Free Summer Camp Offered To Kids Diagnosed With Cancer
Free Summer Camp Offered To Kids Diagnosed With Cancer
ROCKY HILL â Cancer does not have to be the reason for a child to miss out on all the fun and excitement of summer camp. Children ages 5â17 who have ever been diagnosed with cancer are invited to attend the American Cancer Societyâs Camp Rising Sun â free of charge â from August 21 to 26 at Camp Jewell YMCA in Colebrook.
Camp Rising Sun has been in operation since 1983 and is a special place where kids with cancer go to see they are not alone in their struggle, while providing support, camaraderie, and lifelong friendships for everyone involved.
Weeklong activities are dependant on the weather, but may include swimming, photography, arts and crafts, campfires, hiking, horseback riding, and boating.
âThe kids do everything that any other camp would do along with meeting the physical, psychological, and emotional needs of young cancer patients â said Tina Saunders, camp coordinator for the society.
On average, between 100 and 110 children attend Camp Rising Sun each year. The majority of campers are from Connecticut, but campers from other states are also welcomed.
When asked what campers liked most about Camp Rising Sun, many remarked that they like how everyone cares about everyone else and how they were able to share their thoughts, feelings, and concerns with others who have or had cancer.
At Camp Rising Sun, there is always a pediatric oncologist and at least four nurses available on site, 24 hours a day, allowing those still in treatment to attend. Camp Rising Sun is staffed by volunteers who come to camp from all types of backgrounds including teachers, firefighters, police officers, and students.
All share the mission of giving the campers a safe and fun-filled week. Camper to staff ratio is 2:1.
Camp Rising Sun is free and made possible by the many generous donations of friends and American Cancer Society donors. For more information, an application to register for Camp Rising Sun, or to make a donation to camp, contact Tina Saunders at tina.saunders@cancer.org or call 203-379-4762.