About Camp YOLO

In 1998, The Periwinkle Foundation and the Texas Children's Cancer Center identified a need to provide emotional support for teenagers with cancer. There were no programs that focused exclusively on 13 to 18 year old patients who were struggling with adolescence as well as cancer. A teen camp was created and the first campers named it Camp YOLO for You Only Live Once.

 

Now in its 12th year, Camp YOLO addresses the unique challenges faced by adolescents living with cancer, renal, cardiac or HIV-related illnesses.  While most teens are worrying about acne, getting a ride to the mall or how many text messages they can send, teens with serious illnesses are confronting very real life issues and seemingly unending hospital routines. 

 

Yet for two weekends each year, these young people have a chance to rejuvenate with others who understand their struggles, anxieties and fears.  Campers learn teamwork and leadership skills and by the end of a fun packed and emotion filled weekend, they leave knowing they are not alone and they have what it takes to keep fighting their illness and face the challenges that life sends their way.

 

Programming includes activities such as swimming, horses, advanced archery and paintball, arts & crafts, campfires, ropes course, night zip, biking, wheel chair basketball, volleyball, baseball, dances, cooking classes and much more.  Additional special programming may include activities such as wish float or wish boat ceremonies, special inspirational speakers, and opportunities to share hopes and fears, successes and challenges.

 

Over 150 teen campers attend Camp YOLO each year.  Children currently in therapy can continue treatment at camp.  A medical staff is on duty 24 hours a day.

 

Camp YOLO is held at the Camp For All facility in Burton, TX.

 

Camp YOLO is provided free of charge.

Quick Facts About Camp YOLO

When:	May 4-6, 2012 & September 21-23, 2012
Where:	Camp For All, near Brenham, TX
Who:	Patients from the cancer, renal, cardiac and HIV-related services at Texas Children's Hospital
	Ages 13-18
	Each patient may take one sibling in the same age range.
Contact:	Larry Geiger at 713.807.0191

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