Camp Can-Do Fact Sheet
Why do we run a camp?
The American Cancer Society's Camp Can-Do was first organized in 1983 to give children with cancer a break from treatments and hospitals, while providing a place for these young survivors to act like children.
Who are the campers?
Children, ages 8 to 17, who are currently undergoing cancer treatment or are within five years of their last treatment, attend the week-long program.
Where is the Pennsylvania location?
Gretna Glen Camp in Mt. Gretna, PA, is the site for Camp Can-Do. Features include a lake, a pool, soccer field, and campgrounds, and this beautiful site provides a comfortable environment for the young campers.
What types of activities are held at the camp?
Activities at Camp Can-Do include: outdoor cooking, arts and crafts, camp sing-alongs, swimming, canoeing, archery, a challenge course, and field games. In addition, children are treated to a day at Hershey Park and theme dance.
Who are the counselors?
Supervising the campers are volunteer counselors, who are trained to meet the physical and emotional needs of campers. A physician and three nurses are also on duty around the clock to administer medication and provide first aid and other medical services. The ratio of campers to counselors is 2:1, giving all campers a personal touch.
What does it cost?
Camp Can-Do is provided free of charge to cancer patients by the American Cancer Society's Pennsylvania Division. It costs over $650 to sponsor one child for camp.
Facts about Children & Cancer
According to the American Cancer Society's Cancer Facts & Figures 2005, an estimated 9,510 new cases of childhood cancer are expected to occur among children aged 0-14 in 2005. An estimated 1,585 deaths are expected to occur among children aged 0-14 in 2005, about one-third of them from leukemia. Despite its rarity, cancer is the chief cause of death by disease in children under the age of 15. However, mortality rates from childhood cancer have declined about 49% since 1975. For all childhood cancers combined, five-year relative survival rates have improved markedly over the past 30 years.
For more information about Camp Can-Do or Sibling Camp, please call 570.387.0834 or 1.800.ACS.2345.
Camp Can Do is accredited by the American Camp Association.
Dave,
Thank you so much again for being so helpful with providing a Cinderella's Carriage for our dance at Camp Can-Do!
Thanks
Jacob Morrison
BEE TREE TRAIL
Would also like to thank those all involved with the American Cancer Society's for having us be a part of such a moving event, and to the children we hope you the very best.
Best Wishes To All!
