Free Summer Camps for Kids Affected by Cancer: Angel On My Shoulder

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This is a sponsored blog; while the views expressed here were genuinely mine, consideration was paid to me by Angel On My Shoulder to review this product.

It is almost summer and now is the time when I’m considering what activities my kids will participate in this summer. Will they go to camp or participate in sports to break up some of their summer vacation days? But some kids need a vacation from heart-wrenching challenges they face every day as a result of a family member who is battling, or who may have lost the battle, with cancer. Angel On My Shoulder is a registered 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that has established a number of cost-free camps designed to address the needs of young people whose lives have been affected by cancer through the illness or passing of a close family member (parent, sibling, or grandparent).  I wish there wasn’t a need for these camps at all, but I’m really happy to hear that they are available to those who need it.

New Campers get ready for a weekend of fun at Camp Angel
New Campers get ready for a weekend of fun at Camp Angel

How Much Does it Cost? 

Summer camps for kids can be expensive, but Angel On My Shoulder camps are funded through donations. That means that everyone who wants to attend may do so. They provide kids with an opportunity to meet others like themselves in a well-supervised atmosphere of understanding. “When a family is affected by cancer, the focus has to be on the patient. Too often though there are children who are also experiencing loss or confusion,” said Lolly Rose, founder of Angel On My Shoulder. “That’s where Angel On My Shoulder comes in. We’re helping these kids feel good and have fun with others they can relate to; to see their faces light up again is an amazing feeling.”

Darci Sullivan (far right) enjoys a wet and wild ride at Angel Adventures
Darci Sullivan (far right) enjoys a wet and wild ride at Angel Adventures

Weekend Camps Offered

Angel On My Shoulder Programs offer both summer and year-round camps. There are five different weekend camps for kids who have a close family member who is battling cancer.

  • Camp Angel for kids ages 7-12
  • Camp Teen Angel for teens ages 13-15
  • Camp Angel Adventures for older teens ages 16-18
  • Camp Angel Adventures Extreme for 16-18 year olds who want to experience more extreme activities
  • Camp Hozhoni, is a family camp for families with a child 18 or younger who has cancer. The purpose of the camps is to give kids the chance to meet other kids who are in the same situation and give them the opportunity to participate in activities tailored to their age group that will provide many happy memories.

Summer camps include swimming, kayaking, canoeing and fishing. Winter camps feature snowshoeing, ice fishing, dog-sledding and sleigh rides.

Sharing sessions provide comfort to caregivers at Angel Care retreats
Sharing sessions provide comfort to caregivers at Angel Care retreats

Retreats for Adults

Angel Care is for Cancer Caregivers and offers cancer caregivers a respite from the often times grueling work of caring for a loved one with cancer. The retreats are held several times a year and provide activities such as yoga and discussion sessions to help these selfless individuals give back to themselves. Healing Angels is for cancer survivors who are in remission. This retreat provides them with a weekend of mental, physical and spiritual healing that will contribute to their growing sense of well-being.

To lean more about Angel On My Shoulder, check out this video:


For more information, including how to volunteer and donate, please visit Angel on My Shoulder. You can also follow them on social media:  YouTube, Twitter and Facebook.

Angel on My Shoulder Logo

 

4 Comments

  1. This is such a outstanding way for kids to interact with other kids facing the same battle. Such a great way to get kids to come together and heal.

  2. Wow this is amazing and a great way for children to bond with others going through the same experiences!

  3. I had never heard about this. I know someone who could really benefit by this camp. It can be so hard for children whose lives have been affected by cancer to make it through every day experiences. I’m so glad that this camp is available for those who need it!

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