Care Camps supported 135 oncology camps across North America last year, offering programming, services, and hope to thousands of children with cancer and their families, according to the organization.
In an email to donors, Wade Elliott, Care Camps’ chairman of the board, shared how donations have impacted children with cancer and their families.“Thank you for being one of our greatest supporters. We could not do it without you,” he said.
According to Elliott, the camps worked hard to provide extensive programming, including In-Hospital, Camp In-A-Box, Virtual Programs, and Family Retreats.
The camps expanded outreach services to include year-round activities and virtual counseling sessions as COVID continues to be a threat. Doing things online allowed camps to reach a broader audience as travel costs and the number of beds were no longer restricting factors.
Despite COVID and economic issues, Care Camps’ donors and partners “stepped up and made the year our most successful on record” by accumulating over $3 million in support, bringing the total amount raised since the non-profit‘s inception to $21 million.
“In perspective, if a smile costs $1, then we have provided more than 21,000,000 smiles and that is a lot of joy and happiness!” the statement further reads.
This year, oncology camps are looking into returning to regular camp settings and also continuing with the additional programming they have been offering, requiring increasing needs for funding to advance.
Kampgrounds of America (KOA) remains Care Camps’ top donor. KOA Inc. (Headquarters and Owned Properties OAK) and the KOA Franchisees raised 69% of the total 2021 revenue. KOA Rewards revenue continued to provide coverage for our administrative costs.
The charitable institution also tapped the RV, camping, and outdoor industries to include companies like Patrick Industries, Lippert Components, and Campers Inn RV.
To view Care Camps’ 2021-2022 Impact Report, click here.