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!

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.

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.

“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’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.