At Candlelighters, summer doesn’t just mean sunshine and time away from school; it means connection, healing, and transformation. Each year, our camps become safe spaces where children affected by childhood cancer get to be kids again. No hospital visits or isolation. Just laughter, adventure, and the freedom to feel whole again.
This summer, we’re proud to say our camps made an even greater impact because, for the first time, we took Camp Firefly Jr. to the mountains.
A New Chapter Begins at Lee Canyon
On August 4, we welcomed 40 children, ages 7 to 9, to our biggest Camp Firefly Junior yet. The destination was Lee Canyon, a beautiful mountain retreat just outside Las Vegas. It’s our first time hosting camp in this new location, and more importantly, it was the very first time our campers stayed overnight.
That may sound like a small shift, but for many of our kids, especially those who have spent years in and out of sterile hospital rooms, it was life-changing.
Picture a child who’s spent months in treatment, away from friends and unable to play outdoors, suddenly standing beneath a canopy of pine trees, surrounded by kids who get it. No need to explain their scars or fears. No need to feel different. Just shared stories around a campfire, group hikes, team games, art, and so much joy.
Why Camp Matters So Much
Camp Firefly Junior isn’t just a summer activity; it’s a vital part of the emotional healing process. The camp is for children at every stage of the cancer journey, including those currently in treatment, survivors navigating life after cancer, bereaved siblings coping with loss, and the often-overlooked brothers and sisters who carry their own emotional burdens.
These experiences help our kids:
- Rebuild confidence and independence
- Form genuine friendships with peers who understand
- Process grief, fear, and trauma in a safe, supportive environment
- Create memories that are not defined by illness.
We’ve heard from parents who say their child came home lighter, smiling in a way they hadn’t seen in months. Counselors have watched campers come out of their shells, speak up for the first time, or open up about their struggles in ways they never could at home. For some kids, it’s the first time they’ve laughed freely since their diagnosis.
Made Possible by You
None of this would be possible without the unwavering support of our donors, sponsors, and volunteers. You help us offer camp completely free of charge to every family. You help us provide meals, transportation, medical staff, and emotional support on-site. You make it possible for children to rediscover joy.
Camps like these are a reminder that healing doesn’t only happen in hospitals. Sometimes, it happens under the stars.
Thank you for believing in the power of childhood, even in the face of cancer.
