Where do we sleep?

All of the cabins are winterized and offer in-door restroom and shower facilities.  Some of the cabins are set up similar to college dormitories where in there will be multiple rooms with two beds and general bathrooms.  Other cabins are geared for large groups and can sleep 10 or so people and also have restrooms and showers.  Though the lodging is definitely not five star, our campers typically have been extremely pleased with the accommodations.  Campers sleep on cots and we supply a bottom sheet to cover the cot.  Campers bring their own pillows, blankets, and/or sleeping bags. 

 

What’s the food like?

Main meals are served buffet style.  We typically offer a variety of food from healthy to junk food and there are plenty of snack items available in-between meals.  Smores by the fire, trail mix, fruit, and various candy… we have yet to hear of anyone going hungry at camp!  Alcoholic beverages are not permitted within camp.  Various sodas, juices, and waters are always available as are hot chocolate and coffees. 

 

I need to go somewhere during the weekend.  Is that OK? 

Once at camp, it seems that people have a tough time leaving!  Still, if you or anyone within your party chooses to leave camp for any reason, you of course are welcome to do so.  In that the camp has a gated entrance and for confidentiality and safety purposes we monitor peoples’ presence within camp, we simply request you try to limit your coming and going.  Moreover, we request that campers notify their counselor/host and one of the directors of their intended absence.   

 

Is everyone at camp sick and depressed?

Far from it!  Though some campers ill (and some more than others), many campers are amazed to find that it is often difficult to tell the patients/survivors from the non-patients/survivors.  On the other hand, we also have wonderful medical personnel available at camp that make themselves available to all of our campers and staff 24 hours a day.    

 

I don’t get around that well.  Will this be a problem? 

Though camp is a bit spread out, we normally have wheel chairs and a couple of golf carts available especially to help those that need extra assistance getting around.   

 

What will I need to bring with me? 

If accepted to camp, a listing of suggested items to bring to the weekend retreat is sent out.  Most of the items are common, everyday around the house items that many of our campers seem to already have on hand (such as towels, blankets, toiletries, a flashlight, etc.) 

 

What type of medical attention is available at camp? 

We are honored to have tremendous medical volunteers!  Our primary camp doctor is an Emergency Room Doctor that has volunteered at Camp Keepsake since its inception.  In addition to making herself available to address medical concerns, she can often be seen participating alongside our campers in the various activities and thus is very approachable.  Depending on the camp session, we also have had oncology nurses and other nurses and doctors at camp.  We aim to have at least 2 medical personnel on site during the camp weekend.  The medical staff is meant to address minor medical concerns and it is expected that for more serious concerns, people seek emergency medical attention.  Camp is located close to a fire station and a medical heliport is located up the road should more serious attention become necessary. 

 

What’s the weather normally like?

This seems to be the most challenging question as one never knows what Mother Nature might bring.  We have been fortunate to have experienced mild climates for each of our camp sessions.  Typically the days are a bit warmer and we recommend sun screen.  While the nights are a bit cooler and we recommend jackets and sweatshirts. 

 

I have a special diet.  What should I do?

If you have a special diet, please be certain to advise the Camp Keepsake directors of such on both your application and if accepted, prior to the camp weekend.  Though we may not be able to accommodate all requests, we believe you’ll find a willingness to try and work with you to meet your needs (such as perhaps storing your own meals in our refrigerators or freezers).   

 

How do I get to camp?

Once our campers are accepted to camp, the primary adult patient/survivor of the group is sent directions, the gate code, emergency contact numbers and a listing of suggested things to bring.  We intentionally try to not send out this information to campers until acceptance in an effort to maintain as secure of an environment as possible for our campers.  

 

I want to come to camp alone and don’t want to bring any guests.  Is this O.K.?

We have had individual attendees and large groups attend our camp.  Though many of our individual attendees have expressed that they wish one or more of their loved ones could have also experienced the wonder of Camp Keepsake, they have clearly indicated having enjoyed themselves tremendously even though they attended alone! 

 

I want to bring more than 5 guests with me to camp.  Is that possible? 

Though our program is set up so accepted adult cancer patients/survivors can bring up to 5 guests cost free, we understand that in some instances campers feel a necessity to bring additional campers.  Camper approval is based upon completed applications which should detail the guests the patient/survivor intends on bringing to camp.  The number of accepted campers depends in part on Camp Keepsake’s funding and available accommodations.  In some instances it may be possible to bring in additional guests that may coincide with fees.  We would encourage you to discuss such concerns with CHF staff upon applying to camp.    

 

The guests I was planning on bringing with me to camp can no longer come.  Can I bring someone else in their place?  Can I simply lower my group size? 

We recognize that in some instances, the need or desire to change guests may become a concern.  Camper approval is based upon information obtained from completed applications which should detail the guests the patient/survivor intends on bringing to camp (including certain medical and other background information).  Our volunteer staffing, certain programming, food and lodging all are reliant on our anticipation of the campers attending (if accepted) from the completed applications we receive.  The number of accepted campers depends in part on Camp Keepsake’s funding and available accommodations.  Thus, in some instances, one or more guests’ cancellations may coincide with one or more other campers of one or more groups that previously was unable to, subsequently being able to attend.  We encourage you to please discuss any group change concerns with CHF / Camp Keepsake staff as soon as it becomes apparent to you for us to evaluate.

 

One of my group members has become ill.  Can they still attend camp?

Some of our campers may be more sensitive to certain health concerns.  We ask that any illnesses known prior to or during camp be immediately brought to the attention of Cancer Hope Foundation / Camp Keepsake staff.    

 

Will I need any money at camp?

Though you do not need any money at camp, we have learned that prior campers have indicated they needed money on their way to and from camp, for things such as gas or drinks they may get along their drive.  We would encourage you to utilize your best judgment regarding what to bring to camp and would encourage you to lock up any valuables within your vehicle. 

 

My question hasn’t been answered here or I still feel as if I need more information.  What do I do?

Obviously there are a multitude of important questions you might have that may not have been answered here or perhaps you would simply like further clarification.  Should this be the case, please don’t hesitate to phone CHF at (805)384-5445 or email us at info@cancerhopefoundation.org.