Camp Sunshine (http://www.campsunshine.org): Camp Sunshine's mission is to provide children with life threatening illnesses and their families support and resources. Located in beautiful South Casco, Maine, the camp offers week long programs with professional counseling, workshops, recreational opportunities, and onsite medical support for children and their families at no charge. Camp Sunshine has the distinction of being the only program in the nation whose mission is to address the impact of a critical illness on every member of the immediate family-the ill child, the parents, and the siblings. Families have an opportunity to rebuild their relationships together and meet other families facing similar challenges. This is a great place for some much needed rest, relaxation and family time. Although there are limited spots available each year, it's worth looking into. For more information see www.campsunshine.org or call 207-655-3800.
COCA International (http://www.coca-intl.org): Children's Oncology Camps Association International--Check here for a list of all the registered cancer camps in North America!
Special Love and Camp Fantastic (http://www.speciallove.org): Special Love, based out of Winchester, VA, was created to let kids be kids. The organization provides fun and exciting events for kids with cancer year round. Camp Fantastic is Special Love's hallmark program. The week-long summer camp provides children with cancer an opportunity to step back from the seriousness of their disease and enjoy the bonds of friendship with other children who share similar experiences. Camp Fantastic provides classes, recreation, theme parties, campfires and other exciting activities for seven to seventeen year-old cancer patients who are currently being treated or have undergone treatment within the last three years. For more information visit www.speciallove.org or call 540-667-3774.
Camp Begin-Again, Point Hope Day Camp and Point Hope Retreat for Teens: Camp Begin-Again is a free weekend camp for children grieving the loss of a loved one. This camp, although not appropriate for the ill child, might be perfect for siblings, should the ill child pass away. The camp is sponsored by the Hospice of Northern Virginia and runs twice each summer. Point Hope Day Camp (for younger children) and Point Hope Retreat for Teens are similar camps that runs in the spring Additional information may be obtained by calling 703-538-2043.
Camp Starfish: Camp Starfish is another camp geared toward siblings loss. The camp is ages 6 to 14 and is designed specifically for those grieving the loss of a loved one. Camp Starfish is run by Hospice of Washington and runs once in the summer and once in the fall. For more information, call 202-895-0124.