Camp No Worries, a program of the YMCA of Burlington and Camden Counties, will open its doors once again to children with cancer and their siblings. For one week every summer, children can have fun and forget about their troubles at camp. This year’s 21st annual Camp No Worries featuring the theme “Camp No Worries Television” is taking place from June 21 to June 27 at Camp Inawendiwin in Tabernacle.
92 campers from New Jersey, ages six through 16, are expected to attend camp this year. Each of these campers is dealing with a diagnosis of cancer in some way — whether they are patients, survivor’s siblings or bereaved siblings.
“Camp No Worries is a safe place where campers can forget about their diagnosis and worries for one week,” said Kasey Massa, Camp No Worries board recruiter and Camp President. “Our camp has tons of fun, unique activities for kids, in an environment where campers can bond with other kids who deal with the same issues. Camp No Worries staff works hard to dedicate their time to make a memorable, stress free week for campers.”
The camp is run solely by volunteers. Staff, including pediatric oncology nurses, social workers, cabin counselors and program heads are selectively chosen for their experience and enthusiasm for working with children with cancer. Each staff member displays the characteristics any parent would expect of someone who will spend a week caring for their child with cancer: commitment, honesty, courage, perseverance, respect, and perhaps most importantly, a sense of responsibility. Pediatric oncologists are also on-call 24 hours a day for any necessary medical needs.
It costs approximately $1,000 per camper for a week at Camp No Worries. The dedicated staff of volunteers from the YMCA of Burlington and Camden Counties work tirelessly to ensure that no family has to bear the financial burden of camp.
Funding for the camp depends on the generosity and financial support of community organizations, businesses, foundations and individuals to provide each camper a free week of summer camp. To help make a difference this summer to support a camper, visit www.campnoworries.org.
