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Camp Sunrise, in operation since 1986, is a camp for
children who have been diagnosed with cancer. It is a
special place where kids with cancer can simply smile,
laugh and play; a place where they are not treated as
"different" or "sick," a place where four- to
18-year-olds can just be happy, fun-loving kids again.
Camp Sunrise is held for one week each August at Camp
Hidden Valley, in White Hall, Md. (near Baltimore). The
camp offers two programs - both free of charge. The day
camp is designed for children four to five years of age
and the residential camp is for children six to 18 years
of age.
The Day Camp offers younger children a chance to
familiarize themselves with the camping experience
without having to spend the night away from their
family. As "Day Campers" they participate in select
activities with the older campers, as appropriate. The
Residential Camp offers older kids a traditional
one-week, overnight camping experience. Activities
include swimming, tennis, clowning, dancing, arts and
crafts, sports, nature hikes, and much more.
These experiences are an important source of strength
and support for all children. Campers walk away with
team-building skills, self-confidence, friendships and
memories. It is also an opportunity for families to get
a much-needed rest, knowing that their children are
getting the best of care.
Medical needs are an important part of programming
considerations. A team of oncologists (both pediatric
and adult) and oncology nurses are on hand 24 hours a
day to attend to the campers' special medical needs. The
staff of volunteer counselors, from a variety of lay and
medical fields, is dedicated to making the week as
joyful and as normal as possible.
Camp for Brothers and Sisters -- Sun Sibs is a program
that recognizes that siblings of children with cancer
have special needs too. To address these needs, a
sibling camping weekend was developed in 1996. The Sun
Sibs program meets one weekend a year, separate from the
dates of Camp Sunrise.
If your child has expressed an interest in going to
camp, simply select the program and call the local
American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345. An
application must be processed for enrollment in this
program. Be sure to indicate the program that best meets
your child’s needs (Day Camp, Overnight Camp, Sun Sibs).
Donations are also always needed! Put a smile on a small
camper‘s face! Campers attend Camp Sunrise at no cost to
their families. Donations from various organizations,
businesses and individuals help to offset camp costs.
Donors can also sponsor a camper. This is a wonderful
way for you to make a difference in a special child’s
life! A sponsorship donation for a one-week camping
experience is $1,000. Donations of any amount are
gratefully accepted. Please contact the American Cancer
Society at 1-800-ACS-2345
For more information please feel free to visit www.cancer.org for more information