If you’ve ever been camping with a child, then you have witnessed their curiosity, laughter, and astonishment. Children are introduced to the natural world, partake in new and fun activities, and develop bonds with those they are camping with. These same opportunities are extended to children and families facing a darker reality: cancer. Care Camps Foundation, started by a group of KOA owners who began fundraising to send kids with cancer to camp, has grown into an exceptional national organization, with a few camps supported in Michigan. We spoke with Missy Lucas, Director of Marketing and Communications, about Care Camps Foundation and how to get involved.
Q: What is the mission of Care Camps Foundation?
A: Care Camps Foundation is the only national non-profit organization that solely funds camps for children with cancer across the United States and Canada. Our mission is to give joy, hope, and the healing power of the outdoors to children with cancer and their families at medically supervised pediatric oncology camps.
Q: What inspires you to be a part of this organization?
A: What’s truly inspiration is seeing the children and their happiness and smiles on their faces when they are at camp.
Also, many of the children who attend these special camps often return year after year. Their experience becomes a lifeline of hope, joy, and support that sustains them throughout their illness and life. And many of them later serve as camp counselors and/or choose to work in the medical community to help other children with cancer.
We are proud that our investment in the camps is the gift that keeps on giving year after year.
Q: Why camping?
A: When a child is diagnosed with cancer, everything changes. Normalcy, unfortunately, becomes doctors’ appointments, medical treatments, and more. Amid it all, something magical happens when these children and their families spend time outdoors, and specifically at the camps we help fund. These pediatric oncology camps truly exemplify that healing happens outdoors and in community with others.
Q: What do you see children and their families taking away from their experience?
A: The biggest takeaway is that these children have the chance to “just be kids” at camp. Attending camp with other children who are dealing with similar experiences brings a sense of normalcy without having to explain their illness or medical treatments.
Also, the children have the opportunity to cultivate a community of support and friendships that may be unavailable in their daily lives that continues well beyond camp.
Q: How many camps are supported in Michigan by Care Camps Foundation? What does that support look like?
A: Care Camps Foundation currently funds four camps in Michigan:
• Camp Casey, Rothbury, MI
• Camp Catch-A-Rainbow, Jackson, MI
• Camp Quality Michigan, Boyne City, MI
• Special Days Camp, Montague, MI
In 2024, we provided funding to a total of 117 pediatric oncology camps across the U.S. and Canada who collectively served over 41,000 children with cancer and their family members. Our support helps to cover the camps’ operational expenses so children and families can attend these camps at no cost. A complete list of the camps we support can be found on our website at carecamps.org. Click on the Camps We Support tab.
Q: How can people get involved with and support Care Camps Foundation (both for individuals like your typical RVer and businesses like campgrounds and dealerships)?
A: There are many ways businesses and individuals can support Care Camps Foundation. We have many tools and ways to get involved on our website. Under the Fundraising tab, check out the numerous fun and easy options that are available, including user-friendly toolkits, grab-and-go marketing materials, and Corporate and Campground Giving Guides.
Also, individual donations are greatly appreciated and can be made online or mailed to our office. Learn more and be inspired at carecamps.org.