CAMP COCO

SIU Camp COCO - A Special Camp for Special Kids

ll children need a chance to share fun and recreational activities to build lasting friendships, and develop self-confidence and independence. That's why Camp COCO located in the heart of Illinois, was founded in 1986 by the Department of Pediatrics at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Springfield.
      Camp COCO (which stand for Children's Oncology Camp Organization) welcomes children ages 6 to 16 who are afflicted with leukemia, other cancers and blood disorders. The siblings of young campers (ages 6-10) are also welcome at the camp. Every effort is made to make the experience as comfortable and fun for the children as possible.
      At Camp COCO, we believe children can do almost anything they want. Our camp provides them a chance to "get away from it all." The time away from home allows for relief from hospitals and over-protectiveness.
      Each summer, children participate in a variety of activities during the week-long camp: swimming, fishing, boating, horseback riding, arts and crafts, archery, nature hikes, field trips, visits from local celebrities, games and campfires.
      The campers receive special care from the pediatric staff at SIU School of Medicine as well as other area health professionals. A physician, as well as a full staff of qualified counselors who are trained to work with children of all ages, are on-site at all times. They help the children enjoy their summer camp experience and give them the emotional support they may need while away from home.
      Diseases like "ALL" (acute lymphocytic leukemia), solid tumors, hemophilia and sickle cell anemia make these children different from their friends at the time when being different is especially uncomfortable. AT Camp COCO, children are free to be themselves and to talk about things that hurt or scare them. Most of all, they can share thoughts and feelings with friends who understand.
      This is the first time many children have been away from home. Our enthusiastic counselors and other volunteers help the campers develop a positive self-concept, experience the out-of-doors, socialize with others, and become more aware of their potentials and abilities.
      Besides the memories and friends made, there are plenty of arts and crafts projects and camp clothing that go home with each child. Photographs of all the campers and of each individual cabin of campers are sent to the children in the fall.
      There is absolutely no charge to campers for coming to Camp COCO. Generous philanthropic activities support the camp. Contributions from many individuals, service clubs and business to the COCO Children's Cancer Fund help pay for the cost of camp each summer. Midwest Charity Horse Show Association has been the largest contributor to date.
      COCO Children's Cancer Fund keeps programs going year-round. Informal get-togethers and other social events and holiday gatherings are held during the year. A regularly newsletter, "Pawprints," keeps all COCO friends in touch. It helps to ease the pain and fear of ongoing medical treatment during the year. Our campers establish close friendships while at camp and know that the support of their new friends is there for them all year long.
      The COCO Children's Cancer Advisory Board and volunteers meet regularly to plan all fund-raising programs and activities. In an effort to make more community groups aware of the camp, a slide presentation has been developed that is made available to groups upon request. Camp COCO is a member of the children's Oncology Camps of America, which coordinates communications between these certified camps and helps develop guidelines for their operation.
      You can write the camp in care of the SIU Foundation, P.O. Box 19666, Springfield, Illinois 62794-9666 (217) 545-2955 for any of the following: General Information, Camp Counselors/Volunteers, Slide Presentation or Speakers. Remember - there is NO COST to any family for Camp COCO and its other activities. The entire camp organization is funded through donations, which are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.