Kids Have Fun at Camp Fantastic
Photo: Marleen Van Den Neste
Photo: Marleen Van Den Neste
Photo: Marleen Van Den Neste
Photo: Marleen Van Den Neste
Photo: Marleen Van Den Neste
Photo: Marleen Van Den Neste
Photo: Marleen Van Den Neste
Photo: Marleen Van Den Neste
In a few days, the annual Camp Fantastic will be underway in Front Royal, VA.
Founded by the non-profit Special Love, Inc. in 1983, this week-long summer camp hosts children undergoing treatment for cancer or who are in recovery. NIH’s Pediatric Oncology Branch coordinates all aspects of care at the camp, with an onsite medical facility staffed by NIH physicians, nurses and volunteers.
These photos from last year’s camp show some of the fun activities that week, which included swimming, pickleball, climbing, horseback riding, arts and crafts and science experiments.
The hope is always for abundant sunshine. Last summer, though, the weather didn’t cooperate. During the last few days of camp, tornadoes in the vicinity caused flooding and the facility lost power.
The situation presented major challenges for camp counselors, volunteers and medical staff on site who had to make sure the campers had food and access to operational medical equipment. Organizers almost canceled the rest of the week due to the significant health and safety concerns but then, that Friday morning, the power returned and the kids continued their fun activities through the weekend. The campers, counselors, medical team and volunteers would not be deterred in their quest for a memorable week.