Friends of Karen

Summer Camps and Grief Camps

Rob Madrid — Wed, 27 May 2026 00:46:54 +0000

We’ve compiled camps designed specifically for children with cancer, and other illnesses, and for their SIBLINGS. These programs understand the medical and emotional needs of families facing illness. It also includes grief camps for siblings and families that run throughout the year.

Day Camps

Sunrise Day Camp
Wheatly Heights
Services Long Island and Queens
https://www.sunrisedaycamp-longisland.org/

Statan Island
Services Brooklyn, Manhattan and Statan Island
https://sunrisedaycamp-statenisland.org/what-we-do/

Pearl River
Services Westchester, Rockland, Burgon, Bronx
https://www.sunrisedaycamp-pearlriver.org/sunrise-day-camp/

For Siblings and Ill children with current diagnosis or are in remission of cancer Ages 3 ½ to 16 years

June 30- August 13
**Transportation is provided daily **
You can sign up for the entire summer and attend a couple days or every day of summer, they are flexible and know the inconsistencies of treatment.

Sleep Away Camps

Camp Rising Sun, Colbrook, CT
https://www.camprisingsun.com/

For Siblings and Ill children with current diagnosis or are in remission of cancer Ages 5 to 17 years

August 22- 27

Hole in the Wall Gang, Ashford, CT
https://www.holeinthewallgang.org/programs/summer-camp/

For Siblings and Ill children with current diagnosis or are in remission of cancer Ages 7 to 15 years and Counselor in Training opportunities for ages 16-18 years.

Weekly camps between June 19 and August 21

Weeks are categorized by diagnosis and include cancer, sickle cell, blood disorders, Immunologic Disorders, Metabolic/Mitochondrial Disorders, Neurofibromatosis, Solid Organ & Multivisceral Transplant: Campers must be at least 1-year post-transplant

**May help with transportation
** Also offers family camps during the weekends of Spring and Fall

Happiness is Camping, Hardwick, NJ
https://www.happinessiscamping.org/

For siblings and ill children with a diagnosis or in remission of cancer or sickle cell Ages 5 -17 years

Week long camps between July 5- July 31
May attend one week or all weeks

**Offers weekend family camps in spring and summer

Camp Simcha, Glen Spey, NY
https://www.campsimcha.org/

For children with a diagnosis or in remission of cancer or a blood disorder

Week longs camps between June 30 to August 24 based on gender

*Jewish Faith camp

Camp Happy Times, Wayne County, PA
https://thevaleriefund.org/what-we-do/camp-happy-times/

For siblings and ill children with a diagnosis or in remission of cancer Ages 5 to 21

August 14-20

** Transportation Provided

Bereavement Camps

Camp Compassion
Hosted by The Cove
At Club Getaway in Kent,CT
https://www.covect.org/campcompassion

May 15-17
Ages 6-17

Camp Cope
Hosted by Cope
At Camp Wayne for Girls in Preston Park, PA
https://copefoundation.org/camp-cope/

August 21-23
Ages 7-17
*Concurrent With Parent Retreat

Hole in the Wall Gang
Family Program
Ashford, CT
https://www.holeinthewallgang.org/programs/connecticut-location/bereavement-program

Meet 3 weekends in a year. New session starts this fall.

All Ages and for parents who only have one child
*Specifically for families whose child died from an illness
*Provides transportation

Camp Good Grief
Hosted by East End Hospice
At Camp Pa-qua-tuck Center Moriches, New York
https://www.eehcampgoodgrief.org/

July 20-23
Ages 4- 17 years

Comfort Zone Camp
Nationwide – Camps in various locations
https://comfortzonecamp.org/

New Jersey Camp Mason in Hardwick Township, NJ April 10 – April 12
New York Camp DeWolfe Wading River, NY July 31- August 2

Ages 7-17 and young adult sessions
Some include concurrent Parent Camp
*Has online support group sessions meets weekly for a month

The post Summer Camps and Grief Camps appeared first on Friends of Karen.

Friends of Karen Summer Tips

Rob Madrid — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 15:35:20 +0000

Summer is a season many families look forward to, but when you are caring for a child with a serious illness, the longer days and changing routines can bring unique challenges. Balancing medical appointments, treatments, and long hours at the clinic while trying to create joyful summer memories for all your children can feel overwhelming.

When school ends, parents may feel added pressure to maintain structure and find meaningful activities for siblings. At the same time, children with serious illnesses may feel disappointed or left out if they are unable to participate in certain summer traditions, camps, or gatherings because of health concerns or increased vulnerability to illness.

