A Special Story of Hope from Teen Retreat 2024

Connections can change lives as they did for Jayden, a 15-year-old who recently lost his mom to breast cancer. This summer, we hosted our second Teen Retreat, a two-day therapeutic retreat focused on coping and connection for teens impacted by cancer. There, Jayden found a safe space to connect with others who understood his grief.

Struggling with losing his mom and hesitant to attend therapy, Jayden was reserved and quiet the first morning. Jayden blossomed through the retreat’s therapeutic activities and found solace in connections with those sharing his experience. After attending the Teen Retreat, Jayden found the strength to cope with his grief and is now ready for counseling.

Imagine the strength Jayden draws from knowing he’s not alone. This strength comes from connecting with others who have had a mom, dad, grandparent, sibling, or a loved one diagnosed with cancer.

What is Cancer Care’s Teen Retreat?

Cancer Care’s Teen Retreat aims to fill the gap of support for teens with a loved one impacted by cancer. This overnight retreat at YMCA Camp Carter involves sneakily therapeutic activities and lots of outdoor time! This year, our camper tried out new activities like paddle boarding and archery tag!

From splashing in the pool to therapeutic kickball, our camp counselors ensured every activity was infused with bonding time and coping tools. When doing “highs and lows” on the last day, the only low our teens gave was that the retreat was not long enough!

We’re so excited to see our teens again next year!