants are encouraged to challenge themselves, giving them the confidence to face cancer’s challenges.
Our programs allow kids to focus on themselves and have fun, creating joy and happiness in an otherwise difficult time.
In our programs, participants feel comfortable and supported by adults and each other. They learn the true meaning of being “on belay.”
On Belay offers free year-round adventure activities like ropes courses, rock climbing, and backpacking to provide kids with support, fun, and personal growth.
All our programs are offered at no cost to families impacted by a loved one’s cancer
On Belay programs are free to youth ages 8-18 with a loved one who has or has had cancer.
My son had so much fun
and was thanking us over and over
for arranging for him to go.
On Belay is a wonderful program.
Last night I met the sister
of the woman who started On Belay.
As we talked, I started to cry,
and she just hugged me without hesitation.
That meant the world to me.
Thank you, everyone, staff, and volunteers,
for all you do.
Once a part of the On Belay community, participants can return to as many programs as they wish.
Join a community of kids who know what it is like when someone you love has cancer. Get a day full of happy. Doing things you have never done, in places you have never been, with new friends you will never forget.
On Belay programs consist of children who have lost someone, have someone in active treatment, and who have someone in remission.
While other programs exist to support children during a family member’s battle, On Belay recognizes the reality that cancer does not fit neatly into boxes. Cancer and its treatments are amorphous – patients go in and out of treatment regularly and through periods of time where they are not being treated but are still living under the threat of cancer. Our programs are open to participants at all stages of their family member’s illness, regardless of when they receive treatment.
On Belay is not a therapeutic program in the traditional sense, but we offer participants an opportunity to cope and perhaps heal through adventure, play, and time away from dealing with their family illness. Our staff and volunteers are trained in the art of facilitation, adventure, and our goals are to make On Belay day’s the best days ever.
On Belay builds community among kids aged 8 – 18 who love someone who has cancer. We offer day-long adventure programs that help kids connect to each other and to their own inner resilience.
On Belay Inc
PO Box 391
Newmarket, New Hampshire 03857
1-866-442-3529
[email protected]
https://www.on-belay.org
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