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Camp
Catch-A-Rainbow in 30th Year at YMCA Storer Camps
Special to The Truth
For children with cancer, a week at camp may seem
impossible. “There are unique health issues that might
prevent them from attending many summer camping programs,”
said Katie Wilson, Camp Catch-A-Rainbow coordinator.
But for the past 29 years, the Camp Catch-A-Rainbow program
has proved that everyone can attend camp. YMCA Storer Camps
hosts Camp-Catch-A-Rainbow, providing a camping experience
specifically geared toward accommodating children who have
had a cancer diagnosis.
“Our camps provide the opportunity for these young cancer
patients to simply have fun and enjoy the experience of
exercise, recreation and companionship through activities
paced to meet their needs,” said Wilson.
Health care professionals are available at the camp 24 hours
a day, so most medical treatments can be done on-site or at
a nearby cancer center. “The commitment of our volunteer
doctors, nurses and cabin counselors as well as the camp
staff enable us to offer this unique camping experience,
while ensuring the wellness of all of our campers who have
unique health needs,” added Wilson.
Young Camper’s Day is a one-day program offered for children
4 to 6 years old and will be held on Sunday, June 14. Camp
Catch-A-Rainbow (CCAR) is held June 14-19 for children
between the ages of 7 and 15. Campers must have a cancer
diagnosis, be from Michigan, Ohio, or Indiana and have
approval from their doctor to attend. Both the Young
Camper’s Day and CCAR programs are held at YMCA Storer Camps
in Jackson, MI where
children have access to activities such as swimming,
horseback riding, canoeing, arts and crafts, and much more.
The registration deadline for campers is May 22nd.
Additional medical and non-medical volunteers, especially
male volunteers, are currently needed to assist on-site
during both programs. Volunteer applications are being
accepted through April 13.
Contact Katie Wilson, Camp Catch-A-Rainbow Coordinator at
248.302.8985 or
kwilson@ymcastorercamps.org
to register your child or apply to volunteer. Camper and
volunteer applications are also available online at
ymcastorercamps.org. Late applications for campers and
volunteers may be accepted if space is still available.
To help YMCA Storer Camps continue to provide camping
opportunities such as this, at no cost, please consider
financial support through individual donations, or through
foundations and corporations. You can help build rainbows
for children by designating a donation to Camp
Catch-A-Rainbow by visiting www.ymcastorercamps.org or send
by mail to:
YMCA Storer Camps
Attn: Camp Catch-A-Rainbow
6941 Stony Lake Road
Jackson, MI 49201
For more information on how you can support Camp
Catch-A-Rainbow through financial gifts, please contact
Katie Wilson Camp
Catch-A-Rainbow Coordinator at 248.302.8985 or
kwilson@ymcastorercamps.org.
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