Care Camps Foundation is conducting a year-end fundraising effort to support pediatric oncology camps across the United States and Canada while expressing appreciation to donors who have contributed throughout the year.
“We are very grateful to all the generous individuals and companies who have donated to support our mission this year,” said Gwynn Sullivan, executive director of Care Camps Foundation. “Since the funding we provide for the camps each year is directly correlated to the donations we receive annually, please consider making a year-end contribution.”
In 2025, Care Camps Foundation provided financial support to 125 pediatric oncology camps located across the U.S. and Canada. The funding allows children with cancer and their families to attend camps free of charge, helping to reduce the financial strain associated with treatment and care. These camps are staffed with medical professionals and provide a supportive environment where children can experience recreation, peer connection, and respite from the physical and emotional challenges of cancer.
Care Camps Foundation’s legacy began more than 40 years ago when a small group of KOA campground owners started fundraising to send children with cancer to a specialized camp, Happiness Is Camping, located in New Jersey. Their fundraising expanded to support more camps and later became known as KOA Care Camps, as KOA Inc. and additional KOA campgrounds elevated this effort.
In 2015, the organization rebranded as Care Camps to broaden its reach beyond KOA campgrounds and encourage support from the wider outdoor hospitality and recreation industries. And, in 2024, “Foundation” was formally added to the Care Camps name to better clarify its mission.
Today, Care Camps Foundation receives donations from campgrounds, the RV industry, and service providers throughout the U.S. and Canada, as well as generous individuals, Sullivan said.
Recently, the Foundation recognized several of its top supporters during RV and campground industry conventions. During the RV Dealers Association (RVDA) Convention & Expo, held in Las Vegas, NV, Care Camps Foundation presented awards to the three RV dealers who raised the most funds for a new program, Compete for Kids.
Care Camps Foundation also recognized several KOA campgrounds and individual supporters for their contributions during the KOA Convention, held in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Canadian partners have also been very active in fundraising for Care Camps Foundation. Campgrounds throughout Canada, the British Columbia Lodging and Campgrounds Association, Camping in Ontario, the Canadian Camping and RV Association, RV Care Network, and the Canadian Recreational Vehicle Association (CRVA) have greatly contributed by hosting various fundraising efforts throughout the year, Sullivan said.
The Foundation also presented its annual We Care Corporate Award to CRVA in recognition of its 50th anniversary fundraiser, which featured a donated travel trailer touring Canada to raise raffle funds and awareness for Canadian pediatric oncology camps. The award was presented to CRVA President Shane Devenish during the RVDA Convention.
To learn more about Care Camps Foundation and how you can donate, visit www.carecamps.org.
“Every dollar makes a difference and will help give more joy, hope, and healing to children with cancer and their families,” Sullivan said.
