Camps + Retreats

Camp Heart Connection provides a week-long opportunity for children and teens affected by childhood cancer. Campers can be on or off treatment to attend Oncology Camp in June.

Brothers and sisters get their own camp experience in August at Sibling Camp.

Camp Heart Connection is held at the Y Camp in Boone, Iowa. A beautiful and picturesque place along the Des Moines River to enjoy nature and the outdoors.

Campers get the chance to participate in a variety of activities — horseback riding, swimming, arts & crafts, archery, rock-wall climbing, and many other unique Camp Heart Connection traditions.

Children’s Cancer Connection® is committed to the health and safety of the campers. We have 24/7 medical staff that take time away from the clinic setting to volunteer their expertise in taking care of kids. They work closely with every camper and their families to ensure participation is possible and safe. Medications and/or treatment protocols won’t need to stop a child from Camp Heart Connection. In fact, the healthcare team at your hospitals frequently ask, “You’re going to camp, right?” Our camp staff and counselors are trained to provide an inclusive and welcoming environment to ensure the campers have the best week ever.

Camp Heart Connection is not all about cancer; it’s about making lifelong friendships and having fun with other campers that have had similar experiences in life. Making meaningful connections with each other is the focus every day while at camp. Campers know that they’re not alone at Camp Heart Connection.

Testimonials

“Camp has been a major anchor in our daughter’s life, as we have experienced many major events over the years. Thank you so much for providing this security for her.”

“We are so grateful for a place where children that have undergone/ are going through hard stuff can be accepted and loved on for an entire week. To be able to forget for a little bit is awesome! We are super thankful for all of the staff that attend camp!”

“I’m always amazed at how emotional our daughter is after camp. She is so connected with not only the girls in her cabin, but the counselors as well. The car ride home always has a few moments when the tears flow; we understand how important this camp is to her. She feels truly free at camp! Thanks for all of the work the staff does and for all of the volunteers’ hard work too.”