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Ronald McDonald Camp
2025 In-Person Camp & Young Adults Leadership Program:
Sunday, August 17 to Saturday, August 23
Applications Open: January 15, 2025
Deadline: May 1, 2025
The beauty of Ronald McDonald Camp is that it looks like a “normal” summer camp, but it is so much more. RMC is a place where kids with cancer, and their siblings, can enjoy being kids away from the weight of cancer. It’s a week of “can-do’s”, fun, friendship and freedom from being different. It’s a chance to try out activities and learn new skills in a supportive and caring environment. It’s a time when kids talk openly about cancer and everybody else gets it.
Located in the stunning Pocono Mountains, Camp comes to life through our supporters. Over 100 volunteers of all ages and backgrounds donate their time and talents to create an incredible week for our campers. We are also grateful for our corporate and individual donors who partner with us in traditional and creative ways. There are many opportunities to get involved! Please see the links to our volunteer and donor pages to learn more.
“RMC makes my child feel special and all the pain of the treatments, physical and emotional, somehow feels a bit more bearable with such a wonderful camp just for oncology patients and siblings.”—A Grateful Caregiver
What are Our Camp Goals?
Our goals are to build independence, friendship, and community for campers who share a common experience of cancer. We do this by providing camp programming and special events for children ages 7-17 and their siblings.
What do campers experience at camp?
- Safety. Always our number one priority: physical, medical, emotional.
- Connection. In a world that often feels isolating, fast-paced, and dull, we provide connection to friendships, fun experiences, and nature.
- Restoration. The cancer journey depletes; camp rejuvenates through play, self-empowerment and independence, laughter, community, and plenty of fresh air.
Who are we?
Founded in 1986, Ronald McDonald Camp offers a one-week overnight camp for children who have, or have had, cancer in August at Camp Timber Tops in the Pocono Mountains. We are proud to be a fully accredited camp with the American Camp Association. As we grow into the future, new programs include a family camp weekend and special events for campers and families throughout the year.
Ronald McDonald Camp is a program of Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Philadelphia Region. RMHC Philly supports families on their children’s medical journey in a community of comfort and hope with the vision of a world where every family can focus on their child’s well-being. Founded in 1974 as the first Ronald McDonald House in the world, we are the model for more than 380 Houses around the globe.
Click below to learn what RMC offers:
Camp 2024 Highlights
In 2024, the camp embraced a magical Fantasy Faire theme, transporting campers back in time to a world of knights, castles, and creativity. 152 campers and 7 Young Adult participants joined us for a week filled with wonder and joy in the Poconos, a place that becomes like home for our campers. We had camp favorites like tackling the ropes course, swimming, showcasing their talents in shows, arts & crafts, yoga, woodworking, nature exploration, and campfire treats which were complemented by exciting new additions. Campers tried new skills like stained glass making, calligraphy, archery, and sewing. The week also featured a thrilling Renaissance Faire, where fantasy came to life.
Campers also enjoyed many unique activities, including photography and videography, music classes, and the laugh-out-loud evening programs like the “Rescue Your Counselor” night. Meanwhile, the second year of the Young Adult Leadership Program offered 18- and 19-year-old campers a transformative experience focused on self-discovery, career exploration, and leadership development, equipping them with skills and insights to thrive in the future.
“It is the most magical experience for both my kids. Cancer has had such a large impact on my kids’ lives, and this is one of the only positive and completely fun things cancer has brought to our family! Both of my girls thrive at camp and feel normal about the way cancer has affected their childhood!” –A Grateful Caregiver
