Frequently Asked Questions

Who may Attend?

Any child with cancer, age 6 to 15 years, is welcome at Happiness Is Camping.

What do I need to do?

Your personal physician must determine the child well enough to attend. A medical form must be completed. Special permission forms are included in the application package and must be signed by a parent or guardian. Feel free to call.

What are this years dates?

View this years session details.

When do I need to apply?

Applications must be received fully completed and signed five days prior to the start of your session.

Is there a fee?

No. Donations are accepted, but under no circumstances will a child be turned away. Suggested contribution is $100 per camper per session.

Do you provide transportation?

No. We encourage you to carpool with other camper families. Public transportation is very limited and inconvenient.

How long may I go for?

Any or all of our five, 5 to 11 day sessions.

What to bring?

An ample supply of prescribed medications with detailed instructions for their dosage and use. Children will require inexpensive clothing, linen, sleeping bag, pillow, shoes, toiletries, jackets, etc. a list will be provided for you. Please make sure that you present evidence of your insurance or medicaid info. For a detailed list, click here.

How about my sibling?

Siblings may attend any of the sessions. Brothers and sisters, aged 6-15 years, must attend with their sibling with cancer. Please see camp schedule for session dates.

What if I need a treatment, check blood counts etc?

The camp houses a fully equipped health center. Our dedicated staff always includes a pediatric oncologist and two or more hematology oncology nurses. They reside at the camp's health center and provide 24-hour medical supervision. The center is equipped to handle on-going care, thus enabling the camp to welcome children who require IV chemo-therapy or transfusions, children at serious risk of bleeding and infections, and children with significant physical disabilities.

Are you accredited?

We are fully accredited by the American Camping Association and we belong to the Childrens Oncology Camps of America-International.

What activities do you have?

Daily activities include: swimming, fishing, boating, computers, ropes, archery, arts and crafts, newspaper reporting, drama, various sports, climbing towers and much more.