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Application deadline: TBA
Week of camp: TBA
Our Campers
Camp offers children living with (& beyond) cancer and their siblings a chance to spend time with other kids going through similar experiences. Our sibling and patient camps happen at the same time but in separate locations, allowing for our caregivers to have a time of respite. We focus on creating a nurturing environment that fosters positivity, resilience, and understanding, with no financial cost to the families we serve.
patient
Our pediatric oncology camp is a special place designed to support children living with (& beyond) cancer.
Our goal is to provide a safe space where children with cancer can create lasting memories, find support, and discover hope together.
Sibling
There are many reasons why siblings, especially, are an important part of our camp family.
Providing a camp experience to siblings going through social-emotional challenging times allows us to address their unique needs. Our camp not only supports positive coping in siblings of a child with cancer but also fosters increased empathy, compassion, greater self-esteem, closer relationships, and a deeper insight into the things that truly matter.
Testimonials
“At the time I was in the middle of treatment, and I didn’t really want to go to camp because I didn’t know what to expect from it. I left for camp reluctant to participate in the activities, and at the end of the week I didn’t want to go back home. Camp has given me opportunities and experiences that I never would have had without it, and I’ve created relationships with people that will last a lifetime.”
— CKAKC Patient Camper since 2016
“I first heard of CKAKC when my older sister attended. When the siblings camp was offered I wasn’t sure about going because it was right before I was going away for my first year of college. In such a small amount of time I was able to make connections with other campers that I didn’t think I’d ever have with anyone. The friends I made will last a lifetime. Being able to talk to other people who understand your situation is amazing and feels great.”
-- CKAKC Sibling Camper since 2019
“As a parent my concern was that I was not willing to send my child to a camp in midst of chemotherapy. Who would take care of her every need?! That’s what CKAKC did, they had every aspect covered. They answered all my questions, always welcoming any concerns we had as a family. Camp was a place my daughter got to be a kid again, with every safety measure in place.”
— CKAKC Parent since 2015
CAMPER APPLICATION
Eligibility
Camp Kids Are Kids Chicago is for children who have been diagnosed with cancer (currently in treatment or in remission) and their siblings who are between the ages of 7 to 17.
The Application Process
The 2024 Camp Kids Are Kids Chicago Camper applications are due Saturday, June 15th. You will know if your application has been accepted by late June. Applications can only be accepted if they are completed in their entirety. This application process should only take approximately 25 minutes.
Information and Items You Will Need
1. Camper Information (Details regarding your child, contact information for your child’s providers, emotional/behavioral needs, allergies and special dietary information, insurance information, photo of your child)
2. Camper Liability Waivers (consent for your child to participate in camp activities, receive needed medical treatment while at camp and your consent for photos to be taken and shared)
3. Medications (you will need to have all of your child’s medications entered into the system, including over-the-counter medications)
After the Online Application
Please pay close attention for an email with required medical forms attached to it. All of these forms must be completed and turned in for review by our medical team before we can accept any camper. We can only accept applications that have been filled out in their entirety, so it is important to get these done as soon as possible.
Your completed file will be reviewed by both medical staff and our program staff and we will be back in touch with you. If you have not heard from us by June 30th, please call (312) 912-5308.
How to make Changes or Update Your Application
1. Log onto your account
2. Click on the name you need to update
3. Scroll to the bottom of the page and you will see all of the online forms you completed, you can edit any of these as needed.
If you have questions during the application process, please call us at (312) 912-5308 for assistance.