YMCA of Burlington and Camden Counties Presents Camp No Worries

Camp No Worries, a program of the YMCA of Burlington and Camden Counties, will open its doors once again to children with cancer and their siblings. For one week every summer, children can have fun and forget about their troubles at camp. This year’s 21st annual Camp No Worries featuring the theme “Camp No Worries Television” is taking place from June 21 to June 27 at Camp Inawendiwin in Tabernacle.

Ninety-two campers from New Jersey, ages 6 through 16, are expected to attend camp this year. Each of these campers is dealing with a diagnosis of cancer in some way – whether they are patients, survivor’s siblings or bereaved siblings.

“Camp No Worries is a safe place where campers can forget about their diagnosis and worries for one week,” said Kasey Massa, Camp No Worries board recruiter and Camp President. “Our camp has tons of fun, unique activities for kids, in an environment where campers can bond with other kids who deal with the same issues. Camp No Worries staff works hard to dedicate their time to make a memorable, stress free week for campers.”

The camp is run solely by volunteers. Staff, including pediatric oncology nurses, social workers, cabin counselors and program heads are selectively chosen for their experience and enthusiasm for working with children with cancer. Each staff member displays the characteristics any parent would expect of someone who will spend a week caring for their child with cancer: commitment, honesty, courage, perseverance, respect, and perhaps most importantly, a sense of responsibility. Pediatric oncologists are also on-call 24 hours a day for any necessary medical needs.

It costs approximately $1,000 per camper for a week at Camp No Worries. The dedicated staff of volunteers from the YMCA of Burlington and Camden Counties work tirelessly to ensure that no family has to bear the financial burden of camp.

Funding for the camp depends on the generosity and financial support of community organizations, businesses, foundations and individuals to provide each camper a free week of summer camp. To help make a difference this summer to support a camper, visit www.campnoworries.org.

About Camp No Worries

Camp No Worries was founded by the Hall/Massa family in 1995 after experiencing first-hand the physical and psychological aspects of a cancer diagnosis. At 11 years of age, Kasey Hall Massa was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. Although the tumor was removed with minimal side effects, the emotional strain of the recovery process made it a difficult time for the entire Hall family. As a result of what they learned throughout Kasey’s diagnosis, treatment and recovery process, Camp No Worries was established by the Hall family and is a program of the YMCA of Burlington and Camden Counties.

In its first year, Camp No Worries hosted 14 children for four short days. The following summer, the camp expanded to host 72 children for a full-week. Now in its 21st season, Camp No Worries accommodates up to 100 children.

About the Y

The YMCA of Burlington and Camden Counties is a cause-driven, community based, charitable organization that strengthens community by building healthy, confident, connected and secure children, adults and families. With a focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y nurtures the potential of every youth and teen, improves the community’s health and well-being and provides opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Throughout neighborhoods across the two counties and its 50+ sites, the Y makes accessible the support and opportunities that empower more than 30,000 people each year to learn, grow and thrive. Visit ymca-bc.org.