RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES OF THE

Ronald mcdonald camp (rmc) enables children with cancer and their siblings to experience the joys of summer camp. Created by rmh co-founder dr. Audrey e. Evans in 1986, this one-week camp was one of the very first of its kind to offer a camp experience specifically designed for children with cancer and their siblings. Rmc, held annually in the pocono mountains of pennsylvania, includes all of the activities found at a traditional overnight summer camp, such as swimming, sailing, hiking, sports, arts and crafts, yoga, and rope courses, except that, at this camp, campers can participate no matter what limitations they have. For many campers, the week at camp is the first time they have ever tried the activities offered, and they go home not only having discovered a new talent or learned a new skill, but having gained a sense of self-confidence. For children who have felt isolated from their peers through their illness, and siblings who have felt left out, camp is also an opportunity to join a family of campers who can relate to one another, and to develop a wide-reaching support network that will last long after the week of camp is over.children ages 7 to 17 (including current or former cancer patients and one sibling) are welcome at camp and are divided by age into junior and senior camps. More than 100 fully-trained volunteer counselors (many of whom are cancer survivors and past campers) and a full team of over a dozen medical staff, including pediatric oncologists, nurses and social workers from chop, volunteer their time over the summer to make camp possible. In 2024, rmhc-phi hosted one week of rmc for children with cancer and their siblings with primary goals of keeping campers safe and providing an inclusive community of fun where campers can experience engaging activities like any other kid, and one weekend for the pilot year of family camp, an opportunity for families with a child recenly off cancer treatment to connect with each other, other families, and enjoy camp activities together. In august, 152 campers and seven participants in a young adult leadership program returned to in person camp programming for a week at a campground in the pocono mountains. Building off the three years of successful return to camp post-covid, rmhc-phi coordinated with healthcare partners to ensure another safe return to in person activities. 126 volunteers took part as counselors, activity specialists, and medical team members to make these weeks of camp possible. Campers enjoyed the return of the beloved friday whole-camp activity (this year on theme of fantasy faire) and being able to chose their afternoon activities best suited to their interests. 2024 also brought the launch of the pilot year of the ronald mcdonald family camp, a friday to sunday experience for families who have a child 1-5 years off of their cancer treatment. The family camp was run in coordination with social workers from the ronald mcdonald house philadelphia and rmc camp staff. 7 families (26 people) experienced a community of peers who understand what they are going through, opportunity to reflect on "gratitude" in their lives, and enjoy the incredible bonding from shared activities such as lake, boating, adventure course, field trips, arts and crafts and more! While there is no charge to the patient campers, siblings traditionally can attend for a nominal fee of $150. In 2024, sibling fees totaled $7,525. Funding for the week is provided solely through the contributions of individuals and organizations. Ronald mcdonald camp is accredited through the american camp association (aca) and is a member of the children's oncology camping association, international (coca). Ronald mcdonald camp, when held in-person, is held at the camp timber tops facility in greeley, pennsylvania and ronald mcdonald family camp is held at camp oneka in tafton, pennsylvania.