KIDS, CANCER AND SUMMER CAMP (ADULTS, TOO!)

It's never too early for parents to start thinking about their kids and what they will be doing in summer. But if you're a parent of a child with cancer, you know planning for the coming months isn't an easy task. Where will your child be six months from now?

And what about adults with cancer? Do they have any options for summer fun?

There are many great organizations that offer camping experiences for kids and adults with cancer.

Hole-in-the-Wall Gang Camp is a wonderful place for kids with cancer and other serious illnesses ages 7-15. And they also offer family weekends for the cancer patient, siblings, and parents:
http://www.holeinthewallgang.org/page.aspx?pid=471

If you want a great list of cancer resources for kids, created by parents, try Pediatric Oncology Resources Center:
http://www.acor.org/ped-onc/index.html

They also have a very thorough list of cancer kids camps across the country:
http://www.acor.org/ped-onc/cfissues/camps.html

There are even day camps for kids with cancer, including Sunrise Day Camp, that works with children 3-16 during the day, but the children sleep at home:
http://www.sunrisedaycamp.org/

What is nice about some of these camps is they allow siblings to join cancer patients. That can be a nice bonding experience for the family.

Just don't forget your other kids when you're caught up in the cancer treatment puzzle. Sometimes it's helpful to give them a break from the worry and wear of having a cancer patient in the family. If your other children have an interest in horseback riding or outdoor sports, consider giving them a little break for a week or two. They will come home with new energy and enthusiasm.

But what about adults with cancer? If you are a parent with cancer, or caring for a spouse with cancer, consider the benefits of sending the kids to summer camp, especially if there's no chance you'll be taking a "real vacation" this year. Many times when a loved one is in treatment, plans are put on hold because the physical limitations of the disease prevent the whole family from enjoying a trip. But also consider taking advantage of some of the offerings for families with a loved one.

The American Society of Clinical Oncology created a resource list for cancer patients and their families. Whether you want to go on a retreat or get together with the family, there are places you can go to have fun with people who understand what you are going through:
http://www.cancer.net/portal/site/patient/menuitem.169f5d85214941ccfd748f68ee37a01d/?vgnextoid=22f241eca8daa010VgnVCM100000ed730ad1RCRD

Whatever you do, don't let cancer stop you from having some fun. Get out there and put a smile on your face. You deserve it!