The good news is that there are plenty of ways to create a summer filled with fun, connection, and special moments for the whole family. Here are some ideas and resources to help seriously ill children and their siblings enjoy the season together safely.

Summer Camps

There are many summer camp programs designed specifically for children with serious illnesses and their siblings. These camps often provide medical support on-site and understand the flexibility families need when health circumstances can change unexpectedly.

Many camps offer opportunities for children to build friendships, gain confidence, and enjoy activities that are adapted to their individual needs.

Here’s a link to our recently posted resource about summer camps!

Community Resources

Your community may offer free or low-cost opportunities for families to enjoy together. These activities can provide fun, flexibility, and opportunities for siblings to connect.

Libraries

Local libraries often offer a variety of free summer programs, including story times, crafts, STEM activities, and special events for children of all ages. Many libraries also provide free museum passes that families can borrow to visit museums, aquariums, zoos, and other local attractions.

Be sure to check with your local library or bookstore for summer reading programs. Many offer incentives, prizes, and fun challenges that can keep children engaged throughout the season.

Libraries

Local parks, state parks, and recreation departments often provide family-friendly activities such as nature walks, wildlife programs, outdoor crafts, and guided hikes. Many programs can be adapted to different ability levels, making them accessible for a variety of needs and energy levels.

Urban Park Rangers and State Parks – provide recreational activities for families including hikes and wildlife management

https://www.nycgovparks.org/programs/rangers

Family Fun Nights

With the uncertainty that often accompanies a serious illness, creating opportunities to connect as a family can be especially meaningful. Here are a few simple ways to make lasting summer memories together.

A Good Old Fashioned Movie Night – Share a nostalgic classic from your childhood or even a movie marathon. Remember that show “Dinner and a movie?” Take some inspiration from the show and try out a theme. Does your child love Disney princesses or superheroes? Star Wars, Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings? Whip up a snack or meal to complement the film, dress up like the characters, duel with light sabers (or craft them) between movies,

Cooking Contest Night – Select three surprise ingredients and challenge each family member to incorporate them into a dish or snack. Taste-test together and award fun categories such as “Most Creative,” “Best Presentation,” or “Family Favorite”!

Get Creative – Sidewalk Chalk Painting: use old sidewalk chalk, crumble it up, place it in muffin tins, add water and you have sidewalk chalk paint! Paint on driveways and sidewalks! Make friendship bracelets, create family portraits together or come up with your own family crest or motto.

Camp Out at Home – Bring the adventure of camping to your backyard or living room. Set up a tent or build a blanket fort, read stories by flashlight, tell jokes, and enjoy favorite camping treats. The best part? Your own bed is only a few steps away.

Read Together – Snuggles and bedtime stories are some of the best moments of parenthood and childhood. Take it up a notch and form a family book club.

Family Photo Shoot – Gather old costumes, hats, and accessories and let everyone get creative. Have children style the adults and vice versa. Capture the fun with photos you’ll treasure for years to come.

Create a Summer Wish List – As a family, brainstorm activities and experiences everyone would enjoy. Some may be simple, like having a picnic in the backyard, watching a sunset, or making homemade popsicles. Creating a wish list together helps children focus on possibilities and gives everyone something to look forward to.

Energy-Friendly Activities for Children with Serious Illnesses

Summer fun doesn’t have to be high-energy to be meaningful. Many children living with serious illnesses experience fatigue, mobility challenges, treatment side effects, or restrictions that can make traditional summer activities difficult. The key is finding opportunities that allow children to participate at their own pace while still feeling included.

Here are a few low-energy, flexible activities that children and siblings can enjoy together:

Backyard Picnics: Spread out a blanket in the yard or even on the living room floor and enjoy lunch together in a new setting.
Water Play at Home: A small sprinkler, water table, bubbles, or even bowls of water and measuring cups can provide sensory fun without requiring a lot of energy.
Nature Scavenger Hunts: Create a simple list of things to spot from a porch, window, backyard, or short walk around the neighborhood.
Arts and Crafts: Painting, coloring, beading, scrapbooking, and other creative projects can be adapted to different ability levels and enjoyed from the comfort of home.
Virtual Adventures: Many museums, aquariums, zoos, and national parks offer virtual tours that allow children to explore the world from home.
Gardening Together: Plant flowers, herbs, or vegetables in containers or small garden beds. Watching something grow can be a rewarding summer project for the whole family.
Memory-Making Projects: Create a family scrapbook, summer journal, or photo album together. Invite siblings to contribute stories, drawings, and favorite memories.
Game Time: Board games, card games, puzzles, and family trivia nights offer opportunities for connection and laughter while accommodating a wide range of energy levels.

