Care Camps Connections

July 2023

Welcome to our monthly e-newsletter, Care Camps Connections!

Join us on our mission to fund medically supervised pediatric oncology camps across the United States and Canada so more children living with cancer and their families can experience the healing power of community and the outdoors.

Find out what's new at Care Camps, our impact, partners, upcoming events, and more below.

What's New?

Care Camps featured on RVBusiness Capitol Talk!

Gwynn Sullivan and Tyler Carter, Care Camps Executive Director and Development Director, respectively joined the June 27th episode of RVBusiness Capitol Talk with Sherman Goldberg and Rick Kessler.

Watch to learn more about our history, the steadfast commitment and support from leaders in the RV industry, and how Care Camps is poised to impact the lives of children living with cancer and their families like never before.

Our Impact

Family honors son with memories of "Hugapolooza" and "Cancer Crew"

July is national Bereaved Parents Awareness Month, dedicated to raising awareness about the grief parents go through after the loss of a child and the support needed for families to cope with this unimaginable loss. Many of the pediatric oncology camps that Care Camps funds provide bereavement programs for families dealing with the death of a child that become a lifeline for these families.

Camp Quality Illinois was that lifeline for the Maks family. On July 2, 2023, they lost their son, Griffin, after a long and courageous battle against cancer. The family shared Griffin's story on social media and bravely inspired all of us through his memory.

Care Camps offers our sincerest sympathies to the Maks family and all those coping with the loss of a child. We are honored to be part of the childhood cancer community and support families with children living with cancer.

Partner Spotlight

Southernmost Coconut Castaways fun-raise in the Keys!

In June, the Southernmost Coconut Castaways held a six day fun-raising event for Care Camps drawing in their members in the Florida Keys. With a knack for turning anything into a fundraiser, including toenail painting, wacky hats, tutus, fireball dancers and more, the Castaways generated $31,500 for Care Camps!

A huge shoutout to Sugarloaf Key KOA, a longtime Care Camps supporter, who co-sponsored this event.

Thank you to all the Castaways who so generously donated their time, funds and fun!

Campground Highlight

Horse Cave KOA: Supporting Care Camps at New Heights

Horse Cave KOA has our hearts a glow! The Gedda family purchased the opportunity to host the KOA hot air balloon at the 2022 KOA convention live auction benefiting Care Camps. As the first KOA campground to have the balloon soar above their Kentucky home, they rallied guests, friends, and the community to make twice the impact for children living with cancer. The Horse Cave KOA Hot Air Balloon Fundraiser event brings their season fundraising total for Care Camps to over $37,000.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this event such a huge success!

Upcoming Events

KOA Golf Tournament to Benefit Care Camps.

Thank you to Kampgrounds of America, Inc. for hosting 'Fore the Kids' Golf Tournament on September 25, 2023, to help Care Camps fund pediatric camps across the U.S. and Canada.