Camp Sunrise - Maryland Camps for Children with Leukemia

Camp Sunrise
American Cancer Society

1-800-ACS-2345
Camp Hidden Valley, White Hall, Md.

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).