Camp CARE (Cancer Ain’t Really the End) is a specialized medical camp dedicated to serving children who have or have had cancer and their families in the Charlotte area. The camp offers both a weeklong summer camp experience and year-round activities through Camp CARE Connections, providing a unique opportunity for children to enjoy normal camp activities while receiving 24/7 medical supervision from healthcare professionals. All camp expenses exceed $500 per child, but the entire program is comCamp CARE (Cancer Ain’t Really the End) is a specialized medical camp dedicated to serving children who have or have had cancer and their families in the Charlotte area. The camp offers both a weeklong summer camp experience and year-round activities through Camp CARE Connections, providing a unique opportunity for children to enjoy normal camp activities while receiving 24/7 medical supervision from healthcare professionals. All camp expenses exceed $500 per child, but the entire program is completely free to families thanks to generous donations and volunteer support.
The camp serves children in all stages of their cancer treatment journey, from those currently undergoing treatment to survivors, creating an inclusive and supportive community. With more than 200 campers and their families served annually, Camp CARE is staffed entirely by volunteers and medical professionals who understand the unique needs of children with cancer. The program welcomes not only the children with cancer but also their siblings, allowing families to create lasting memories together while building connections with others who understand their journey.
Beyond the summer camp week, Camp CARE Connections provides ongoing support activities throughout the year, ensuring that families have access to community and resources even outside the main camp session. Activities include swimming, tubing, ice skating, arts and crafts, talent shows, dance, circus activities, and corn mazes—all designed to give children a joyful, normal camp experience while maintaining the highest medical standards.
Key Highlights
Specialized medical camp with 24/7 professional supervision for children with cancer
Completely free program funded by donations
Includes siblings and welcomes children in all stages of treatment
Special Features
24/7 medical supervision by healthcare professionals
Serves children with cancer and their siblings
Completely free of charge
Staffed entirely by volunteers and medical professionals
Serves children in all stages of treatment journey
Year-round programming available
Serves 200+ campers and families annually
Activities
swimmingtubingice skatingarts and craftstalent showdancecircuscorn maze
Best For
Children who have or have had cancer and their siblings, seeking specialized, medically-supervised camp experiences with year-round support from a community of families facing similar challenges