Happiness Is Camping

Happiness Is Camping
  • Category: 2023 Specialty Program
  • Submitted by: ContestCreator
  • Name of Entry: Young Adults Retreat
  • Contact Name: Ryan Campbell
  • Contact Phone: 9086199937
  • Entry Background/Description: We received feedback from alumni that they wanted opportunities to bond with other young adults who have or had cancer. This summer was our inaugural Young Adults Retreat, and it was so much fun that we look forward to hosting the program annually! A total of 21 young adults with cancer, survivors, and siblings between the ages of 18-25 years old attended. The weekend was part reunion, part initiation into camp as we had a nice mix of former and new campers. They participated in all our classic camp activities, battled in a game of Survivor, played Quidditch from Harry Potter, competed in Color Wars, and bonded in our teen lounge. We also held discussion groups in which campers spoke about their journeys through higher education and the beginning of their careers, and participants gave advice and shared resources. The Young Adults Retreat was also a great recruitment tool as 15 attendees joined our summer staff as paid counselors or volunteers!
  • Why You Should Vote for Me: The Young Adults Retreat was a fun way to extend our impact longer into the lives of the population we serve. It was also a great volunteer recruitment tool and mitigated many of our staffing shortages.
  • Optional: A link to a webpage/document, etc.: https://www.happinessiscamping.org/camp/programs-2/young-adults/