Historical Giving
In 1984 the KOA (Kampgrounds of America) Owners Association created Care Camps to provide opportunities for kids with cancer to attend oncology camps, where they can escape from their pain and suffering, receive their treatments, and have lots of fun while being with other kids just like them. Since inception, Care Camps has raised more than $21,000,000 so kids can attend camp free of charge with no additional cost to their already financially burdened families. As the number of kids diagnosed with cancer continues to grow so does the demand for funding. In 2022 we provided financial support to 132 oncology camps.
| 2021: $1,657,000 | 2011: $400,000 | 2001: $200,000 | 1991: $110,000 |
| 2020: $827,828 | 2010: $400,000 | 2000: $200,000 | 1990: $98,000 |
| 2019: $1,840,616 | 2009: $325,000 | 1999: $150,000 | 1989: $80,000 |
| 2018: $1,690,200 | 2008: $275,000 | 1998: $200,000 | 1988: $37,450 |
| 2017: $1,640,994 | 2007: $252,500 | 1997: $170,000 | 1987: $39,995 |
| 2016: $1,452,534 | 2006: $200,000 | 1996: $153,000 | 1986: $15,900 |
| 2015: $1,422,668 | 2005: $175,000 | 1995: $145,000 | 1985: $8,000 |
| 2014: $800,000 | 2004: $150,000 | 1994: $133,000 | 1984: $7,100 |
| 2013: $550,000 | 2003: $175,000 | 1993: $130,000 | |
| 2012: $500,000 | 2002: $200,000 | 1992: $130,000 | |
Care Camps takes its responsibility for giving money away very seriously. It supports camps that serve children with or in remission from cancer, as well as their siblings and families as they are also affected by a cancer diagnosis.
How Are Care Camps Funds Distributed?
Each year there is an extensive review of every sponsored camp. To confirm the need for support, financial information from the previous year and the budget for the current year are carefully examined. In a detailed questionnaire camp directors are asked to indicate: number of volunteer staff, number of paid staff, previous year’s attendance and cost per camper, along with projections for the current year. Also requested is a list of other major donors to the camp, as well as the number of children who are turned away because the family could not afford the fee, or because the camp did not have facilities or finances to accommodate them. Once the completed questionnaires are received, they are reviewed and evaluated by the Care Camps Grant Review Committee who judge how effectively each camp uses its funds. They are dedicated to ensuring that the children will enjoy a quality experience. Donors to Care Camps can be confident that their contributions are used wisely. With the program consisting of nearly all volunteers, Care Camps is proud that 100% of donations from KOA campgrounds, campers, partners and sponsors go directly to the oncology camps. Administrative and Fundraising costs are covered by other KOA funding.