Kids Can Be Kids at Summer Camps for Children with Cancer

Article date: February 13, 2012

By Stacy Simon

Though it may still be winter, it’s not too early to start thinking about summertime plans. Many children’s camp applications roll around in the spring. Starting now will give you time to gather medical records and any other paperwork you might need.

The American Cancer Society supports 45 camps for children with cancer. Dates vary, and range from a week-long overnight stay to a one-day experience for younger kids. Some camps also welcome brothers and sisters. Most are provided at no cost to families, but space is limited and camps do fill up.

American Cancer Society camps feature traditional summer activities such as swimming, music, arts and crafts, archery, sports, fishing, talent shows, horseback riding and camp fires. The staff includes pediatric oncologists and nurses to take care of campers’ medical needs. The camps are designed to provide a place for children in treatment or remission to experience the fun and adventure of summer camp without having to feel different from other kids.

Camp Hope, near Claflin, Kansas, is celebrating its 30th birthday this year. Camp director Stephanie Weiter encourages parents to talk to the camp director about what to expect, and find out in advance how the camp responds to concerns from safety to homesickness. She recalled distracting one homesick boy by appointing him the “sheriff” of camp and allowing him to write pretend tickets. That apparently did the trick.

Said Weiter, “The next year he said, ‘I don’t think I need to be the sheriff this year.’”

Find an American Cancer Society summer camp near you by calling 1-800-227-2345 or searching online. Choose “camps” from the drop-down list in the search box.

Reviewed by: Members of the ACS Medical Content Staff

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