In 2023, Children’s Cancer Connection’s Oncology Camp and Sibling Camp will both return to their pre-pandemic structures. That means hundreds of Iowa youth diagnosed with cancer at age 18 or younger, as well as their siblings will again get the full, in-person Camp Heart Connection experience!
The theme this year is “Welcome Home,” as it’s the first time the normal weeklong schedule for children only has been possible since 2019, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its lingering effects.
From June 11-17, 2023, Oncology Campers will take part in exciting camp activities such as horseback-riding, arts and crafts, ziplining, Wish Night and more while being immersed in a world with other friends who know what it’s like to have cancer. From Aug. 13-19, 2023, Sibling Campers will enjoy the same fun line-up while spending day after day with friends who know what it’s like to be the sibling of a child going through cancer treatment and beyond. Camps are held at the Des Moines YMCA Camp in Boone.
Camper registration opens Feb. 1, 2023.
Volunteer applications will open Nov. 1, 2022. As CCC heads back into its first normal Oncology and Sibling Camps in awhile, THE NEED FOR BOTH CAMP STAFF VOLUNTEERS AND MEDICAL VOLUNTEERS WILL BE EXTREMELY HIGH! Please mark your calendars, and plan to volunteer to make the magic happen at Camp Heart Connection in 2023.
For camper-related questions, email the Camps Team. For volunteer-related questions, email the Volunteer Team.
See camp FAQs here. We look forward to 2023 as we “Welcome Home” campers who will be reunited at last with their big camp family!