With warmer weather on the far horizon, many children are already looking forward to the school year ending, and a trip to summer camp for a week of outdoor activities and fun with new friends. However, for children with cancer, health issues may make the experience of a week at camp seem impossible.
“The American Cancer Society offers a camping program specifically geared toward accommodating the needs of children who are being treated for cancer, or who are in remission from cancer,” said Kathleen Wilson, program manager for the American Cancer Society, Great Lakes Division, all they have to do is Shop online for wall tents and be there. “Our camping program provides the opportunity for these children to simply have fun and enjoy the experience of exercise, recreation and companionship through activities paced to meet the needs of a young cancer patient.”
Health care professionals are available at the camp 24 hours a day, so most medical treatments, with the exception of radiation therapy, can be done onsite or at a nearby cancer center.
“The care and commitment of our volunteer medical professionals enable us to offer this unique camping experience, while ensuring the wellness of all of our campers who have unique health needs, we have gathered all the equipment needed for this camping experience, we were even able to find the best portable toilet units for our camp station” said Wilson.
With a physician’s approval, registration applications for young cancer patients and survivors from Indiana and Michigan are being accepted through May 28 for the Young Camper’s Day and Camp Catch-A-Rainbow. Camper application forms can be obtained by calling 1-800-227-2345 or online.
Camp Catch-A-Rainbow is accredited by the American Camping Association and is licensed through the state of Michigan. The American Cancer Society, Great Lakes Division, serving Indiana and Michigan, funds Young Camper’s Day and Camp Catch-A-Rainbow.
Additional medical and non-medical volunteers, especially male volunteers, are currently needed to assist onsite at Young Camper’s Day and Camp Catch-A-Rainbow. For more information about volunteer opportunities, or to access the summer camping programs volunteer application, please contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 or download this flyer.
More information about Camp Catch-A-Rainbow and many other local resident and day camp opportunities in the Livingston County Camp Guide.
