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“Childhood cancer affects the entire family unit, and brothers and sisters of the patient go through their own unique struggles,” Camp Casco CEO Erin Fletcher Stern says. “This program was designed to create a space entirely focused on helping brothers and sisters of childhood cancer feel empowered, seen, and supported.”
According to the American Cancer Society, siblings of children with cancer feel an overwhelming amount of stress. Changes in family routines may result in these kids experiencing anger, sadness, anxiety, and guilt.
“They may worry about what is happening to their brother or sister, feel afraid they did something to cause their sibling's cancer, or feel as if they are getting less attention from their parents,” the organization's website reads. “They can also find it hard to manage school responsibilities and social relationships when everything at home is changing.”
This ultimately leads these kids struggling to find a “new normal.” Enter Camp Casco: a non-profit organization located in Hinsdale in Berkshire County that offers various camp programs to children who have ever had a sibling diagnosed with cancer.
Camp Casco, in partnership with One Mission, is hosting their One Mission’s Sibling Retreat from Tuesday, July 11 to Friday, July 14 for children ages 9-16.
The retreat is completely free of cost and is designed to help these kids regain a sense of childhood normalcy by experiencing the best of summer through traditional activities.
Above all, the retreat helps these kids connect with others who understand the same unique challenges of having a sibling battling cancer.
“This special retreat has been a dream of ours since our founding in 2014, and we’re incredibly proud to offer the only summer camp in the state focused on giving siblings their own unique opportunity to heal and thrive through camp,” Stern adds. “We’re grateful for our partners at One Mission, who share our deep commitment to supporting every member of the family throughout the childhood cancer experience.”
Camp Casco has served an average of 40% more families every year, with 89% of parents seeing a positive change reflected in their child’s self-esteem, the camp’s website reads. In addition, more than four out of five campers return to Camp Casco every year.
More information, including how to register your child and to read about Camp Casco’s programs, can be found on their website.
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