What Is Camp Ukandu?

Every summer, the American Cancer Society's Camp Ukandu gathers more than 120 campers from Oregon and SW Washington for a week of 'outrageous fun!'  Camp Ukandu is a medically-supervised, week-long camp for children ages 8 - 17 who are currently undergoing cancer treatment or who are within two years of their last treatment.  And, since cancer affects the entire family, one sibling is also eligible to attend.  Activities include swimming, rock-climbing, outdoor games, arts & crafts, nightly campfires with skits and so much more! Read more

The Camp Ukandu Mission

The mission of Camp Ukandu is to provide a safe and secure environment in which children living with cancer can -- through a week of outrageously fun camping activities -- have happy childhood experiences that have been missed due to time spent dealing with cancer and its treatments.  Activities are designed to provide a good, fun experience and to build confidence and instill independence.

Where and When?

The American Cancer Society Camp Ukandu is held yearly at YMCA Camp Collins, in Gresham, OR located within beautiful Oxbow Park, just outside Portland.

Camp Ukandu will be held June 17-23, 2012.

Can I Come?

Children eligible for American Cancer Society Camp Ukandu must be between the ages of 8 and 17 and not a high school graduate. Each eligible patient is invited to bring one sibling to camp. Oncologists in Oregon and Southwest Washington receive application forms and pass them on to the parents of their patients. Parents then submit the application to the American Cancer Society.

Parents can also call us at 1-800-227-2345 with questions regarding eligibility or to request an application.

Volunteer Information

If you are interested in volunteering, please review and complete this application or you can call Nicole Fowler at 503-795-3914 with any questions.

Leadership in Training (LIT) Program

Camp Ukandu has a Leadership in Training program offered to eligible past campers and cancer survivors in an effort to identify leadership traits, to develop leadership skills, to enhance self confidence and self esteem and to provide an opportunity to know the value of being a part of a team. For more information including eligibility guidelines, or to inquire about an application, please call 503-795-3914.

Camp Ukandu and the Portland Hope Ball

The Portland Hope Ball is the American Cancer Society’s annual fund-raiser, and gives Portlanders the opportunity to participate in the fight against cancer while enjoying a spectacular evening of great food, drink, auctions, and events.

A portion of the funds raised at the event will directly support Camp Ukandu and the Cancer Survivor College Scholarship Program. Click here for more information.

Camp Ukandu Teen Retreat

The annual Camp Ukandu Teen Retreat is an exciting weekend retreat, designed around the specific needs of teens (ages 14-18 years old) who have been affected by cancer. Activities are designed not only to provide a good time, but to build confidence and instill independence. The 2012 dates are coming soon.

You Can Support Camp Ukandu

We need your help! Thanks to the generosity of various individuals, organizations and foundations, camp Ukandu is offered FREE of charge to all campers. If you would like to make a donation directly to camp Ukandu or want to learn more about how you can make a difference in the lives of children impacted by cancer, please contact Nicole Fowler, Camp Director at 503.795.3914, or nicole.fowler@cancer.org.