Role of Care Camps of Canada in the funding ecosystem
Care Camps of Canada is a subsidiary of Care Camps Foundation dedicated to supporting medically supervised pediatric oncology camps across Canada. Working within a North American network, it channels philanthropic dollars from individuals, corporations, and industry partners in the camping and RV sectors to specialized camps serving children with cancer and their families. These camps, all members of the Children’s Oncology Camping Association (COCA), offer residential and day programs where children can safely experience the outdoors while receiving necessary medical oversight.
In 2024, Care Camps of Canada funded 16 camps nationwide, helping more than 7,600 children and family members access free camp experiences. The organization focuses its financial support on programs that bring joy, hope, and community to children in treatment or remission, as well as to siblings and parents through family and sibling camps.
Grant-making and partnership model
Through Care Camps Foundation’s formal grant application process, COCA‑member oncology camps in Canada can apply annually for funding. Each grant cycle has clear opening and closing dates, webinars for applicants, set notification periods, and a scheduled electronic transfer of awarded funds. This structured process ensures transparent and equitable distribution of donations to eligible camps.
Care Camps of Canada also relies on strong partnerships with Canadian industry groups such as provincial campground associations, RV dealer networks, and other outdoor recreation organizations. These partners help raise funds and awareness so that all money donated in Canada can remain in Canada to benefit local oncology camps.
Supported audiences and impact
The primary beneficiaries of Care Camps of Canada’s grants are children living with cancer, their brothers and sisters, and their parents or caregivers. Funded camps provide medically supervised outdoor adventures, peer support, and respite from hospital routines. Many former campers later return as counselors or volunteers, creating a virtuous cycle of leadership and support within the camp community.
Impact reports from Care Camps Foundation highlight the scale of this work across North America, with tens of thousands of individuals served each year. Within Canada, the funding portfolio includes well‑known oncology camps in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Québec, and Atlantic Canada, ensuring that families in many regions can access specialized programs close to home.
Transparency, governance, and accountability
Care Camps Foundation, of which Care Camps of Canada is a part, publishes audited financial statements and Form 990 filings, and maintains high transparency ratings from independent charity evaluators. Its governance structure includes a board of directors and dedicated staff roles such as a Canadian Manager who oversees operations and relationships in Canada. Donor funds are explicitly stewarded to maximize direct support for camp programs, with many camps relying heavily on volunteers so that grants can be focused on programming and participant support.