Where is your camp located?
While our long-term goal is to build a permanent camp site, currently we partner with other great camps around the Midwest to hold our programs.
What age can a camper attend Second Star Camp?
For our qualifying campers we accept campers ages 6-16 years old. During our family weekend camps we accept adult campers and siblings of all ages!
How do I apply for a Family Weekend Camp?
Check out the “Who We Serve” page of our website, and click the red “Apply” button at the bottom! We operate on a first come first serve basis. Families who are interested please contact us to be added to the list.
How is Second Star Camp funded?
The majority of our funding comes from individual donors. We hold several fundraising events throughout the year and receive grants from companies and philanthropic groups.
What diagnoses do you serve?
We serve all sorts of chronic and life threatening illnesses including but not limited to, cancer, sickle cell anemia, hemophilia, muscular dystrophy, cystic fibrosis, Crohn’s disease, congenital heart disease, diabetes, and more…
Why does Camp matter?
We work hard to provide a fun, empowering and completely free camp experience for children with chronic and life threatening illnesses and their families from all across the Midwest.
HERE IS WHY WE DO IT!
At camp kids get to be kids regardless of their medical diagnosis. At Second Star Camp it is not weird to be bald due to aggressive chemotherapy treatments, or have a scar from open heart surgery. Kids get to take on challenges, experience success, laugh, play and make friends with other kids who can understand what they are going through.
BUT we also serve their entire family. If you have a sibling in and out of the hospital it can effect you too. At camp sibling campers get to experience the magic of camp. They can splash in the canoes, and take on the rock wall, they can gain confidence and get the positive attention they deserve.
Parents can relax knowing their kids are safe, cared for, and having fun! They can curl up with a book, get messy at arts and crafts, or fly down the zip line! Families get to play, eat, laugh, and grow together. They get to connect with other camper families and volunteers.
We believe in the positive power of camp!