Monday, June 14 - Camp Heart Connection

Despite the random rain showers, today has been a busy day. Arts and crafts was packed this morning and the campers were busy making superhero masks, bracelets and origami!

As a part of our “Everyday Heroes” program, Joe and Bear, a dog from the Raccoon Valley Animal Sanctuary and Rescue in Boone, came to camp to meet the campers! Bear, a kid-friendly and lively dog, has something in common with our campers - Bear is also affected by cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy treatments.

Campers also got to enjoy horseback riding, climbing the rock wall, swimming in the pool, playing cards, practicing for the volleyball and basketball tournaments, and even more arts and crafts!

Tonight is "Guest Night" at Oncology Camp. At dinner we will be joined by a group of donors who have donated a camper scholarship or more, and they’ll be taking a look around camp to see their donations in action.

After “Guest Night,” it’s time for karaoke! Campers, cabins and staff will take turns singing their favorite songs and little later on in the night the teens will take part in the Teen Dance. By the end of the day, the  campers (and staff) are ready for a good nights sleep!

It's Almost Here - Camp Heart Connection!

This week the staff at Children’s Cancer Connection is busying getting ready for the 155 campers who will attend our 24th Annual Camp Heart Connection Oncology Camp, which kicks off on Sunday, June 13 and will go through Saturday, June 19. Camp Heart Connection is one of the largest and most exciting programs Children’s Cancer Connection operates each year at the Y-Camp in Boone, IA.

Children who have ever been, or are currently being treated for childhood cancer are invited to participate in a week-long camp full of swimming, arts and crafts, field games and much more fun. The oncology camp gives these children an opportunity to meet other campers experiencing the same emotions and lifestyle that comes with having cancer as a child.

Camp Heart Connection aims to bring campers confidence, independence, and positive relationships throughout their time at camp. And thanks to generous donors, including The University of Iowa Dance Marathon, which is the Presenting Sponsor for 2010, and the 100 member volunteer staff, campers are able to participate for free.

Indianola Camp Fire Club Donation

Puzzles, coloring books, Silly Putty, and Tinkerbell socks overflow from a blue bin at Children’s Cancer Connection. A toy boat, lifelike turtle, bottle of bubbles, and tic-tac-toe set are piled on top. Provided by the 78 girls of the Indianola Camp Fire Club, these gifts are going straight to the hands and hearts of kids battling cancer.

The Camp Fire Club celebrated their 100th anniversary this month. But instead of keeping the party to themselves, the Indianola Camp Fire Club shared the wealth – and shared gifts for Children’s Cancer Connection’s “Poke Box.”

“In honor of this milestone, we thought it would be a great idea to bring a birthday gift to Children’s Cancer Connection,” says Kamie Haynes, the third grade Camp Fire Girls leader. “When we learned about the need for kid-friendly band aids and prizes for the “Poke Treasure Box,” we wanted to help.”

From Spiderman Band-Aids to Slinkies and puzzles, the Camp Fire Girls donated very important supplies for Children’s Cancer Connection kids going through treatments. After the Camp Fire Girls’ generous gift-giving, the “Poke Box” will be full of fun choices. After those “pokes,” the kids’ arms will be decked in camo, SpongeBob, and tie-dye bandages.

“Children's Cancer Connection does amazing things for some amazing kids, and The Indianola Camp Fire Club wanted to be a part of it!” Kamie says.
The Indianola Camp Fire Club brings together girls in kindergarten through grade five. They enjoy service projects like walking dogs at the animal shelter, visiting local residents in nursing homes, and now, making exciting donations to Children’s Cancer Connection.

Children's Cancer Connection Still Has Heart

On Monday, March 29, The Heart Connection Children’s Cancer Programs will be reborn as Children’s Cancer Connection. The Heart Connection has been providing support and services for children with cancer and their families since 1988 – and their latest improvement is a big one. Clearer and more succinct, the new name and image will enable Children’s Cancer Connection and its staff to continue their mission: to enhance the quality of life for children and families affected by childhood cancer by providing programs for education, recreation and support.

“After months of careful thought and reflection, we chose Children’s Cancer Connection as our new corporate name to better explain who we are and who we serve,” according to Mark Slocum, Executive Director. “It truly says what we do: connect children and families affected by cancer with the services they need.” Furthermore, the name eliminates misunderstanding about the word heart in the name; Children’s Cancer Connection is clear about who they are and what they do.

Children’s Cancer Connection’s flagship programs, the Oncology and Sibling Summer Camps, are also undergoing changes. “Our summer camp program has never had an official name,” according to Slocum. But it will now. “In honor of those who first said, ‘Whether we are sick or healthy, doctor or patient, we are all connected by the heart,’ we have named our camp program ‘Camp Heart Connection,’ and the rainbow logo will serve as the camp’s flag.” The original logo, drawn by Danny Cornish during his battle with cancer, has been selected to be the official logo of the camp program.

Through the changes, it is important to note that Children’s Cancer Connection is the same caring, compassionate, dynamic organization with the same staff and volunteers. The organization still provides the same beneficial programs and services that adapt to fit the needs of those they serve.