PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES

About Camp Sunshine

How one week of summer camp became year-round sunshine.

Since our first camp in 1983, Camp Sunshine has been dedicated to creating a sense of place where children with cancer can be kids again.

Since our founding by Dorothy Jordan, a pediatric nurse with a heartfelt vision to create Camp Sunshine, we have grown to multiple weeks of camp for kids of all ages, their siblings and their families. And we’ve created year-round programs throughout Georgia, including always-on programming in two of the state’s largest pediatric oncology units, recreational outings, and education and support programs for the entire family.

And, thanks to the generosity of so many individual donors, volunteers and corporate partners, our programs are offered at no cost whatsoever.

We are families dealing with childhood cancer who come together to share, grow and find hope. We are passionate volunteers, who give and receive so much more in return. We are trained professionals in the childhood cancer journey. We are Board Members and joyful donors. And together, we are an amazing Camp Sunshine family where a touch of magic happens in a multitude of ways.

Our Compass

Vision

The lives of Georgia’s children with cancer will be restored and strengthened by the embrace of our Camp Sunshine community.

Mission

To enrich the lives of Georgia’s children with cancer and their families through recreational, educational, and support programs.

Guiding Principles

To provide opportunities for normal development for all children with cancer throughout their journey.
To promote individual growth, self-confidence, and normal life experiences for children with cancer and their families.
To bring together those with similar experiences in order to share those experiences and draw strength from one another amid that common understanding.

Camp Sunshine History

Camp Sunshine was founded in 1982 by Dorothy Jordan, a pediatric nurse with a heartfelt vision to create a camp where kids with cancer could be kids again. We have grown by leaps and bounds since that first camp with 44 campers. Today, over 200 campers and volunteers participate in summer camp, which takes place over two separate weeks for children and teens. In addition, our year-round programs throughout Georgia highlight everything from recreational programs to trips and outings, as well as educational and support programs for the entire family. All programs are at no cost to the family.

1983

First summer camp is held at Camp High Harbor: about 44 campers attended.

1987

First Family Camp is held. First teen Trip to Washington, D.C.

1989

First excursion to Outward Bound is held.

1993

First year Camp Twin Lakes opens and Camp Sunshine is held at new camp in Rutledge.

1995

First Teen Retreat Weekend takes place.

1996

First Sibling Camp takes place.

1997

First programs for preschool children are offered.

1999

First Hit a Home Run event if held.

2001

Inaugural Keencheefoonee Road Race takes off. Camp Sunshine kicks off campaign to build Camp Sunshine House.

2003

Camp Sunshine House opens, providing year-round programming. Teen Group and Family Night begin.

2004

First “Remember the Sunshine” weekend is held.

2005

First Camp Sunshine Day at Big Apple Circus takes place.

2007

First Young Adult Retreat is offered. Regional programs are expanded throughout the state. Sally J. Hale Center and Billy Schultz Pavilion are dedicated.