KOA Campgrounds Unite for Care Camps Big Weekend to Support Children With Cancer

Kampgrounds of America (KOA) announced the annual Care Camps Big Weekend on May 9-10. Now in its 18th year, the event aims to raise funds for the Care Camps Foundation, which provides medically supervised pediatric oncology camps for children with cancer.

According to a press release, during the two-day event, participating campgrounds will donate 50% of each camper’s second-night stay to the Care Camps Foundation. The weekend serves as the official kickoff to the camping season for KOA, combining recreation with philanthropy.

“The Care Camps Foundation has always been near and dear to our hearts,” said KOA’s president and CEO Toby O’Rourke. “Every year, our campgrounds and campers eagerly anticipate this special weekend outdoors, all while backing a truly meaningful cause.” 

“Through this event – and alongside other fundraising efforts – KOA and our network of campgrounds collectively contribute over $1 million annually to support the Care Camps Foundation,” O’Rourke added.

KOA began supporting Care Camps in 1984. The foundation funds more than 100 pediatric oncology camps across the United States and Canada, allowing children with cancer to experience outdoor activities and connect with others facing similar challenges.

The camps offer a medically safe environment where children can participate in traditional camp experiences while receiving necessary care. The goal is to give children a chance to focus on being kids, not patients.

“KOA’s Big Weekend will greatly help us support over 120 camps for children with cancer across the U.S. and Canada,” said Gwynn Sullivan, Care Camps Foundation executive director. 

“We are tremendously grateful for all the KOA campgrounds and campers who support our mission to give more joy, hope, and the healing power of the outdoors to these special children and their families,” Sullivan added.