Family Camp is now Camp Ohana!

Why Camp Ohana? Most people are familiar with the term “Ohana” from the movie Lilo and Stitch, where “Ohana means family, and family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten.” Ohana does mean “family”, but can also mean so much more. In indigenous Polynesian cultures, Ohana means not only your blood relatives, but can also include close friends and community members those outside your immediate family. It can also refer to a social group that works together to ensure that everyone has the resources they need to thrive.

That is the type of atmosphere we want to bring to families facing a pediatric cancer diagnosis at Camp Ohana. Camp Ohana includes all of the fun and interactive activities that you would expect from a weekend camp experience. But we also work to provide a resource for our families that fosters inclusion, friendship, support, and community, building strong, resilient families. 

Camp Ohana is a weekend camp experience for families of children who are battling cancer. This camp gives the whole family a chance to have the same experiences that our Camp Discovery campers get to have during a full camp week.  This camp is open to families whose child with cancer is aged 0-17 years old, and everyone who lives in their immediate household is invited! Every Camp Ohana is different and you never know what fun surprises wait around every corner. For those who like a thrill, we have horseback riding, archery, and rock climbing. For those who like to chill, we have arts and crafts, nature, and swimming. Other activities include s’mores, a talent show, and more! At the end of the night, each family is housed in their own private cabin to allow for a quiet and relaxing space for any of your family’s care needs.

Beyond all of the fun activities, our families often say that the best part of the weekend is getting to know others who are facing the same battle that they are.   Parents offer support and understanding to each other, children on treatment play and have fun just like everyone else, and siblings meet other kids whose brother or sister has or had cancer. Life-long bonds are formed at Camp Ohana, and many families come back year after year full of excitement to see their friends again! 

If you would like to join the fun, follow our Facebook for announcements on when the next Camp Ohana will be held. We can’t wait to see you there!

This weekend would not be possible without the financial support of our wonderful sponsor, Care Camps! For more information about their organization and all they do for children battling cancer, please visit https://carecamps.org/