Top Three Questions About Sibling Camp

Many people don’t realize that we host a camp that’s just for brothers and sisters of cancer patients. But here at Camp Casco, we understand that childhood cancer can be incredibly hard on every member of the family.

Sibling Camp (previously known as Sibling Retreat) is a special week-long camp where siblings of cancer patients can experience the joy of summer camp and be in the spotlight! Our Sibling Camp offers kids a place to heal and meet peers who have gone through the same experience.

We get a lot of questions about our Sibling Camp throughout the year. Here are 3 of the most frequently asked questions:

Q: Does the child who was diagnosed with cancer in my family need to be on active treatment in order for their brother or sister to be eligible?

A: Nope! We believe siblings at any phase of their experience with childhood cancer can benefit from camp. Kids ages 9-17 who have ever had a brother or sister diagnosed with cancer are eligible for Sibling Camp, regardless of their sibling’s current cancer status. This includes bereaved siblings.

Q: My child who was diagnosed with cancer in my family isn't ready to attend Camp Casco yet. Is their brother or sister still eligible?

A: Yes, they are! Campers ages 9-17 who have ever had a brother or sister diagnosed with cancer are eligible and encouraged to attend Sibling Camp, even if the sibling with cancer has never attended or will ever attend Camp Casco. Our goal is to make siblings feel special and like the stars of the show.

Q: Do patients and survivors attend Sibling Camp with their brothers and sisters?

A: Sibling Camp is just for brothers and sisters! Sibling Camp is an extra place for siblings–meaning the brothers and sisters of kids diagnosed with cancer—not for patients and survivors. Our Overnight Camp is a special place for cancer patients and survivors, and our Day Camp is for patients, survivors, and siblings. Sibling Retreat is just for sibs!