Remember that participation may look different from day to day. Some days a child may feel up to joining an activity for hours; other days, a few minutes may be enough. Following your child’s lead and focusing on connection rather than expectations can help create positive experiences for everyone involved.

A Few Final Reminders

Be mindful of the heat, stay hydrated, and remember that some children undergoing treatment may be more sensitive to sun exposure. Check with your child’s medical team about any precautions that may be needed, and don’t forget the sunscreen.

Most importantly, remember that meaningful summer memories don’t have to be elaborate. Sometimes the moments children remember most are the simple ones—laughing together, sharing a favorite treat, catching fireflies, roasting marshmallows, or spending time with the people they love.

We hope your summer is filled with connection, comfort, joy, and plenty of opportunities for your family to make special memories together.

The post Friends of Karen Summer Tips appeared first on Friends of Karen.

Best Brothers Forever

admin — Tue, 01 Oct 2024 15:24:11 +0000

The same amount of special

As a Sibling Support Specialist at Friends of Karen, my favorite part of the job is working with all the unique and wonderful families to whom we provide support. Though each is unique and special, at the heart of each family is shared love, fierce and strong, for their precious children. How fortunate we are at Friends of Karen, to witness love, in its many forms each day and how grateful are we that these incredible families welcome us into their homes to help strengthen these bonds in the most difficult of times.

Perhaps, there is no better example of brotherly love than that of Francis (almost 9) and Gabriel, (7). What initially began as a trip to the school nurse, quickly became a frightening time for the family with a lengthy hospital stay and a diagnosis of Lymphoma. The boys’ parents, loving and concerned, connected with Friends of Karen Social Worker, Marla and were referred to Sibling Support.

To enter their home is like being enveloped with a bear hug. The love between Francis, Gabriel, their sister, mother and father is palpable but it is the consideration and respect that the boys show each other and others is something that would make any parent beam with pride. In many ways they are typical brothers; playing video games and hide and seek with walkie talkies. They love baseball, Minecraft and Super Mario Brothers and are always game to make art with the messiest, squishiest of materials. There is also a tenderness to their hearts and an appreciation that they show each other, that whether it is due to their circumstances or innate in their nature, is nevertheless beautiful to behold. As Sibling Support Specialists, it is our job to explain difficult situations and realities to children in a way that makes sense and feels less scary. In this Sibling Spotlight interview Francis and Gabriel excitedly and generously shared their experience below, reflecting what they have learned in sessions with wisdom, clarity and a way with words that come only from the purest of hearts .

What makes your family special?

Francis- They are loving and help me through cancer.

Gabriel- They are really nice!

What has been the hardest part about having a cancer diagnosis in your family?

F- The chemo gave me a bunch of weird side effects. It was hard not being able to go to school. I missed my friends.

G- I don’t get to see Francis a lot when he is at the hospital or doctor. When my dad first told me he was sick and in the hospital, I thought he was pranking me! I looked all over the house to see if he was hiding, when I couldn’t find him I knew it was real. We have to be careful about germs. When I got the flu I had to stay away from Francis in a separate part of the house. I missed him a lot but we wrote notes back and forth to each other. It’s also really hard for me when I feel left out and like he gets more attention.

What or who has helped?

F- My mom helps me by always being by my side. She is always there for me. It also helps for my friends to know what is going on so they can understand how I want to be treated.

G- You! (Siobhan- Sibling Support Specialist) You help me so I don’t feel left out and so I understand feelings and cancer.

What did you feel confused about?

F- The first time I heard the word “cancer” I didn’t know what they were talking about.

G- And then we learned that sometimes things grow in your body that shouldn’t be there. It isn’t anybody’s fault.

F- And I need medicine to make it go away.

What is your favorite thing about your brother?

G- He always helps me out.

F- He’s always my favorite person to play with.

What is your favorite thing to do together?
F- Play games outside. We play Marco Polo in the pool.

G- And it’s much funner when our dad plays too! We also like to play video games together.

What is your favorite activity/project that we’ve done together?

F- When we read the book about the dinosaur who had cancer. I could relate to that.

G- I like when we play with clay. I just made this BBF ring– Best Brothers Forever!

Siobhan (SSS)- I loved when you two put the playmobil hospital together and Francis was able to explain what the hospital was like for him. Gabriel, you listened so well and I think you made Francis feel very loved.