Camp Challenge is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating a life-long experience for our campers, children with cancers and blood disorders and their siblings! Camp Challenge is a grass roots non-profit organization dedicated to giving ill children and their siblings ages 6 through 18 a summer camp experience. Camp is open to all children who reside in Louisiana and have a form of cancer a
nd chronic hematological disorders. Camp Challenge is funded by donations from individuals and companies. We also receive money from various organizations that put on fund-raisers for the soul purpose of funding camp. Camp just completed it's 26th year! "A bright light in summer till a cure for cancer is found." Mission Statement
"The mission of Camp Challenge is to enrich the lives of young hematology/oncology patients including, but not limited to, cancer and sickle cell disorders, their siblings and survivors by creating a week-long camping experience at no cost. Our purpose is to provide a recreational environment that is memorable, fun, empowering, safe and medically sound to help them cope with the challenges of childhood diseases and prepare them for life after illness. Camp Challenge is a one week overnight camp program for children. The program is overseen by the Board of Director’s of Camp Challenge, Inc. Camp Challenge, Inc. works year round to secure funding and meet the needs of the camp program as well as provide activities and events throughout the year. We are accredited by the American Camping Association and work hard throughout the year to meet and maintain the many standards set forth by them to provide a quality camp program." Camp Goals:
OPPORTUNITY to develop Coping Skills and Self-Confidence. Also to provide the opportunity to make friends and to interact with other children with similar illnesses and experiences. EXPERIENCE Group living in a camp environment. ADVENTURE Fun-filled experience away from home. AWARENESS & APPRECIATION for the natural world
CONCERN for ecology and a desire to help preserve the earth
Staff
The Camp Challenge Director individually selects the staff. Our staff members are all students or adults who have a special interest in your child. Some of the staff are former campers who graduated into counselors and administrators. This gives the younger campers hope when they see the cancer survivors at camp
Health and Safety
The camper's general well-being is the prime concern of the entire staff. Health standards and accident prevention are built into the program. We operate under stringent safety rules set by the Camp Challenge Board and abide by all parish and state laws and regulations. A physician and two nurses will be on the campsite 24 hours a day. Hospitals are on call. In case of serious illnesses or accident, parents will be notified. Children have received Chemotherapy at camp in the past. The nurses enjoy attending camp, it allows them to see the children outside the hospital environment. Camp activities include a talent show, a carnival, swimming, arts and crafts, sports, and an award ceremony! Water Front
Our waterfront is supervised by a Red Cross Water Safety instructor and qualified assistants. Every child will receive Red Cross swimming lessons; all campers will have lots of free-swim time as well. Canoeing and paddle boating on the lake, supervised by Certified Lifeguards. ALL WATER ACTIVITIES ARE SUPERVISED BY CERTIFIED LIFEGUARDS
