Serving Texas children living with (and beyond) cancer and their families through recreational programming
Camp iHope began several years ago in the hearts and minds of the oncology team at Medical City Children's Hospital (MCCH). In the summer of 2011, through the generous donation from Hyundai Hope on Wheels Hope Grant program, fifty-five children with cancer and twenty-four of their siblings spent an amazing week at Collin County Adventure Camp in Anna, Texas…and the dream became a reality.
The vision of Camp iHope has continued to grow since that first year. In 2013 the Camp iHope Foundation was established and provides oversight and funding for all Camp iHope programs. The mission of the foundation is to enrich the lives of children with cancer and their families through recreational activities, educational opportunities and family centered programs to meet the unique challenges of living with cancer.
Camp iHope programs are primarily for children and families within Texas, who meet the eligibility requirements for the specific program. Children and families outside of Texas who apply and meet eligibility requirements will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Camp iHope Programs:
Camp iHope is a week long summer camp experience for children between the ages of 7-16 living with and beyond cancer and one sibling. Summer camp serves children who are treated in Texas and do not have a designated cancer camp home. Campers from outside Texas are considered on a space available basis and in consultation with the child's medical team.
Leadership Retreat is a weekend experience for graduated campers of Camp iHope who are between the ages of 16-18 and
The Camp Show is a virtual camp experience for children with cancer and their siblings, ages 6-17, who have never been to camp before. This weekend program is open to children from around the United States and Canada. The Camp Show is available three times per year and is a collaborative effort with other pediatric oncology camps. The end goal is to encourage campers to attend in-person camp and connect them with a residential camp in their area.
Our History...A new camp begins!
"Campers were also given the opportunity to name their camp. During the closing ceremonies the winning name was announced."
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To help with the transition to our new camp, and to truly make camp "their own" a couple of special activities were planned for our first year. Campers painted their names on a wooden plank during arts & crafts and were instructed to bring the plank to closing ceremonies. They were also given the opportunity to name their camp. The only direction was to incorporate the word HOPE in honor of Hyundai Hope on Wheels program and their journey. A voting booth was set up at field day for campers to vote on the name of their camp.
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During closing ceremonies the winning name was announced-Camp iHope and the painted planks were used to build a bridge that our campers walked across. We were starting a new camp…we needed new traditions. Campers now walk across the bridge during opening and closing ceremonies and when the graduate from camp. The bridge symbolizes the journeys we take in life…and the hope for our future.
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Bridge of Hope Ceremony
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Bridge of Hope
