Camp HOPE 4 Kids with Cancer

We are getting ready for one of the most anticipated events of the year for our kiddos…Camp HOPE!

For the last four years, we have hosted a summer day camp for our kiddos affected by childhood cancer. The idea started with the small space of our office in downtown Macon and art supplies. We decided to offer therapeutic art events to our families. The original vision included 10-15 children in our office interacting, building social bonds, enjoying art, and escaping the burdens of cancer. The reality was very different!

Jay’s HOPE served more than 40 children ages 4-18 at that camp. We moved desks and pushed activities out into the small grassy areas around our building. From painting self-portraits, to experimenting with textures and materials not available outside of school, our kiddos smiled and found HOPE in the smallest of projects. We rallied volunteers, ordered lunch and handed out snacks. By the week’s end, everyone involved was physically exhausted but spiritually our hearts were full! We knew Jay’s HOPE had uncovered yet another need not being met for local families battling childhood cancer.

Learning from the first camp season, we have developed a program that now provides adequate space and materials for several enriching activities. Our one-week day camp is FREE to our families. We expect more than 130 campers in 2017! Our camp provides adapted environments such as ample classroom space, recreation rooms, and safe outdoor space. Breakfast, lunch and snacks are also provided at no cost. This year, our campers will also enjoy special guest instructors in hip hop, drumming, and drama. They will get to try their hand at mining for gems as well as hitting targets in archery class.

Our Jay’s HOPE families look forward to Camp HOPE every year. It provides the foundation for friendships and social support for kids in our community who battle cancer and its negative effects daily. Join us in being a source of light and HOPE! The cost for one child to attend camp is $200. Consider sponsoring a kiddo for their best week of the summer!

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