Cancer Camps and Retreats
Cancer camps and retreats promote relaxation, adventure, and community. These getaways, whether weeklong or summer long, allow patients to leave the tiresome hospital visits and sterile medical environments behind for a few days. No matter how young or old you are, a cancer camp or retreat will relieve stress, encourage creativity, and promote healing.
Most camps and cancer retreats have been designed to assist patients with special needs, and many facilities employ full-time oncologists and nurses who can answer campers’ questions and provide medical care if necessary. Hospitals, socials workers, and other health organizations have been championing cancer camps and retreats for many years. Their enthusiastic support and fundraising has made most camps available at little or no cost to the patient.
Be sure to check out our directory of cancer retreat options. If you see something you like, talk to your doctor about the health benefits of a cancer camp or retreat.
Browse by state
- Alabama (3)
- Arizona (8)
- Arkansas (2)
- California (11)
- Colorado (7)
- Florida (6)
- Georgia (4)
- Hawaii (1)
- Idaho (3)
- Illinois (1)
- Indiana (2)
- Iowa (5)
- Kansas (2)
- Kentucky (5)
- Maine (2)
- Maryland (3)
- Massachusetts (5)
- Michigan (4)
- Minnesota (1)
- Mississippi (2)
- Missouri (10)
- Montana (6)
- Nebraska (2)
- New Jersey (2)
- New Mexico (1)
- New York (16)
- North Carolina (6)
- North Dakota (2)
- Ohio (3)
- Oklahoma (2)
- Oregon (1)
- Pennsylvania (1)
- South Carolina (5)
- Tennessee (2)
- Texas (10)
- Utah (2)
- Vermont (4)
- Virginia (5)
- Washington (5)
- West Virginia (1)
- Wisconsin (3)
Choosing cancer camps and retreats: what to know
Cancer camps and retreats offer time away with others who understand, for children with cancer and their siblings, for adults in or after treatment, and for families and caregivers. Many are free.
Camps for children with cancer usually have medical staff on site; ask how they handle medications and treatment schedules.
Questions to ask
- Who is the camp for (ages, diagnosis, family members)?
- What medical staff are on site?
- Is there a cost, and is help available with travel?
Listings are provided for information only and may be out of date. Know Cancer does not endorse any provider. Please confirm details directly with the provider.