Camp Ukandu
Camp Ukandu
American Cancer Society
1-800-577-6552
0330 SW Curry Street
Portland, OR 97201
What Is Camp UKANDU?
The American Cancer Society’s Camp UKANDU is a week-long "outrageously fun" overnight camp for children living with cancer, including patients and siblings.
Campers tackle arts and crafts, weaving, boating, fishing, swimming, field games, beach play, and archery – all under the care of specially-trained adult staff and 24-hour medical specialists.
There is even a Thursday night dance, a talent show, a carnival, sleeping in teepees, and nightly campfire entertainment.
Where and When?
The American Cancer Society Camp UKANDU is held yearly at Camp Magruder, in Rockaway on the beautiful Oregon coast.
Camp traditionally lasts for a week each August.
Please call us at 503-295-6422 or 1-800-577-6552 for this year’s dates.
Can I Come?
Children eligible for American Cancer Society Camp UKANDU must be between the ages of 8 and 18 and not a high school graduate. Each eligible patient is invited to bring one sibling to camp.
Oncologists in Oregon and Southwest Washington receive application forms and pass them on to the parents of their patients. Parents then submit the application to the American Cancer Society.
Please call us at 503-295-6422 or 1-800-577-6552 with questions regarding eligibility or to request an application.
Camp UKANDU Highlights
The first year of the American Cancer Society Camp UKANDU in the new millennium was a fabulous one! Staff and campers alike were full of enthusiasm and spirit as our camp got off to a great start!
The first day was Sunday. The campers arrived, checked in, and met their counselors and cabin mates. The friendships were just beginning!
Monday, everyone got a taste of each of the different activities at Camp. Some favorites included art, marina, games, and team building.
Tuesday was spent enjoying the beach and remembering friends at Memory Circle. It was also the first day of a fantastic new activity, the rock-climbing wall! The older teens spent the night away from camp, on their overnight camp out, and the younger teens had a blast bowling at the local ally.
Wednesday was full of activity! Campers were at the beach, rock-climbing, and enjoying time at their chosen activities, such as fishing, swimming, weaving, music, art, boating, archery, and field games.
The week hit its peak on Thursday, dance day! The older teens enjoyed the spa treatment, as a professional salon moved in for the afternoon and provided haircuts, makeup, and manicures. The rest of camp had their own "beauty parlor" outside in the field, complete with face painting, makeup, and colored hairsprays. By evening everyone was ready for the big dance! The theme for 2000 was "Western Hoedown" and everyone received a commemorative scarf. Bales of hay and cowboy hats were everywhere as the American Cancer Society Camp UKANDU kicked up its heels and enjoyed a night of flashing lights and disco sounds!
Friday's activities continued the week of outrageous fun. The carnival, while wet, was a blast. There were games to play, tickets to win, and LOTS of prizes to buy! The dunk tank and pie toss gave campers a chance to spend some of their tickets on dunking or throwing whipped cream at their favorite counselors and staff. That evening, our camp hosted a star studded talent show, with wonderful "guest hosts," and lots of camper talent. It was a great way to enjoy each other?s talents as we rounded out a week of fun and friendship. That evening at the nightly campfire, the Chief spoke of the spirit of the American Cancer Society Camp UKANDU, and in that spirit each camper was wrapped in a "robe of red."
Saturday brought both sadness and joy. While it was disappointing to say goodbye after such an excellent week, it was wonderful to realize how many great friendships were made. The spirit of the American Cancer Society Camp UKANDU would remain in everyone?s hearts forever.
Copyright 2009 © American Cancer Society, Inc.
Votes:19
Comments: 0