When a child is diagnosed with cancer, the days of playing ball and going swimming are often replaced with clinic visits and hospital admissions. Yet at Camp Sunshine’s Summer Camp, a camper can receive chemotherapy in the morning and be horseback riding by the afternoon. Here children with cancer are able to experience summer camp just like other kids. A session for children ages 7 – 12, and a session for teens ages 13 – 18 are held each summer. Each week is packed full of fun, excitement, inspiration and age appropriate activities.
At this time, the current Covid-19 vaccination policy for all campers, volunteers and staff attending camp:
- The primary Covid-19 vaccination series is highly recommended for all campers, volunteers and staff.
- Masking will be optional.
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we continue to make decisions in accordance with best practices and guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control, American Camp Association, local health authorities, and medical professionals. Our highest priority is to provide a safe and healthy environment for our campers and staff.
After attending Camp Sunshine, campers bring home more than just dirty laundry
They bring home unforgettable memories and long lasting friendships. They bring home tales of tasks accomplished that before were thought of as unattainable. They come home feeling more confident in themselves and more secure with their illness. It is amazing how one week at Camp Sunshine can truly make a difference in their lives.
Summer Camp Dates for 2024
Summer Camp Application Process
Summer Camp is available to campers ages 7 - 18. Applications for campers are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis with precedent given to new campers or those currently on therapy. If you have questions about Summer Camp, please contact our Camp Director at 404-325-7979. Click here to register.
Camp Sunshine will provide traditional programming in summer 2024, with sessions operating at a reduced capacity and various safety protocols incorporated to mitigate the spread of infectious disease, including Covid-19.
Location and Activities
Camp Sunshine takes place at Camp Twin Lakes-Rutledge East, located approximately fifty miles east of Atlanta. Camp Twin Lakes opened its doors to special needs children in 1993, and provides a totally accessible facility - a modern camp with air-conditioned cabins, nestled in the country.
We offer many of the same activities found at traditional summer camps:
Swimming, archery, horseback riding, tennis, pottery, ropes course, zip line, climbing wall, arts & crafts, fishing, biking, canoeing, boating and more!
Volunteers and Medical Staff
Over two hundred dedicated volunteers attend camp every summer to make each camper's experience memorable. With a ratio of one counselor to every two campers, there is never lack of supervision. Camp Sunshine also provides an experienced medical staff consisting of doctors and nurses who specialize in the care of children with cancer. The 24-hour on-site medical facility is equipped to provide most of the treatments or medical attention specific to childhood cancer.
A Typical Day at Camp
Prior Camp
- Attend orientation for first time campers at Camp Sunshine House Family Night
- Have a positive family attitude
- Give gentle encouragement that missing home is "ok"
- Avoid phrases such as "If you stay until Wednesday then we will come and pick you up" or "You can call me everyday".
- Discuss expected camp activities
During Camp
- When writing letters to your child, avoid phrases such as "we miss you," "wish you were here" or detailed accounts of what siblings and the family are doing
- Ask about camp activities, counselors, special programs, etc.
- Set a positive and encouraging tone in your letter.
- Express your confidence in his/her ability to be away from home and that the counselors are there to assist them if they should need anything.
