Ronald McDonald Camp
Ronald McDonald Camp is a place where kids with cancer - and their siblings - can enjoy just being kids.
It's a week of fun and friendship, and freedom from being different. It's a chance to experience new activities and acquire new skills in a supportive, nurturing environment. It's a time when kids can talk openly about cancer and everybody else understands.
Who Can Go?
Ronald McDonald Camp is for children ages 7 to 17 who are currently undergoing treatment or who have been treated for cancer. One sibling per camper is also allowed to attend. During the camp, we divide the campers into groups according to their age. These groups allow the campers to have camp experiences personalized to their age group.
- Senior Camp: Senior Camp is for children ages 13 to 17 and gives them the opportunity to choose their own activities in a well-supervised and structured environment.
- Junior Camp: Junior Camp provides an age-appropriate camp experience filled with organized activities, fun, and challenges for children ages 7 to 12.
What Happens at Camp?
Ronald McDonald Camp is a week-long overnight camp that offers camp activities adapted to the special needs of our campers. Programs include all elements of a traditional camp including swimming, hiking, horseback riding, and sports. Campers can also participate in a variety of creative, therapeutic, and fun activities including art & crafts, yoga, and more. Our experienced counselors and staff will make sure that everyone has an opportunity to participate within his/her capabilities. The Ronald McDonald Camp helps children build friendships and memories that will remain with them for a long time after the camp week has ended.
Where is Camp?
Our beautiful wooded campsite is currently located at Camp Timber Tops in Greeley, Pennsylvania in the Pocono Mountains, just a three hour drive from Philadelphia.
What is the Cost?
There is no charge for any former or current patient. A nominal donation of $100 is requested for siblings. Funding for the week is provided solely through the contributions and donations from individuals and organizations. The actual cost per camper exceeds $500.
The camp week includes:
- round-trip transportation from Philadelphia
- three nutritious meals plus snacks served in the dining hall
- all camp activities
- 24 hour access to medical and psycho/social staff
- end of the week special event
How is Camp Staffed?
Ronald McDonald Camp is staffed primarily by a group of caring and dedicated volunteers who work year-round with our Camp Director to ensure that our campers have a week full of fun and rewarding experiences that results in a life-time of memories. These volunteers represent a diverse group with many talents who thrive in the team-oriented environment, and they are united by a shared commitment to our children. Our camper-to-counselor ratio is 2-1, and we are able to provide one-on-one assistance when necessary. Our wellness center is staffed 24 hours a day by a medical and psycho/social staff of pediatric oncologists, nurses, and social workers from The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.
How Was Camp Started?
Dr. Audrey Evans, having seen children with cancer withstand harsh and painful treatments, sought to create a place where they had the opportunity to laugh, have fun, and enjoy being kids. In 1986, Dr. Evans' dream was realized when the Ronald McDonald Camp was established as a special project of the Board of Directors of the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House. Dedicated staff and volunteers worked to shape a traditional summer camp program that also met the needs of our campers. For 24 years, Ronald McDonald Camp has given children with cancer and their siblings one of the best weeks of their year.
