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Camp Genesis – For Children Coping With Cancer In Their Families

A cancer journey doesn’t just impact the patient. Children, grandchildren, spouses and other loved ones can also be involved. Cancer can disrupt families and disrupt their financial situations, making vacations more difficult.

For the fifth consecutive year, Genesis Health System, Gilda’s Club of the Quad-Cities and the Scott County Family YMCA will provide an opportunity for children coping with cancer in their families to enjoy time together at Scott County Family Y Camp Abe Lincoln in Blue Grass.

This year’s Camp Genesis experience is July 7-12. Anyone who knows a child affected by cancer in their family is encouraged to call Gilda’s Club Quad- Cities at (563) 326-7504 for more information and applications

Camp Genesis provides youth with an outstanding, local camp experience. Special cancer education programs are provided during camp week by Gilda’s Club and Genesis to help kids cope with the effects of cancer in their family. The usual camp fee will be donated by Genesis. There will be no charge to campers.

“This camp will provide a much-needed opportunity for kids to just be kids,” said Sally Werner, Director, Genesis Cancer Care Institute. “This camp will be
a relief to parents who may be facing illness and financial concerns because of the illness.

“Camp Genesis will offer a unique camp experience, close-to-home, that is specifically designed for children who are dealing with cancer in their families.”

Camp Genesis campers will experience everything from swimming, to canoeing, to horseback riding to an Alpine adventure tower. Complementing the fun will be cancer support and education each day from the Gilda’s Club staff. The Gilda’s Club staff will help campers cope with the new stresses on their families caused by cancer.

Camp Genesis campers bond from their shared experience with cancer in their families and are more likely to share their worries and fears with each other.

YMCA Camp Abe Lincoln hosts Camp Genesis. Camp Abe Lincoln is a 250-acre camp located just 12 miles from downtown Davenport.

“Camp Genesis has become part of our philosophy to treat the ‘whole’ cancer patient and families at the Genesis Cancer Care Institute,” Werner added. “If we can relieve some of the stress and concern a cancer patient may have about children or grandchildren, we are creating a better healing environment for that patient.”

Gilda’s Club Quad Cities provides free support, education and hope to all people affected by cancer. Gilda’s Club has an office at the Genesis Cancer Care Institute and offers its special support services throughout the Quad Cities from the Gilda’s “clubhouse” at 1234 E. River Drive in Davenport.