Since 1986, the Department of Pediatrics at the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine has organized Camp COCO (Children’s Oncology Camp Organization) to be the highlight of summer for children living with cancers and blood disorders. Camp COCO is a medically supervised camp program that is a member of the Children’s Oncology Camping Association International (COCA)—an organization that establishes guidelines and practices addressing safety and operational concerns specific to camps for children with cancer.
Camp COCO is about caring for special kids. Each summer, Camp COCO serves over 120 children, ages 6-16, from hometowns throughout Illinois. Siblings of young campers may also attend. Camp week is held in July at an ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant camp in the heart of central Illinois to accommodate children with disabilities resulting from their cancer treatment. The time away from home is a break from clinic and hospital visits and over-protectiveness. Campers in active treatment receive specialized care from SIU School of Medicine’s pediatrics staff, including an oncologist, nurses and child life specialists, as well as other area health professionals. A full staff of qualified counselors, who are trained to work with children of all ages, are also on-site at all times.
Camp COCO is about building self-confidence. For many campers, it is the first time away from home, and a time to experience nature. Just like “normal kids”, campers participate in a variety of activities during camp week: swimming, fishing, boating, horseback riding, arts and crafts, archery, nature hikes, visits from local celebrities, games, dances, and campfires.
Camp COCO is about the bonds of friendship and hope. Camp COCO uniquely offers children emotional support and acceptance in spite of the physical effects of cancer treatment that makes children feel different than their peers. Campers build strong bonds as they share their thoughts and feelings about clinical experiences, physical challenges, and emotional journeys that only others with a cancer diagnosis can understand. Most importantly, Camp COCO offers hope when ill campers meet recovering children diagnosed with the same disease. Some of our teenaged former campers become counselors at Camp COCO.
Camp COCO is about supporting families. Camp week enables families to take a very needed respite from the daily concerns of caring for a sick child. Families never have to pay for a child to attend camp. Camp COCO is entirely supported by generous friends and philanthropic activities including the annual Camp COCO Golf Outing. Contributions from many individuals, service clubs and businesses to the COCO Children's Cancer Fund help pay the approximate $500 cost for each camper. You may also donate items on the Camp COCO Wish List. Contact the SIU Foundation at (217) 545-2955 to learn more. Your gift to Camp COCO makes a real difference to families and campers. |
