Oncology Camp
Since 1982, more than 3,000 children with cancer have experienced the thrill of summer camp at Camp Okizu. Camp is the bright light in the lives of these children. Courage and hope are plentiful and friends abound. At camp, the children rediscover that they are children and not just cancer patients.
A camping experience is invaluable to children undergoing and recovering from cancer treatments. Camp is the only place other than the hospital where these children can meet other kids who have lost their hair during chemotherapy, had to face a limb amputation or suffered a relapse after months or years off treatment. For many, it is the happy memories of camp and the anticipation of next year that help them through their painful treatments and diagnostic procedures. It makes a real difference in a child’s ability to cope with his or her disease.
The resident camp program allows the campers to experience fun, adventure, independence, camaraderie and learning in an outdoor setting which become life-long memories. The planning of activities is done by the campers in their cabin group under the guidance of a trained counselor. The camp program is open to both boys and girls, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex or handicap.
Expert medical supervision is provided by the pediatric oncology departments, social workers and recreation therapists from the participating hospitals. All prescription medications (oral, inhaled, inject and intravenous) are administered at camp as needed, on schedule, by licensed nurses and physicians.
Camp Okizu is located at Berry Creek, California, 70 miles north of Sacramento. Children sleep on platforms with bed frames and mattresses and store their belongings in an adjacent cabin. Well balanced, nutritious meals are served by qualified kitchen staff in the lodge. Healthy snacks are available throughout the day. Bathroom facilities include hot showers and flush toilets.
Air-conditioned buses provide transportation to camp from Palo Alto, Oakland, Sacramento and the Fairfield area. You may also drive your child to camp.
There is no charge to send your child to camp. The camping experiences are made possible through the financial support of foundations, community organizations and individuals.
Children Are Eligible If They…
- Have or have had cancer
- Are 6 -17 years of age at the time of camp
- Receive approval from their physician
- Have consent of parent or legal guardian
Oncology Camp Application
To receive an application by mail, or if you would like additional information about Camp Okizu, please call the office at 415.382.9083 or write to Okizu, 16 Digital Drive, Suite 130, Novato, CA 94949.
2010 Oncology Camp Study
Researchers from Palo Alto University and Stanford University School of Medicine are conducting a study to learn about the benefits of Camp Okizu Oncology Camp on the mental health, self-esteem, and quality of life of children with cancer. Investigators are: Wendy Packman, JD, PhD, Stacy Weber, MS, CRC, and Nusha Nouhi, BA; and Michael Amylon, MD (“Dr. Mike”) from Stanford University School of Medicine (collaborator).
Children ages 6-17 with cancer planning to attend 2010 Camp Okizu Oncology Camp and their parents can participate in this study. You can still participate in this study, even if you are unable to attend camp this summer.
If you choose to participate, you and your child will be asked to complete questionnaires two times, once in the spring (before Camp Okizu) and once in the fall (after Camp Okizu). You can complete the surveys online or we can mail them to you. Upon completion of the study, your family will have the opportunity to participate in a raffle to win one of 19 Target Gift Cards.
If you would like to learn more about our study, please contact us by email at CampOkizuStudy@gmail.com or by phone at 650-319-8904. We look forward to hearing from you!
