Cancer is a horrifying disease but camps specializing in cancer offer a respite, with fresh air, fellow feeling with other campers. Counselors are specially trained to deal with children suffering from leukemia, lymphoma and other forms of the disease. Spending time at camp is a good experience for kids and family, as they leave hospitals and nursing for a time to have fun outdoors.
Children and teens aged 5-17 who have had a cancer diagnosis are eligible to participate, whether in or out of treatment. All children must have the approval of their physicians to attend. Other activities at cancer camps might include swimming, photography, board games, magic tricks, campfires, hiking, horseback riding, boating and more. The social interaction and closeness with other children with a similar condition allow them to see that they are not alone in their struggle. The support and camaraderie at cancer camps is quite unlike that at other camps.
Cancer camps or retreats are made accessible to as many people as possible at low or no cost. Specially trained counselors who all share the mission of giving the campers a safe and fun-filled time at the camp staff cancer camps. Campers are delighted to get the rare opportunity to leave behind their hospital visits for a while and enjoy themselves with other campers in a fun-filled environment.
Medical professionals and counselors are available at all times and staff members make sure that campers take necessary medications. Most cancer camps offer full-time care for people with special needs, and some include oncology doctors and nurses who provide medical care to campers when necessary. Children who need chemotherapy or a blood test can get treatment right on campus at some cancer camps. Each child is evaluated daily and monitored thoroughly. A medical history of the cancer patient is maintained by the doctors at these cancer camps so as to give campers the best treatment and care.
Camps listed below can offer more detail about their facilities and programs.
