Cancer Services Hosts CAMP CARE

For the first time since 2019, CAMP CARE, hosted annually by Cancer Services, was held in-person for children with cancer and their siblings from July 18-22. Kids, ages five-13, participated in numerous activities over the five-day camp, including touring Tiger Park and meeting Coach Beth Torina and the LSU Softball staff, participating in a field day hosted by Acadian Swamp Tours, and creating works of art at Painting with a Twist.

After being held virtually in both 2020 and 2021, camp participants also competed in fitness games, bowling, rock climbing, and visited Baton Rouge’s Knock Knock Children’s Museum.

“Our campers had a terrific week making lifelong memories with friends, old and new,” said Jamie Collins, child and family coordinator, Cancer Services. “For one week, these kids were able to focus on having endless fun without thinking about the stressors associated with a cancer diagnosis.”

CAMP CARE, hosted at Baton Rouge Community College, gives campers the opportunity to socialize with other peers who are facing similar experiences. The weeklong day camp, nearing its 30th anniversary, allows these patients and their siblings to experience a sense of normalcy and stability.

“Anytime we can bring a smile to a child’s face, it is worth it,” Collins said. “Our camps provide us the opportunity to do that tenfold. We couldn’t put on CAMP CARE, or any of our other camps, without the support of so many who made this heartwarming week possible.”

For more information on Cancer Services and additional camp opportunities, visit cancerservices.org. Children and family programs are made possible by generous community donors.

 

08/11/2022