For kids who have a parent facing cancer, feeling alone and different from other kids can be one of the worst parts of the cancer experience.

Fortunately, Angel Foundation’s three-day Kids Kamp, offered free of charge to children 5-18 who have a parent with cancer, provides a safe, supportive and fun environment for children while their parents can get the rest, education and support they may need.

Due to demand, this summer Angel Foundation will launch a second camp. Now campers have a choice of camps June 18-20 or Aug. 18-20, both at True Friends Eden Wood Center, Eden Prairie.

“When the kids first come to camp, they are confused,” says Janice Haines, co-director of Angel Foundation’s Facing Cancer Together program, which includes Kids Kamp. “They are quiet, shy and hesitant. By the time they leave, they’ve gained support and trust and feel secure knowing this is a place they can connect with other people.”

Likewise, parents are comforted knowing they can entrust their children to be led and taught by well-trained, empathetic staff and volunteers, including licensed social workers, child life specialists, psychologist, nurses and teachers. Kids participate in age-specific groups, partaking in therapeutic camp activities that are chosen to support and educate campers, all while they have fun and meet new friends.

After dropping off the kids in the morning, parents have the opportunity to meet in an onsite daily support group. Exchanging ideas and experiences, they gain support and insight into how to live with cancer in the family.

As one parent reported: “We were able to spend some time in a support group with other families who were going through the same experience, and a counselor helped us parent through cancer, and it was really helpful to us.”

For more information about Angel Foundation Kids Kamp, or to register, contact Janice Haines, jhaines@mnangel.org or call (612) 627-9000 ext. 503.