Young cancer patients to visit Camp Rainbow

BANGOR – Once again, the American Cancer Society’s many friends and donors are providing the financial support that will allow children affected by cancer, ages 4 through high school, to spend a week at Camp Rainbow free of charge. This is the 16th consecutive year that youngsters living with cancer will enjoy the Camp Rainbow experience.

The society, in cooperation with Eastern Maine Medical Center, the Bangor Ronald McDonald House, and the Bangor YMCA Camp Jordan, is offering the camp the week of June 22.

Camp Rainbow operates at Camp Jordan on Branch Lake in Ellsworth, a facility on more than 200 acres with a well-developed waterfront, spacious dining hall, ropes course, various athletic areas, a theater stage, and an arts and crafts building. The camping experience helps children diagnosed with cancer to meet others affected by cancer, to bolster their self-esteem and confidence, and just be kids and have fun.

Children currently in treatment for cancer as well as those who are up to 10 years post-treatment are eligible. Children ages 4-6 may attend with a parent or guardian. Those 7 and older may attend alone. Siblings also are invited. Attendance is subject to the approval of the medical director. Maine children are given preference, but children from out of state are encouraged to apply.

For more information and an application for this year’s Camp Rainbow, call Cheryl Tucker at the American Cancer Society at 373-3709 or (800) 464-3102, Press 3.