About

Welcome To Camp Can Do

Camp Can Do is for children, ages 8-17, who have been diagnosed with cancer and their siblings. Our sibling camp program takes place in June, while our patient camp session occurs in August.

Since 1983, Camp Can Do has provided a camping experience for thousands of children. Our volunteer staff includes trained professionals from all walks of life, as well as doctors, nurses, survivors, and former campers.

Our medical staff is available around-the-clock to administer general care, routine chemotherapy, arrange for blood counts, and handle medical emergencies that may arise. Our site and programming are wheelchair accessible, and we excel in individualizing the camp experience to meet each and every camper’s needs.

Where the fun takes place!

Gretna Glen Camp & Retreat Center

Gretna Glen Camp & Retreat Center is the perfect getaway for kids to be kids. There’s a high and low ropes courses, a climbing wall, a nature center, and even a wheelchair accessible tree house! Campers have the opportunity to experience activities such as archery, arts & crafts, swimming, boating and fishing. We have outdoor cooking, campfires and special evening activities, from field games to carnivals, concerts and more!

Our mission is to provide a safe and fun camping experience for children with cancer and their siblings.

Our Camp Philosophy: Can Do

The goal for both our sibling and patient programs is to foster emotionally, socially, and intellectually healthy children. Camp Can Do recognizes that children with cancer share the same needs, expectations, and desires of healthy children; that does not negate the fact that there is another dimension to their lives that can best be understood by and shared with other children diagnosed with cancer. The same is true for our sibling campers. Their unique experience throughout their brother or sister’s journey can be isolating, but Camp Can Do shows them that they are not alone.

While Camp Can Do has no formal sessions designed to educate or share feelings about cancer, the disease is woven into the fabric of daily life at camp. Here, amidst the daily activities, children feel free to reminisce with others who have had similar experiences. At Camp Can Do, children have the opportunity to be open, to be themselves and to have fun.