2013 R.O.C.K. Camp

Cancer can make children feel different from other children, and that may be one of the disease's worst side effects of all. That's what makes R.O.C.K. Camp so special.
 

What

Established in 1976, Reaching Out to Cancer Kids, or R.O.C.K. Camp is the first camp for children with cancer in the U.S.  

Who

The American Cancer Society’s R.O.C.K. Camp, in partnership with Camp Boggy Creek, serves children and teenagers ages 7-16 who are referred by pediatric oncology centers and private practices and are currently being treated for cancer or who have received cancer treatment. Full time volunteer medical staff includes resident pediatric oncologists and nursing personnel.

Why

Florida's first and only residential camp exclusively for children with cancer offers campers an opportunity to experience the fun and adventure of summer camp without having to feel different from other kids.

When

In 2013, the R.O.C.K. camp dates will be as follows:

June 26 - July 2:  Children from South Florida, Tampa and St. Petersburg

August 2 - 8:  Children from North Florida and Orlando

Volunteer counselors and medical staff will arrive one day before campers' sessions for in-depth staff training.

Where

Camp Boggy Creek is located in Eustis, Florida (approximately 40 miles northwest of Orlando).

Cost

All R.O.C.K. Campers attend free of charge. Campers are encouraged to ride the American Cancer Society's free, chartered buses to camp.

Activities

R.O.C.K. Camp features traditional summer camp activities such as swimming, music, arts and crafts, archery, sports, fishing, talent shows, horseback riding and camp fires.

How to Apply

R.O.C.K. Camp applications for campers and volunteers will be available on the Camp Boggy Creek website - www.boggycreek.org - in the Spring of 2013. Applications for South Camp (June 26 - July 2) will be due by April 1 and applications for North Camp (August 2 - 8) will be due by May 1. Please note: late applications will be accepted, but space is limited.

Contact

Susan Lee, Director of Childhood Cancer Programs
American Cancer Society, Florida Division
3709 West Jetton Avenue
Tampa, FL 33629
800-444-1410, ext. 4405
susan.lee@cancer.org

Other ways of reaching out

As funds are available after R.O.C.K. Camp, College Scholarships and Families R.O.C.K. Weekend are fully funded, R.O.C.K. Programs also support childhood cancer research; programs to detect childhood cancer early; help for parents to access the best treatment for their child; programs that will eliminate childhood behaviors known to cause cancer later in life and/or diminish suffering of the child with cancer and the child’s family.