A Resource List

Last Updated, June 2007

Whether it is a summer camp, a weeklong retreat, or a weekend gathering, children, adults, and families can come together to experience new adventures, find support, and learn something new about themselves. The following list offers just some of the thousands of national and international camps and retreats available during the coming year. This list is intended as information only; to learn more about camps, support groups, and other ways to connect with others, talk to an oncology nurse or social worker.

Most camps offer full-time care for individuals with special needs, and some include staff oncology doctors and nurses who provide medical care to campers when necessary. And to make these camps/retreats accessible to as many people as possible, many are available at low or no cost. If you or family members are considering attending a local or distant camp or retreat, be sure to first consult your doctor.

American Cancer Society (ACS), New England

ACS provides information about three New England camp programs located in Colebrook, Connecticut; Ellsworth, Maine; and North Scituate, Rhode Island.

A New Beginning Cancer Retreat, Iowa

Retreats are held year-round and are available for cancer survivors of all ages. Weekend retreats are offered and support groups are held at the retreat center as well.

Arizona Camp Sunrise and Sidekicks, Arizona

Established by the American Cancer Society, Arizona Camp Sunrise offers special programs for children who have or have had cancer, and Sidekicks, programs for the siblings of children with cancer. Arizona Camp Sunrise offers weeklong, residential summer camps; day camps; weekend retreats; teen trips; and other year-round special events.

Camp CareFree, Texas

A cancer support group, The Anderson Network, sponsors Camp CareFree. The Anderson Network consists of more than 1,300 cancer survivors. Camp CareFree is a weekend retreat open to any M.D. Anderson patient age 25 or older who receives medical clearance. The weekend retreat is held at Camp For All, a camping facility designed specifically for people with disabilities and life-threatening illnesses.

Camp Kesem, throughout the United States

College student run, Camp Kesem is a weeklong, sleep-away summer camp for kids (ages 6 to 13) who have or have had a parent with cancer. The camps are held on college campuses throughout the United States, including Arizona State University, Stanford University, Northwestern University, and University of Virginia. Each of the camps is organized and operated by a group of student leaders.

Camp Mak-A-Dream, Montana

Camp Mak-A-Dream is operated by Children's Oncology Camp Foundation. It is a medically supervised, cost-free camp for children (ages 6 to 13), teens (14 to 18), and young adults (19 to 25) with cancer. Camp Mak-A-Dream also offers a camp for siblings ages 6 to 17 who have a brother or sister with cancer.

Camp Mak-A-Dream also hosts retreats for adults with cancer each fall. This fall, the Ovarian Cancer Survivor's Retreat and the Women's Cancer Retreat will be held at the facility.

Camp Quality, throughout the United States

Camp Quality offers a summer camp as well as year-round support programs for children with cancer. Currently, there are 15 camps established in 12 states. The camps provide a stress-free environment that offers exciting activities, a chance to develop new friendships, and opportunities to help children courage and emotional strength.

Camp Sunshine, Georgia

Camp Sunshine is a weeklong retreat for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. Camp Sunshine's focus is on alleviating the strain that a life-threatening illness takes not only on the child who is ill, but also on other family members.

Cancer Services of New Mexico's Family Cancer Retreats, New Mexico

Family Cancer Retreat is a free, three-day educational retreat for adults with cancer and their families. The event includes a combination of educational workshops and family activities. The retreat is held twice a year in Glorieta, New Mexico.

Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation

The Candlelighters website provides a list of cancer camps for kids.

First Descents, Colorado and Montana

First Descents is a free, seven-day kayak camp for young adults with cancer. First Descents uses kayaking and other outdoor activities to help campers face challenges associated with living with cancer in a fun and supportive environment. Other outdoor activities include rafting, challenge courses, horseback riding, and teamwork exercises.

Harmony Hill, Washington

Harmony Hill, located on the south shore of the Olympic Peninsula's Hood Canal, offers weekend, residential cancer retreats for people with cancer and their loved ones. Harmony Hill is the Pacific Northwest's only wellness and retreat center with a focus on providing assistance to people with cancer.

The Hole in the Wall Gang, Connecticut and other locations

The Hole in the Wall Gang is a camp where children with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses can connect with others, and find joy and a renewed sense of being a kid. This camp, which was founded by Paul Newman in 1988, offers summer programs, fall reunions, parent support programs, and other outreach programs. The Hole in the Wall Gang is one camp within the Association of Hole in the Wall Camps. There are 11 other camps located in Ireland, Hampshire, Hungary, Italy, Florida, New York, France, Israel, California, North Carolina, and South Africa.

Life Beyond Cancer, Arizona

Life Beyond Cancer is a three-day retreat for women cancer survivors focusing on issues related to wellness after cancer treatment, along with self and community advocacy.

The Lighthouse Family Retreat, Georgia

The Lighthouse is a seaside family retreat for children with cancer. The purpose of The Lighthouse Family Retreat is to provide a place of hope and renewal to families facing challenges and allow them to escape for a week of fun and rejuvenation. Some highlights of the program are family-centered beach games, arts/crafts, parent support groups, and evening activities that include a luau, talent show, spa treatment time, and a special night out for the parents.>

Planet Cancer Young Adult Retreats, Texas

Planet Cancer's Young Adult Retreats are a weekend experience designed to bring young adults together for recreation, relaxation, and sharing. Planet Cancer offers weekend retreat programs for 18 to 25 year olds and 25 to 40 year olds. Planet Cancer is hosting a couples retreat in 2008.

Smith Farm Center for the Healing Arts, Washington, DC

Smith Farm Center offers retreats and programs for people with cancer and their caregivers. The Center facilitates several weeklong, residential retreats each year in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.

Special Love, Inc., Virginia

Special Love provides camps, support networks, and other unique experiences for children with cancer, their siblings, and families.