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Free Pediatric
Cancer Camp Seeking Campers and Volunteers
Special to The Truth
For children with cancer, a week at camp may seem
impossible. “There are unique health issues and financial
constraints that might prevent them from attending many
summer camping programs,” said Katie Wilson, Camp
Catch-A-Rainbow Coordinator at YMCA Storer Camps.
But for the past 30 years, the Camp Catch-A-Rainbow program
has proved that everyone can attend camp. YMCA Storer Camps,
in Jackson, MI hosts Camp-Catch-A-Rainbow, providing a
camping experience specifically geared toward accommodating
children who have had a cancer diagnosis. The program is
provided at NO COST to the campers.
“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.
Additional medical (licensed in MI) and non-medical
volunteers, especially males, are currently needed to assist
on-site during the week of camp. Volunteers must be 21 or
older and attend volunteer training on July 30. Volunteer
applications are being accepted through May 30. Late
applications will be considered if positions are still
available.
Young Camper’s Day is a one-day program offered for children
4 to 6 years old and will be held on Sunday, July 31. Camp
Catch-A-Rainbow (CCAR) is held July 31-August 5 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. Campers have access
to activities such as swimming, horseback riding, canoeing,
arts and crafts, and much more. The registration deadline
for campers is July 8.
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 will 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
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