Camp Timber Tops

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Camp Timber Tops
Ronald McDonald Camp

1620 Route 6
Greeley, PA 18425

Phone: (215) 387-8406

The Dream...

In the early 1970's, Dr. Audrey Evans, the Clinical Director of the Oncology Division for the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, had a vision for the children she treated for cancer on a daily basis. Having seen these children withstand harsh and painful treatments, she sought to create a place where they had the opportunity to laugh, have fun and enjoy being kids. With this, her dream to create a summer camp experience for children with cancer was born. During the early years of her pursuit, small groups of children enjoyed camping experiences at camps in New Hampshire, Cape Cod and Pennsylvania. Then, in 1987, Dr. Evans' dream was fully realized when the Ronald McDonald Camp was established as a special project of the Board of Directors of the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House. Dedicated staff and volunteers worked to shape a "normal" summer camp program that was also special enough to meet the needs of our campers. Over the last twenty years, Ronald McDonald Camp has "grown up" and expanded into an extraordinary summer camp for children with cancer, ages 7-19, and their siblings.

Who Can Go?

Ronald McDonald Camp is for children ages 7-19 who are currently undergoing or who have been treated for cancer, and their siblings. Teen camp is for 13-17 year olds and gives them the opportunity to choose their own activities within a well-supervised and structured environment. Junior camp provides an age-appropriate camp experience filled with games, fun and challenges for children ages 7-12, and is the setting for our CIT program as well.

Counselor In Training (CIT) Program

Former campers and patients age 18-19 can apply to join the CITs, a 2-year training program designed to facilitate the transition from camper to counselor. Space is limited; potential CITs must complete an application and interview process before being notified about eligibility for the program.

Camp Activities

Horseback riding, arts and crafts, basketball, hockey, soccer, theater games, high and low ropes challenge course, archery, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, biking, in-line skating, jewelry-making, nature, golf, cooking, fishing, woodworking, and tennis are some of the daily activities available for our campers. We also have a full schedule of fun-filled evening programs, including an opening night campfire, a dance, and a carnival with games and prizes.

Staff

Ronald McDonald Camp is staffed primarily by a group of caring and dedicated volunteers who work year-round with the camp director and program directors to ensure that each week of camp is the best. They are a diverse group with many talents, but the one thing they all share is a commitment to the campers and the ability to work as part of a team. Our camper to counselor ratio is 2-1, and we are able to provide one-on-one assistance to those campers who need a little extra attention.
Our infirmary is staffed 24 hours a day by a medical staff of pediatric oncologists, nurses and social workers form the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Volunteers must be at least 20 years old by the start of camp and are chosen through an application and interview process.
Facilities

Our beautiful, wooded campsite is located in the Pocono Mountains, just a 3 hour drive from Philadelphia. Each cabin has bathroom and shower facilities.

Cost

There is no charge for any former, or current patient. A nominal fee of $100 is charged for siblings. Funding for the week is provided solely through contributions from individuals, organizations, and businesses. The actual cost per camper exceeds $500.
Free round-trip transportation is provided from Philadelphia.
Each day three nutritious meals plus snacks are served in the dining hall.