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Ronald McDonald Camp
2024 Virtual Camp: Sunday July 7th-Friday July 12th
2024 In-Person Camp & Young Adults Leadership Program:
Sunday August 11th– Saturday August 17th
*COVID vaccine is highly encouraged but not mandatory in 2024
Applications Open: January 15th, 2024
Deadline: May 1st, 2024
Located in the beautiful Pocono Mountains—just three hours outside of Philadelphia—or virtually on screen – Ronald McDonald Camp (RMC) looks like a traditional summer camp, but as anyone who has been there knows, it is so much more. RMC 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.
Camp is made possible by our community of generous private and corporate donors, in addition to our volunteers who donate their time and talents. There are many ways to get involved; please see the links to our volunteer and donor pages.
“It is the most magical experience for both my kids. Cancer has had such a large impact on my kids’ lives, and this is one of the only positive and completely fun things cancer has brought to our family! Both of my girls thrive at camp and feel normal about the way cancer has affected their childhood!!”—A Grateful Caregiver
What do campers experience at camp?
- Safety. Always our number one priority; physical, medical, emotional.
- Connection. In a world that often feels isolating, fast-paced, and dull, we provide connection to friendships, fun experiences, and nature.
- Restoration. The cancer journey takes a lot; camp rejuvenates through play, self-empowerment and independence, laughter, community, and plenty of fresh air.
What are Our Camp Goals?
The goal of Ronald McDonald Camp (RMC) is to provide camp programming and special events for children who have been treated and are being treated for cancer, as well as their siblings, ages 7-17. Founded in 1986, we offer a one-week overnight camp in August at Camp Timber Tops in the Pocono Mountains. In addition, we provide a virtual camp week in July for campers unable to attend in-person camp, and special events for campers and families throughout the year. Our camper-centered program is designed to foster independence, friendship, and community among campers who share a common experience with cancer. The ultimate goal is to be a place where kids can enjoy being kids.
Ronald McDonald Camp is a program of Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Philadelphia Region. RMHC Philly supports families on their children’s medical journey in a community of comfort and hope with the vision of a world where every family can focus on their child’s well-being. Founded in 1974 as the first Ronald McDonald House in the world, we are the model for more than 380 Houses around the globe.
Click below to learn what RMC offers:
Camp 2023 Highlights
The 2023 season started off with virtual camp in early July, with 22 campers, many of whom were in active cancer treatment, engaging in on-screen community, activities, and plenty of smiles! Our “RMC is Wild” theme brought in special visitors from the Elmwood Park Zoo, the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Sanctuary, a wild balloon artist and more! Campers particularly enjoyed the live cookie cake decorating session with Famous 4th Street Cookies and guitar lessons with their own guitars donated by Ollie’s Orchestra. Not to mention the many sessions of crafts, games, photography, yoga, and more individual choices enjoyed throughout the week.
“My son, Colton, loved virtual camp and wants to go in person next year! I have no idea how Ronald McDonald Camp made it so fun, but it changed my kiddo. He didn’t feel so different from everyone else and saw he could truly be himself. I can’t thank you all enough for that.” –A Grateful Mom
136 in-person campers and 3 Young Adults Leadership Program participants were overjoyed to return to “the best week of the year!” in the Poconos. Both junior and senior camp had the opportunity to tackle the ropes course, swim in the pool, participate in arts and crafts, “Zen out” with yoga and woodworking classes, spend time in nature, enjoy tasty campfire treats, and perform their hearts away at their talents shows! Additionally, each camp had their own special activities such as photography/videography, music classes and evening programs like “turn your counselor into an animal” night! The inaugural year of the YA program took 18- & 19-year-old campers on a journey of self-discovery, career exploration, and leadership goals that will continue to influence them for years to come.
“RMC makes my child feel special and all the pain of the treatments, physical and emotional, somehow feels a bit more bearable with such a wonderful camp just for oncology patients and siblings.”—A Grateful Caregiver
