Camps are FUN!
Camps are FREE!
We are all about fun at camp,
but we are also extremely proud of the indisputable fact
that camp goes far beyond giggling, joke-telling, and crazy games.
Camp matters.
And it matters even more to kids battling serious illness.
The Yale Child Study Center recently found that kids who attend camp showed improved confidence, higher self-esteem, a greater sense of independence, and an increased interest in social activities. Their research revealed that children’s stress related to their illness decreased as a result of the camp experience.
Please contact me at [email protected] if you know additional camps that should be listed in our directory.
Camps soothe the soul.
Children’s Oncology Camping Association, International
The mission of this non-profit organization is to strengthen the international community of camps for children with cancer and their families through networking, advocacy, and education. In 1982, C.O.C.A. (Children’s Oncology Camps of America) was founded by a dozen pioneer oncology camps. The personnel from these twelve camps found that the lives of children with cancer were immeasurably enhanced by camping. Noting their similar experiences, these visionary souls believed a forum should be created to share their ideas and experiences. That forum known as C.O.C.A. currently consists of almost 123 member camps within the United States and Canada. In 1996, C.O.C.A. officially changed its name to Children’s Oncology Camping Association, International, to incorporate the camps outside of the United States.
Disclaimer: Nancy’s List and I do not endorse nor recommend any of these camps. Although I have done my best to evaluate these resources and to list only those that fulfill the criteria for inclusion, you will need to assess whether a camp is appropriate for your child and your family.
H. says
Dear Nancy,
I want to thank you for this.
I am a breast cancer survivor.
My daughter’s father is currently battling Stage IV colon cancer.
My daughter is 7. I have been to the end of the Internet looking for support for her. In all that time, I had never heard of Camp Kesem until I opened your email a couple of weeks ago. She is now enrolled to go to sleep-away camp for a week and make friends with kids who are in the shoes.
THANK YOU!!!