Camp Alphie’s ongoing mission for over thirty years has been to provide a place for children suffering from cancer, as well as their families, to experience some new things, make new friends and connections, and relax and forget about their worries.
Camp Alphie is a completely non-profit organization that relies on donations and wonderful volunteer camp directors and counselors to run smoothly year after year, for over 30 years. On-site oncology nurses and doctors help monitor the health of the children while they forget about their worries and romp with other kids their age, from ages 7-14.
There are lots of fun outdoor and indoor activities to do. Among the favorites are swimming in our pool, diving off the diving board, playing around in and on inflatable bounce houses, obstacle courses, and ‘boxing’ cages, and horsing around … on real horses!
Here at Camp Alphie, our focus is on fun – that is why we have new events every year! Past events have included shaving cream fights, epic water gun battles, dance parties, and themed events.
Traditional events, like the birthday party for Alphie and the closing ceremonies where every camper receives an award, will be a part of every annual Camp Alphie for the future. Along with those are new and unique ways to spend the days, like face painting, pottery making, and all manners of arts and crafts, as well as musical performances and cooking s’mores over a campfire!But Camp Alphie isn’t just about the fun – it is about healthy and educational experiences, which is why campers could also get to hike up to a local waterfall, learn karate, or get to participate in science experiments with liquid nitrogen and more.
Every year, there are surprise activities as well. Past surprises have included a visit from the Corvette Club, Jeep Night (four-wheeling rides around the canyon), a Magic Show, and the Camp Alphie Carnival. It is all about providing new and exciting experiences for kids who deserve to make as many wonderful memories as they can in a safe environment.
Plenty of relaxing break time as well as nutritious meals are also planned, as your child gets to know the other campers and his or her counselor, making friends that will only add to the joy of camp. So get ready to experience six days of fun, laughter, friendship, and excitement at Camp Alphie!
Parents are welcome to attend Parents’ Camp, where parents, whether singular or as a couple, can come to relax and relate to other parents of kids with cancer. It’s a place to laugh, talk, and cry if you need to.
So what goes on at Parents’ Camp? Well, parents of kids with cancer not only find common ground and shared experiences with those who attend, but it’s a great way for parents to bond and make lasting connections with people going through the same things they are. Bonding activities like bowling, spa day for the ladies, museum trips, guest speakers, and even a trip to Wonderland Park help the parents to have fun and participate in memorable experiences while their kids are doing the same over in Camp Alphie.
The informal, relaxed tone of Parents’ Camp is sure to give you a wonderful break from the rigors of day-to-day life while providing you with new friends and connections with parents like you. It’s a place to recharge, relax, have fun – and return to your family with new resolve and energy!
So come on down to enjoy Parents’ Camp while your kids romp and have a good time at Camp Alphie!
While the doctors heal and the counselors help with an understanding of the disease, there is a need for families to know how others find normalcy in family life and cope as they journey through this crisis. That is why we felt it would help the whole family if we provided a retreat of fun and relaxation where the parents of children in their various stages of healing could share experiences. It is very informal and totally free of charge. However, it is only for parents, not for other relatives or friends.
Ryan Winger, Camp Director
PO Box 7665
Amarillo, Texas 79114
campalphie.org
Leave a Reply