Nearly 300 of some of the most at-risk children in the state will not miss out on a special camp as it will move to a virtual platform for 2020. Camp Heart Connection, a program of Children’s Cancer Connection, had to cancel their in-person camps for the weeks of Aug. 3 and Aug. 10, but the campers are still going to get a “magical camp experience” in a different way. The Virtual Oncology Camp is held the first week for children diagnosed with a childhood cancer and the next week is the Virtual Sibling Camp. Each registered individual from five to 18 will receive a camper box filled with activities, a t-shirt, a fleece blanket and other camping supplies. They will join in get-together sessions that are hosted by Children’s Cancer Connection employees and camp counselors three times per day via Zoom. The weeks will wrap on Friday with Wish Night, which is an opportunity for campers to share their story or a favorite memory from the week. “This year has been a unique challenge for summer camps everywhere,” says Conar Reed, Camp Director. “Virtual Camp Heart Connection may not be the summer experience we hoped for, but it is assuredly the one that we and our campers need right now. In a time when social distance is necessary, preserving a sense of community is crucial. Nearly all of our favorite Camp activities can be done from home, and nothing will ever stop us from singing our favorite songs,” Reed adds. Donors and supporters ensure every child attends at no charge. To find out if space is available for a child to attend or to learn how to make a donation, call 515-243-6239.
