| Last updated on August 20, 2008 |
Our mission at Camp Sunshine is to provide comprehensive services for critically ill children and their families. Critical illnesses cause physical, emotional and financial burdens that impact all members of a family with a sick child. We offer a weeklong retreat that includes professional counseling sessions, workshops, 24-hour medical support and recreational opportunities in a family atmosphere. All at no expense to the participating families.
Description:
Camp Sunshine offers an escape from the strains many families face. It is often the only getaway time they have had in years.
The program offers activities that appeal to all ages and interests. Nestled in the woods beside the shores of Sebago Lake, the setting offers plenty of opportunity for fun outdoors: Swimming, boating, fishing, challenge course, climbing wall and participating in outdoor activities and camping out overnight.
There's lots going on indoors, too: arts and crafts projects, a talent show, a masquerade party and visits from clowns, storytellers and magicians. We have a computer learning center and our own indoor swimming pool! There's even a special night out for parents. Volunteers baby-sit and keep children entertained while parents enjoy a special dinner and evening.
Families can be secure in the knowledge that the camp offers 24-hour on site medical support. A physician stays on campus for the entire session. Maine Medical Center offers tertiary care in Portland, 45 minutes away. The Bridgton Hospital, just 20 minutes from camp, has fulltime emergency room physicians and pediatricians.
The workshops held each day give parents the chance to exchange information and to share their experiences with others facing similar challenges. These sessions also offer the opportunity to develop a network of friends and coping strategies to ease the burden on parents.
The amazing part of our program and agency is that all this is offered with the help and support of about 65-75 very special individuals (volunteers) each week.
History:
Since 1984 Camp Sunshine has offered a retreat for children with life threatening illnesses and their families. The Program includes children under active treatment for cancer, kidney disease, Lupus, Fanconi Anemia, Mixed diagnosis and even post treatment & bereavement sessions, etc. Since the program's inception, over 4,800 families from 45 states and 14 different countries have been a part of Camp Sunshine. Camp Sunshine offers a program that is unique in the nation. We focus on alleviating the strain a critical illness takes, not only on the ill children, but also on other members of the immediate family. Families have a chance to have fun together and to meet other families facing similar challenges.
Contact people:
Office fax number: 207-655-3825
Address:
Web Site: http://www.campsunshine.org
Directions:
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From Portland, ME.: Take Route 302 west towards Westbrook. Follow Route 302, you will come to a rotary in Windham, follow the rotary around staying on Route 302 (there is a small store on your left and a. . . (more)
Nearest Bus Stop: Portland, ME., NA minute walk
For maps or information, please see http://www.portlandmaine.worldweb.com/Transportation/PublicTransit |
Miscellaneous Information
| The agency places volunteers in these categories: |
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Families, ages 15 - 18, Court Mandated, Groups, Adults
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