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Everyone posing for a picture at CampCARE 2022.

Camp Brings Help and Hope

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CampCARE 2022 Wrap Up

Seventy children experienced the magic of CampCARE this year! We expanded our age range to include teens up to 18 years old, and we adored the new faces that joined us! Even though the 100-degree weather beat on, our camp leaders guided the groups through their activities with enthusiasm and joy.

And many activities there were! Campers went horseback riding, fishing, canoeing, swimming, hiking, and made lots of crafts. They challenged themselves on the ropes course – and rounded out their week with yoga, cooking, and music! Most importantly, each day featured healing time to share feelings and fears, and learn coping skills from our two staff therapists. CampCARE provided a well-rounded week of fun, friends, and emotional support – for free.

During a highs and lows session, one camper said, “My high is coming to camp, and my low is leaving camp!”

CampCARE Stories of Hope


A TV star is born! Grayson shared his story with CBS. He is a young caregiver to his mom, who was diagnosed with cancer.

“A couple years ago, I was told really bad news that my mom had cancer. Every time she needed something, I was like ‘on it.’ I get to do fun activities [at camp] like climbing a big rope course, swimming, and hanging out with friends.”

For Grayson, CampCARE meant he could meet others who have also been touched by cancer in their families.


Sanaa climbed to the top of the Alpine Tower and didn’t lose her smile once! She has been a caregiver for her mom, who was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Sanna climbing the apline tower at CampCARE 2022.
Sanna climbing the alpine tower.

“I really like the fishing – it was very relaxing and therapeutic – and having group time, so we remember why we’re here. We’re here because of how cancer has affected all of us, and I think that is very special.”

Sanaa’s mom was grateful her children got to enjoy a free summer camp after the family endured a financial hit at the beginning of her cancer journey.

Leo and his cousin particpate in yoga at CampCARE 2022.
Leo (left) and Hays (right) participate in yoga.

Leo’s life was already forever changed by the pandemic. But when his little sister, Lucy, was diagnosed with cancer, he became even more isolated from his friends and family to protect her. Leo, Lucy, and their two cousins, Hays and Samuel, were all close, so their isolation from each other was difficult.

Leo, Hays, and Samuel became the dynamic trio at camp! Lucy even came out during crafts to spend time with her brother and cousins, who were so excited to have their crew back together. Hays said he had the best week ever with his cousin! Leo, Hays, and Samuel also found the space to cope with Lucy’s diagnosis and what that means for them.

No child should cope with cancer alone

Young children, siblings, and cousins can feel lost in the shuffle of a familial cancer diagnosis, so CampCARE is an opportunity for them to feel heard and ask questions about cancer. Our counselors and staff help the kids understand and cope with their feelings, isolation, and fears. We want every kid to know they are not coping with cancer alone!

The magic of CampCARE will continue throughout the year with ClubCARE – a support group for young caregivers impacted by cancer. Campers can see the friends they made during camp and continue to learn more ways to cope with cancer.

Thank you to Sportsmen’s Club of Fort Worth for sponsoring CampCARE and making these special memories possible for our kiddos. And thank you to the many volunteers and staff for diving right in and ensuring another successful camp!

You can support programs like CampCARE and ClubCARE through monthly giving! Join the Hope Collective to ensure that no one has to cope with cancer alone.

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