Camp Friendship

Let’s face it: cancer isn’t fun. But just because a kid has cancer doesn’t mean he or she has to spend sunny summer days missing out on the fun things in life. This is why programs like Camp Friendship exist.

“Recreational and sport programs are important because they are offering the kids who have cancer right now to have a chance to celebrate life, which is our motto,” says Beverly Gough, founder and director of Camp Friendship, a program of Maryland-based Carol Jean Cancer Foundation (CJCF).

Celebrating its 20th year, Camp Friendship offers a special, week-long residential camp free of charge for children ages 7 to 17, who are being treated in hospitals in Maryland, Northern Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Besides celebrating 20 years of service, Camp Friendship is also moving to a new campsite at NorthBay located on

. The new facilities mean more space for more kids. Gough said the old campgrounds could only accommodate 100 kids per session; at NorthBay, Camp Friendship will be able to accommodate 500.

the Chesapeake Bay

“The whole facility is like a small community college,” says Gough. “So the kids are going to have new adventures.” The new “adventures” will revolve around new amenities like a gym, theater, computer lab, nature trails, a bigger pool, and other water activities on the Chesapeake.

All camps are supervised by oncology doctors and nurses, and kids must have their doctor’s permission to attend.

Normally Camp Friendship holds two sessions each summer, but to adjust to the move, this year there will only be one from July 11-16. However, a day camp, teen camp, and other programs will be held throughout the summer.

To download an application, or to get more information about Camp Friendship and other CJCF programs, visit

www.cjcf4kids.org

.