Camp Care

General information

Camp CARE (Cancer Ain’t Really the End) provides a weeklong summer camp and year-round activities to children who have or have had cancer and their families in the Charlotte area.

A child is, first and foremost, a child – not just a cancer patient. We provide support, fun and friendship throughout a family’s journey.

Our summer camp and activities throughout the year are for kids in all stages of the treatment journey: on- or off-treatment, in remission or fighting relapse, no symptoms or side effects and those with physical and mental challenges.

Our weeklong summer camp provides a normal camp experience for children with cancer and their siblings from ages 6-16. Staffed 24/7 by medical professionals, this week of summer camp allows our campers the chance to get away from the realities of living with cancer – while still being under medical supervision at all times. Our campers will get to participate in camp activities like tubing, arts & crafts, swimming, a talent show, a dance, and so much more! But most importantly, campers will have the chance to meet new friends and connect with others who are undergoing the same things that they are going through, while having a great time away from home for a week!

In addition to summer camp, we also offer Camp CARE Connections throughout the year, open to all children and families – even if you have not attended camp. These activities vary each year, but include things like a corn maze, ice skating, a circus and much more. Our annual holiday party takes place each December and is always a fun time to reconnect with friends from camp!

Formed in 1985 by a group of healthcare professionals, we are staffed entirely by volunteers and funded entirely by donations. All activities, including summer camp, are free of charge to all families. Camp expenses are more than $500 per child, so we can’t do it without your support! Each year, we serve more than 200 campers and their families receiving treatment from Carolinas HealthCare System’s Levine Children’s Hospital and Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital.