FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Serena Binner
772-287-7467
Serena.Binner@cancer.org
American Cancer Society Sends Treasure Coast local kids to camp
Fla., July 08, 2009 - 6 Campers from the Treasure Coast who have endured the day-to-day challenges of surviving cancer will be setting off for a week of fun, friendship and the opportunity to go camping at the American Cancer Society's Reaching Out to Cancer Kids, or R.O.C.K. Camp in partnership with Camp Boggy Creek.
On July, 8, 2009, from Superplay USA in Saint Lucie West, the American Cancer Society and the campers' families will bid the children goodbye as they board the bus for Camp Boggy Creek in Eustis, Fla.
The campers are children with cancer ages 7 -16 who are given an opportunity to experience the fun and adventure of summer camp without feeling different from other children. While in a safe environment, children enjoy all the traditional camp activities, including canoeing, swimming, music, arts and crafts, archery, sports, fishing, talent shows and campfires. Campers attend free of charge.
This summer more than 280 children with cancer will experience Camp Boggy Creek. This 232-acre camp near Orlando includes an extensive medical center, medical professionals including pediatric oncologists, dining hall, air-conditioned cabins, arts and crafts center, indoor recreation center, boathouse and docks, horseback riding trails and a heated pool. It's a sharp contrast to the sterile, stressful medical environment these children have to face in a hospital.
Children from Orlando, Panama City, Daytona Beach, Tallahassee, Jacksonville, Pensacola and Gainesville will attend the first camp session, June 10- June 16. Children from Palm Beach, Miami,
Ft. Lauderdale, Stuart, Ft. Myers and Pinellas Park will attend the final session July 8-14.
Founded in 1976, R.O.C.K. Camp was the first camp created for children with cancer in the United States. This camp is one of three R.O.C.K Programs offered by the American Cancer Society. Other R.O.C.K. programs include Families R.O.C.K. Weekend and the R.O.C.K. College Scholarship Program.
For more information on the American Cancer Society's childhood cancer programs, please contact call 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit our Web site at www.cancer.org. For more information about Camp Boggy Creek, please call 352-483-4200 or visit their Web site at www.boggycreek.org.
The American Cancer Society is the nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem through research, education, advocacy, and service. In Florida, there are three Hope Lodges, more than 35 American Cancer Society offices, and approximately 100,000 active volunteers. For information about cancer, call toll-free anytime 1.800.ACS.2345 or visit the American Cancer Society web site at www.cancer.org.