Tag: CampCARE

Crystal and Carvel’s Story

A family with a mother, two teenage soons, and a young sister pose together.

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Crystal and Carvel’s Story of Hope Transcript

Crystal (00:13)

I was having mammograms every six months, and I say, about a year and a half later they told me that it had changed, and I got a biopsy done. And that’s when I found out I had cancer.

Carvel (00:27)

What’s gonna happen to my mother? My mom is my whole world. It was a hard conversation. And right then and there is when I decided I needed to take on more responsibility.

Crystal (01:06)

Going through cancer treatment. It, it negatively affected Carvel the most because he’s the oldest, and he understood what was going on.

You know, when you’re going through cancer, you’re not going through it alone. The people who are there and care for you, they’re going through it with you.

He had to learn how to do hair for his little sister. It looked crazy, but it was done. And he had to help take his autistic brother to therapy. He had to step in and shoot basically grow up.

Carvel (01:08)

It never felt like a job to me.

Crystal (01:12)

He’s just a – he’s an amazing human being

Carvel (01:35)

Going through this before Cancer Care and not knowing anyone who dealt with cancer care or treatments. So I was depressed. My mom was depressed. We were – we felt very alone and isolated from everyone else. We felt like we weren’t normal. We felt like we were dealing with something that only we were dealing with.

Crystal (02:00)

I didn’t know basically what the Cancer Care services were. It’s nice because with everything going on, the appointments, the medications, the chemo, radiation, just everything you’re going through during the time of treatment, you’re constantly at doctor’s appointments. Then when you go home, you have work to do at home, you know?

Carvel (02:15)

Yeah. It caused a lot of stress for me. And when I was stressed, it caused stress for my mother. So, I had to seek help. And that’s when she told me about, um, Cancer Care and I was like, let’s do it. Let’s take that step.

Crystal (02:32)

If you need any help with any type of prescriptions or if you are behind on a bill, hey, we have emergency funds to assist with that and so it is very helpful when you have someone there to help you navigate through everything.

Carvel (03:20)

Well, my experience as a Camper, it was actually like a bright moment. I would say. It was like a breath of relief because when I was able to share my moments with other people who also went through it at CampCARE, I was like, I’m not alone in this.

Cancer Care is a great big family. That night away, that was like a night where I didn’t have any stress. I didn’t have to think about work. I didn’t have to think about prescriptions, and I didn’t have to think about treatment. I was just purely having fun for one night. And Cancer Care can take that load off my back.

You don’t have to deal with this alone. You can come over with us, me and my mom, and we can go over to Cancer Care together, and we can get the help that you need.

Cancer Care is gonna be there every single step of the way, and we will too ’cause we’re part of Cancer Care now.

CampCARE 2024 in Action

What’s happening at CampCARE 2024?

CampCARE 2024 is in full swing! Each year, we host a week-long summer day camp for children ages 5-12 who have a loved one impacted by cancer. This week, we have already hiked nature trails, caught giant fish, played laser tag, canoed with friends, and so much more.

A group of pre-teens stand in a group overlooking a scenic view at CampCARE 2024. Two pre-teen boys race during a game at CampCARE 2024.

Day One saw our campers welcome friends with big hugs and excited laughter. Our talented counseling team led fun get-to-know-you games that inspired new friendships and bonds – and helped each child realize they are not the only one impacted by a cancer diagnosis.

Two girls and one boy roll cookie dough into balls to place onto a baking sheet at CampCARE 2024.A young girl pets a snake held by a handler while two boys watch in awe at CampCARE 2024.

Day Two introduced new games like laser tag and brought back old favorites like archery! Each activity allows a child to grow beyond their comfort zone and build self-confidence.

A young girl stands in an archery range preparing her bow and arrow at CampCARE 2024.
Click on the image above to watch activities from Day 2 of CampCARE!

We are so grateful to the Sportsmen’s Club of Fort Worth for making CampCARE possible. Thank you to our many wonderful volunteers, donors, board of directors, and staff for creating a safe, welcoming, and fun-filled camp!

Keep up with the fun on our Facebook and Instagram!

 

CampCARE 2024: Teen Retreat

A group of teens tand together in a circle at Teen Retreat.

CampCARE is a FREE overnight retreat designed for teens ages 13-18 who have a loved one impacted by cancer. Campers get to experience all the exciting camp activities: horseback, archery, and canoeing. Campers will also spend time each day doing group therapy activities with a Licensed Professional Counselor. These activities will help campers learn coping skills and how to manage their emotions. They will also have a safe space to talk with other campers about their cancer experiences.

For more information, please contact Megan Clifton | CampCARE Director: Megan@CancerCareServices.org

CampCARE Teen Retreat 2024 flyer

CampCARE 2024

Group photo at CampCARE 2023

CampCARE is a FREE week-long, summer day camp designed for children ages 5-12, who have a loved one impacted by cancer. Campers get to experience all the exciting camp activities: horseback, archery, and canoeing. Campers will also spend time each day doing group therapy activities with a Licensed Professional Counselor. These activities will help campers learn coping skills and how to manage their emotions. They will also have a safe space to talk with other campers about their cancer experiences.

Contact Megan Clifton | CampCARE Director for more information: Megan@CancerCareServices.org

Interested in volunteering? Sign up to access our volunteer portal for CampCARE opportunities.

