survivorship and patient services

ACS summer camps offer an outlet for children and young adults facing cancer
Summer is approaching and American children are excitedly counting down the days before camp. Eating s’mores around the campfire, horseback riding, swimming, and the development of life-long friendships are just a few of the memories and experiences gained from being part of a summer camp adventure.

The American Cancer Society decided long ago that no child should miss such an opportunity, especially those fighting cancer. Since the first free ACS summer camp in 1976, ACS camp programs have grown tremendously, with more than 45 camps in almost every region in the country. There are two wonderful summer camp programs here in the Great Lakes Division, Camp-Catch-A-Rainbow (CCAR) and the Young Adult Retreat (YAR).

Holly Polanic of Grand Rapids, Michigan is a camp veteran. She attended both programs while she was battling cancer. Diagnosed at age nine, the idea of a week away from her parents initially sounded preposterous. "Cancer is a scary thing, especially for young children," said Holly. "But don’t pass up the opportunity to go to camp. I think it’s very important for kids that are going through [cancer] to meet other kids who are going through that too."

Holly’s favorite experience at camp was Wednesday’s Big Day of Fun. That particular year, they had a Hollywood theme where they rolled out a red carpet in front of the dining hall. "They had volunteers line the red carpet, and every single one of us got to individually walk up. They clapped, they cheered, and they had photographers that were pretending to take pictures of us," recalled Holly. "That was one of my most treasured memories because nothing else at that point matters. It just truly made you feel so important and so loved."

Camp Catch-A-Rainbow, held June 15-20 in Jackson, Michigan, is designed to provide children ages 7 to 15 the opportunity to relax, have a good time, and enjoy the camp experience through activities paced to meet the needs of kids with cancer. CCAR also offers a special one-day Young Campers Program for children ages four to six who may not enjoy an overnight camp-out, but still want to be part of the fun.

The Young Adult Retreat, held July 10-13 in South Bend, Indiana, is designed for cancer survivors and patients between the age of 16 and 20. Young adults from Indiana and Michigan get the opportunity to meet and hang out with others who have shared similar experiences. YAR activities include a day trip to Chicago, late-night movies, and plenty of downtime to enjoy their new friends.

Both camp programs are supervised by medical and non-medical volunteers who participate in all day and evening activities and provide care. "[Parents] can let their kids go to camp and feel completely confident that they are being looked after [as] there is medical staff there in case anything happens," said Holly.

The registration deadline for the 2008 summer season of Camp Catch-A-Rainbow is May 16, and June 13 is the deadline for the Young Adult Retreat. For an application, call your American Cancer Society at 1-800-723-0360, or visit www.cancer.org/camprainbow or www.cancer.org/retreat.

Pictured: Holly Polanic (age 10) at camp (top right); Holly Polanic (bottom left)