In its 40th year, Care Camps Foundation is marking a milestone that reflects a legacy of support for children with cancer, aiming to bring hope and healing through the outdoor experiences of specialized pediatric oncology camps.
In an exclusive interview with Modern Campground, Erica Lanter, communications director for Care Camps Foundation, shared the organization’s journey since its inception. What began as a grassroots effort by a small group of caring KOA campground owners to fundraise for pediatric oncology camps has grown into a powerful movement across the outdoor hospitality industry.
Over the years, Care Camps has steadily grown its impact. In 2023, the foundation provided $2 million to support 122 pediatric oncology camps, which served more than 41,000 children and family members dealing with cancer.
These contributions represent the foundation’s commitment to fostering an environment where children and families facing unimaginable challenges can experience nature’s therapeutic benefits, finding solace, support, and community.
Rebranding with Purpose: A New Name, Same Mission
This year, Care Camps added “Foundation” to its name, a change meant to symbolize its maturity and clear purpose. “The purpose of adding ‘Foundation’ to our name this year was to reflect our growth as an organization,” said Lanter.
The rebranding extends beyond just the name, with a redesigned logo representing key aspects of their mission: community, transformation, and the healing power of nature. The updated brand identity underscores Care Camps Foundation’s dedication to funding and supporting camps for children affected by cancer, while signaling their commitment to furthering this mission into the future.
The foundation’s new logo also brings together symbolic elements of life, growth, and the outdoors, which resonate with the nonprofit’s mission to provide a unique outdoor experience that promotes healing. “Our mission remains the same,” Lanter emphasized, reinforcing the foundation’s long-standing commitment to supporting children and families through the power of nature.
The Role of Charitable Giving in the Outdoor Industry
Care Camps Foundation has also found a natural fit within the outdoor industry, an alignment that reflects the shared values of a community. For campgrounds and outdoor companies, partnering with Care Camps offers a meaningful way to contribute to their communities.
“Charitable giving is a wonderful opportunity to pay forward and help others in need,” Lanter remarked, stressing how such contributions help campgrounds stand out in a competitive market.
Charitable involvement can also foster a strong sense of community among campground staff, enhancing team morale. “Many employees want to feel part of something bigger and embracing a charitable cause, like Care Camps Foundation, will likely improve team morale and demonstrate the focus is on something greater than immediate profits,” Lanter noted.
Additionally, by supporting Care Camps, campgrounds and businesses can build valuable networks within the outdoor industry. Lanter pointed out that partnerships with Care Camps Foundation are mutually beneficial, creating lasting connections and broadening support for the mission. These relationships not only benefit the camps but also enhance the public image and culture of the participating businesses, setting them apart as values-driven organizations.
A Network of Support: Partnerships that Strengthen the Mission
KOA has been a foundational partner since the beginning, but Care Camps Foundation has also built relationships with other campgrounds, companies, and individuals. This expanding network is essential to increasing the foundation’s reach.
According to Lanter, “It’s all about relationships and partnerships,” emphasizing that KOA remains a legacy partner, while the nonprofit has cultivated additional support from the RV industry and other outdoor companies.
“Over the past ten years, other partnerships have been established with corporate donors in the RV industry who have helped connect us within their respective network. The outdoor industry is vast, and we look forward to continuing to build our network of support so more children and families navigating a cancer journey can be served at the special pediatric oncology camps we fund,” Lanter told Modern Campground.
Additionally, the foundation’s alliance with the Children’s Oncology Camping Association (COCA) further supports its mission by ensuring that all funded camps meet high standards for medical supervision and program quality.
Stories of Healing: The Transformative Power of Nature
Through the support of Care Camps Foundation, thousands of children have found joy and healing in the outdoors. In a recent episode of Designing Spaces on Lifetime TV, Camp Boggy Creek—one of the many camps funded by Care Camps—was showcased for its impact on young campers.
A new archery field upgrade underscored the camp’s commitment to providing therapeutic activities that connect children with nature. These experiences offer more than just recreation; they foster resilience, confidence, and a sense of normalcy for children facing the challenges of cancer.
These camps provide a refuge not only for the children but also for their families. Care Camps support various family-oriented programs, such as family retreats, sibling camps, and bereavement support for families who have lost a child to cancer. By addressing the needs of the entire family, these programs ensure that siblings and parents have an outlet for emotional support and community, allowing families to bond and heal together.
“Also, many camps are expanding their programs by offering day camps, virtual camps, in-hospital camps, and outpatient-clinic camps for children and teens who may not be able to attend an overnight residential camp,” Lanter said.
Expanding Programs and Ensuring Longevity
As the foundation celebrates its 40th anniversary, it looks forward to the next decade with a clear mission and a solid plan. Care Camps Foundation aims to broaden its support base and expand partnerships with companies in the outdoor industry.
Lanter explained that the organization is committed to “being the best stewards of our donor’s financial support,” a sentiment echoed in the foundation’s dedication to transparency and sustainability. The foundation recently earned a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar and a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, placing it among the top 1% of nonprofits for financial accountability in the U.S.
Despite fluctuating economic conditions, Care Camps remains committed to responsible financial stewardship, ensuring that it can continue to serve children and families for years to come.
Volunteer Involvement and New Opportunities for Engagement
Volunteers have always been vital to Care Camps’ mission, and the foundation is launching a new Ambassador program to encourage broader participation. Volunteers can support Care Camps in various ways, from promoting the foundation’s mission to distributing marketing materials and representing the foundation at industry events. This program offers passionate supporters a way to engage with the foundation, connecting more businesses, campgrounds, and individuals to Care Camps Foundation’s mission.
For those interested in joining, the Ambassador program offers a chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of children with cancer. By volunteering, individuals become part of a nationwide effort to promote healing through the outdoors, expanding Care Camps’ reach and visibility.
As Care Camps Foundation celebrates four decades of service, Lanter expressed gratitude for the foundation’s donors, partners, and the outdoor hospitality community.
“Your ongoing contributions are greatly appreciated and necessary,” she said, encouraging continued support to further the foundation’s mission.
To learn more about Care Camps Foundation, visit carecamps.org.