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survivorship and patient services Young cancer survivors are invited to our fun-filled, annual summer camp The American Cancer Society Great Lakes Division supports kids who have had a personal experience with cancer, and their families, through our annual camp program, Camp Catch-A-Rainbow. At this camp, specifically for children who are 7-15 years old, "everyone's in the same boat," says Greg Dufner, the volunteer director. Campers are not 'the kid with cancer'; they are just like everyone else and ready to have a great week-long summer camp experience. Medical professionals are on staff and most treatments can be given to campers still battling the disease on site or in a nearby cancer center. The camp is offered free of charge to children living in Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan due to financial support from Relay For Life, Cattle Baron's Balls, and other American Cancer Society events. Because of the continuous funding and the dedicated work of camp staff and volunteers, campers are able to attend a fun and exciting camp that also holds up to highest standards. Camp Catch-A-Rainbow is accredited through the American Camp Association and licensed in the state of Michigan.  The program has been in place since 1987, when 14 kids showed up for the first camp. Twenty years later, the program has grown to about 100 kids, and there is room for more.
Megan LaForge (shown right) of Williamston, Michigan, will be going to the program again this year for the sixth time. "I always love going to Camp Catch-A-Rainbow because it's really fun," she says. "It's like any other camp except for the fact that you see people that are exactly like you." Megan lost her kidney when she was three because of a tumor. She was re-diagnosed with cancer when she was five, but has been cancer-free for six and a half years. She loves the variety of activities available, which includes canoeing, swimming, archery, a ropes course, rock climbing walls, arts and crafts, and more. "It's really fun and you don't really feel left out or different," she explains. Megan's parents appreciate Camp Catch-A-Rainbow because they see how happy it makes her. "She sees the same people, same counselors, year after year, it's amazing. Some people travel from as far as California to be counselors. They do so much, it's unreal." says Tom LaForge, Megan's dad. The hardest part of letting Megan go to camp for the first time wasn't worrying about her health, it was the same worries any parent goes through when they drop off their child to their first camp: saying goodbye. "She was just gone," he says with a laugh as he remembers how comfortable she was. "There's so much stuff for kids to do and so many positive things going on in their lives there. It's a good opportunity for kids to grow and it gives them a chance to be independent a little bit." Camp Catch-A-Rainbow is held at a YMCA facility in south-central Michigan, near Jackson. This year, camp will be held from June 18-23. On June 18, children who are 4--6 years old are invited to come for Young Campers Day, a one day program. Camper families must complete a registration form, including a medical form to be completed by the camper's physician. Forms can be obtained by calling 1-800-723-0360 or by going online at www.cancer.org/camprainbow. If transportation is needed, the American Cancer Society's volunteer Road to Recovery program can step in to help. If you would like to contribute to Camp Catch-A-Rainbow, take a look at the wish list for ideas. Other articles in VOICES this month community focus: volunteers show teamwork and passion for new Relay events |
survivorship and patient services: Relay For Life celebrates and supports survivors in your community |
research: people with personal cancer experiences help determine funding for Society research |
education: all women over 40 need mammograms, a government funded program may help with cost |
advocacy: meet Sharon Simmons, a survivor joining the Society's efforts in Washington DC |
advocacy: Sign the 2015 petition, make your voice heard in Washington DC |
local area spotlight: Society staff partner with health organizations |
resource highlight: sign up now for action alerts to monitor cancer issues |
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