2026 will mark our 25th year of summertime fun for children aged 6-10 impacted by cancer.
The Gathering Place Summer Camp pairs children with animals at partnered sites and offers a unique therapeutic and fun-filled week. Campers will build relationships with other children impacted by cancer. Our camp is run by the staff of the Children and Family Team at The Gathering Place in order to create a unique experience and space of community, learning, and camp spirit.
Camp sessions are for:
Camp sessions will be held from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm Monday through Thursdays, and end at 12:00 pm on Fridays. Each camp will begin and end at either our Beachwood or Westlake locations with the exception of Friday pickup at the partnering site. There are four separate sessions of camp.
Camp space is limited and preference is given to those who have not previously attended a given session.
July 7-11: The Gathering Place West and Valley Riding at Rocky River Stables (horses)
July 14-18: The Gathering Place West and Berea Animal Rescue Friends (kittens)
July 28-August 1: The Gathering Place East and Fieldstone Farm Therapeutic Riding Center (horses)
August 4-8: The Gathering Place East and Rescue Village (puppies)
Who can attend camp? Who is camp for? Camp sessions are for children aged 6-10 who are diagnosed with cancer, siblings of children with cancer, children who have an adult loved one with cancer, children who have experienced the death of an adult loved one or sibling to cancer.
When is camp? The next sessions of camp will be held over the summer in 2026. Please click HERE to receive updates via email.
What is the cost of camp? Like with all programs at The Gathering Place, our summer camp is provided free of charge.
What are the camp hours? Camp sessions will be held from 9:00am - 3:30pm Monday through Thursday, beginning and ending at either The Gathering Place East or West location. On Friday, camp begins at 9:00am at either The Gathering Place East or West location and ends at 12:00pm at the partnering site.
How is a camp day structured? Campers will start their morning at either The Gathering Place East or West with activities, followed by a bus ride to the partnering site, where campers interact with the animals and have activities. Once campers are back at The Gathering Place, they will eat lunch and have an afternoon filled with fun group and therapeutic activities.
What activities will campers participate in? We will have a wide range of activities, including yoga, tie dye, obstacle courses, art projects, music (including drumming), and group challenges.
What do campers need to bring? All campers need to bring a bag lunch.
When does registration open? Registration will open in the spring. To receive updates, click HERE.
What is the registration deadline? Camp applications will be reviewed in the order in which they are received. Preference will be given to campers who have not previously attended. However, spaces are limited, and registrations will close once all camp spots are filled.
How many sessions can a camper attend? Due to limited space, each camper can only attend one week/session.
Do you have additional questions? Please contact kids@touchedbycancer.org.