Camp Smile-A-Mile
Camp Smile-A-Mile
P. O. Box 550155
Birmingham, AL 35255
Phone: 205-323-8427
Fax: 205-323-6220
Toll Free: 1-888-500-7920
Camper Activities
Camp Smile-A-Mile’s campsite is located at Children’s Harbor on beautiful Lake Martin. This is the location for the eight camp sessions on our schedule each year. Children’s Harbor donates their facilities for all of Camp Smile-A-Mile’s Lake Martin Camps. For more information about Children’s Harbor go to www.childrensharbor.com
Saturday, April 04, 2009
Walking with Dinosaurs
Camp Smile-A-Mile will provide 4 free tickets for on therapy families to attend the "Walking with Dinosaurs" 11 am show on Saturday, April 4, 2009 at the BJCC Arena in Birmingham. This show is for ages 6 & up.
Friday, May 15, 2009 - Sunday, May 17, 2009
Spring Family Camp
A weekend camp for on therapy patients and siblings, up to age 18 and their parents.
Friday, June 05, 2009 - Sunday, June 07, 2009
Sibling Camp
A weekend camp for brothers and sisters, ages 6-18. Sorry, no patients.
Monday, June 08, 2009 - Saturday, June 13, 2009
Youth Weeklong Camp
A week long camp for on or off therapy patients, ages 6-12.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Remember Their Smiles Day
This new program will be a special day for families that have attended Camp Smile-A-Mile camp sessions and have now lost a child to cancer. Families will get the opportunity to participate in fun camp activities such as swimming, arts and crafts, boating, canoeing and fishing. A special candlelighting ceremony and dinner will close out the day.
Monday, July 13, 2009 - Saturday, July 18, 2009
Teen Weeklong Camp
A week long camp for on or off therapy patients, ages 13-18.
Friday, July 31, 2009 - Sunday, August 02, 2009
Young Adult Retreat
An educational and recreational weekend for childhood cancer survivors, ages 19-30''s. Survivors learn about long term survivorship issues, meet with a life and career coach about relationship and job challenges and enjoy fun camp activities.
Friday, August 21, 2009 - Sunday, August 23, 2009
Off Therapy Family Camp
A weekend camp for off therapy patients and siblings, up to age 18 and their parents.
Friday, September 18, 2009 - Sunday, September 20, 2009
Fall Family Camp
A weekend camp for on therapy patients and siblings, up to age 18 and their parents.
Thursday, October 08, 2009 - Sunday, October 11, 2009
Teen Trip
We will be taking 20 teens, ages 13-18 to Gulf Shores for an extended weekend to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the Shrimp Festival!
About Us
What is Camp SAM?
Camp Smile-A-Mile (SAM) is a non-profit organization in Alabama for children who have or have had cancer. Year round programs are provided for the campers and their family at no cost.
Where is Camp SAM?
Camp SAM’s headquarters are located two blocks behind Children’s Hospital at 1510 5th Avenue South in Birmingham. However, the permanent campsite facility is called Children’s Harbor which is located on beautiful Lake Martin in Alexander City, Alabama. Children’s Harbor graciously donates the use of the campsite facility for us to use.
Why did Camp SAM start?
Before Camp SAM, children with cancer in Alabama couldn’t go to overnight camp because of chemotherapy or other medical treatments. Now, children with cancer can attend camp while receiving the medical care they need. More than 400 children participate in Camp SAM annually.
Who can go to Camp SAM?
Children up to age 18 who are current or former cancer patients can participate in Camp SAM as well as the sibling of the cancer patient. Childhood cancer survivors, ages 19-30’s can participate in the Young Adult Retreat.
Does Camp SAM need volunteers?
Yes. Each child that attends camp is assigned a volunteer counselor, who is ages 19 or older. These volunteers live in the cabin with the kids, assist them at their activities, and act as a role model and mentor. Volunteer applications are available from our website, January-March of each year. Background checks are completed on all volunteer applicants and if chosen, they must complete a required camp orientation and training day prior to volunteering at camp.
Who takes care of the children’s medical needs while at camp?
Pediatric Oncology Nurses and Physicians from The Children’s Hospital in Birmingham spend the week or weekend at camp to administer the medications and tend to all their health needs.
Is camp just during the summer?
No. Since its beginning, Camp SAM’s programs have grown to include the following activities:
* Family Camp Weekends- three weekends for on therapy patients, up to age 18 and their families
* Two week-long camp sessions- one week for patients, ages 6-12 and one week for patients, ages 13-18
* Sibling Camp Weekend- for brothers and sisters only, ages 6-18
* Off Therapy Family Camp Weekend- for patients, up to age 18 who are off therapy and their families
* Young Adult Retreat-is for childhood cancer survivors that are now ages 19-30’s
* Monthly activities and trips for ages 6-18
*
Teen Trips- white water rafting, snow skiing, beach trip, a cruise, North Carolina Ranch and to cities such as New York, Chicago and Aspen, Colorado
What is COCA-I?
COCA-I stands for Children's Oncology Camping Association, International. Since 1985 Camp Smile-A-Mile has been a member of this organization whose mission is to strengthen the international community of camps for children with cancer and their families through networking, advocacy, education and other resources. Each year Camp Smile-A-Mile attends an annual COCA-I conference with 80 or more member camps from the United States, Canada and Ireland. At the conference, Camp SAM learns about new program ideas, better ways to train staff, network with other camp directors and more. Over the years Camp SAM has won numerous conference awards for the Camp Smile-A-Mile website design, newsletter, t-shirt, camper brochures and best camp photo. To read more about COCA-I, click on the logo below.
© 2008 Camp Smile-A-Mile
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