CampCARE 2024 Flyer

Empowering children impacted by cancer

Group photo at CampCARE 2023

CampCARE 2023 Wrap Up

CampCARE was “out of this world” (this year’s theme)! 75 children, ages 5-12 who have a loved one with cancer, attended Cancer Care’s week-long day camp. We were thrilled to welcome 31 new campers this year!

The campers hiked, canoed, fished, swam, fed horses, tried archery, met Fort Worth firefighters, conquered the ropes course, and, most importantly – shared their cancer experiences with their peers and learned healthy ways to cope, thanks to our therapists on staff. By the end of the week, each child KNEW they were not alone in their cancer journeys.

One of our priorities during CampCARE is to provide creative ways for the children to express their thoughts and feelings. This year, every child decorated a t-shirt in honor or memory of their loved one with cancer. One of the campers honored her dad, who has cancer, by writing, “My dad is a warrior.So empowering for them both!

A young girl at CampCARE 2023 shows the front of her decorated t-shirt. A young girl at CampCARE 2023 shows the back of her decorated t-shirt.

Because finances shouldn’t mean that a child has to cope with cancer alone, CampCARE is always FREE to attend.

One mom shared, “I just wanted to say thank you so much for inviting our children to Camp Carter! It was such a blessing to be able to have them attend and there was no way we would have been able to send all 3 of them for a whole week. So, from the bottom of our hearts, thank you so much! They loved every minute of it and made some wonderful memories!”

CampCARE in the News

NBC 5 featured CampCARE in their #SomethingGood segment! Check out the video below or view the segment on the NBCDFW website.

Sharing Gratitude

Lastly, we would like to thank the many people who made CampCARE an out-of-this-world event. We are proud of our Camp Director and counseling team for making every child feel loved and heard! The CampCARE crew leaders did a fantastic job guiding their groups and encouraging bonding. We were blessed with many volunteers that decorated the retreat center, helped the camp run smoothly, and cleaned up. To the Sportsmen’s Club of Fort Worth and our donors – we could not bring help and hope to our campers without you! Thank you!

Empower Children Impacted by Cancer

If you would like to support life-changing programs like CampCARE, please consider joining our monthly giving club. The Hope Collective ensures that those impacted by cancer receive financial, emotional, and practical support all year round.

Camp Brings Help and Hope

Everyone posing for a picture at CampCARE 2022.

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.

CampCARE 2022

Campers at CampCARE 2021 are ready for CampCARE 2022!

Camp Care 2022 Info:

CampCARE 2022 is a FREE week-long, summer day camp, designed for children ages 5-17, who have a loved one impacted by cancer. Campers get to experience all the exciting camp activities; horseback, archery, and canoeing. Campers will also spend time each day doing group therapy activities with a Licensed ProfessionalCounselor. These activities will help campers learn coping skills, and how to manage their emotions. They will also have a safe space to talk with other campers about their cancer experiences.

June 20 – 24 | 8AM – 5PM
YMCA Camp Carter, Fort Worth

For details and to RSVP, contact:
Megan Clifton,
CampCARE Director
Megan@CancerCareServices.org
817-482-5996

CONTENIDO Y TRADUCCIÓN DISPONIBLE EN ESPAÑOL
CONTACTE KELLY@CANCERCARESERVICES.ORG

Volunteers Needed:

Join our CARE Crew this summer for a fun and impactful week at CampCARE, a day camp for children who have a loved one impacted by cancer. We have spots for a variety of volunteer roles including; camper check-in help each day, CARE CrewLeaders, and our set-up/tear-down crew. CARE Crew Leaders are responsible for safely leading campers through their daily camp activities. CARE Crew Leaders help to lead various activities that will increase camper skills, encourage a group culture that is fun and appropriate, and be a positive role model for campers.

For more information, contact:
Megan Clifton,
CampCARE Director
Megan@CancerCareServices.org
817-482-5996

Sign up to be a volunteer.

CampCARE 2022 Volunteer Flyer CampCARE 2022

 

 

Inspiring Hope, Love, and Care

The client connection manager hugs one of the CampCARE campers.

CampCARE 2021

An incredibly brave and kind group of campers blessed us at CampCARE this year! Many campers experienced their first time catching a fish, riding a horse, and conquering the challenge course. Every child approached these experiences with enthusiasm and wonder, often surprising themselves with what they were capable of achieving.

New friends danced together, cheered each other on, and formed lasting bonds! And just as valuable as the friendships made were the skills learned during play therapy sessions held by Brianna, our child therapist. Brianna taught the campers ways to cope and share their emotions surrounding the cancer diagnosis of their loved one.

The children, volunteers, and staff brought the spirit of CampCARE to life through endless jokes, laughter, and SUPPORT. The last day of camp was full of bittersweet goodbyes… but there was also JOY because they will see their new friends again at Cancer Care!

Kaleigh and Aiden, two siblings whose mother is going through cancer treatment, made special connections with the other campers- and they learned healthy ways to process and express feelings with their mom. So CampCARE didn’t just change Kaleigh and Aiden’s lives, but their mother’s too. The family forged a new bond of HOPE and LOVE through learning how to cope TOGETHER.

Thank you to YMCA Camp Carter for providing a safe and fun environment for our clients, staff, and volunteers!

AND thank you to our amazing sponsors…

Blair Kay eats a cupcake at CampCare 2021.
CampCARE 2021