Business Details
28 Years
experience
Pediatric Cancer Summer Camp in Colorado
Camp Wapiyapi was founded in 1998 with a mission to provide an exceptional camp experience for children affected by pediatric cancer. Our programs serve both patients and their siblings, creating a safe space for healing, friendship, and personal growth. We operate in the Colorado mountains, offering traditional camp activities adapted to accommodate physical limitations. Our values of community, compassion, and integrity guide every aspect of our work. The camp experience helps families reconnect while children form meaningful relationships with peers who understand their challenges.Through generous donations and volunteer support, we provide all services at no cost to families. Our team includes experienced professionals dedicated to delivering high-quality programming that addresses the unique needs of this population. The camp's name, derived from the Lakota word for healing and renewal, reflects our commitment to restoring hope for families impacted by cancer.
Services
Summer Camp Programs
Family Support Services
Medical Accommodations
Volunteer Training
Fundraising Events
Details
- Year established: 1998
Highlights and features
- We serve both cancer patients and their siblings simultaneously
- All programs are provided at no cost to families
- Specialized staff supports medical needs while maintaining traditional camp fun
- Located in accessible Colorado mountain facilities
- Proven impact with 100% family satisfaction rates
What people say
Best week of the year
Worry-free environment
Meaningful friendships
Positive impact
Healing experience
Services
Summer Camp Programs
Our summer camps provide week-long experiences in Colorado's mountains for children affected by cancer. Activities include archery, mountain biking, and ropes courses adapted for medical needs. The program fosters friendships while giving families respite from treatment stress. Lasting memories are created through traditional camp elements like talent shows and dance parties.
Family Support Services
We address the needs of entire families through simultaneous programming for patients and siblings. Parents receive emotional support while children connect with peers who understand their experiences. The camp environment allows caregivers to recharge while knowing their children are receiving specialized care and attention.
Medical Accommodations
Our staff implements specialized modifications for medical needs while maintaining traditional camp activities. Certified professionals ensure safety during physical activities while respecting individual limitations. This approach allows all children to participate fully in camp experiences regardless of treatment status or physical capabilities.
Volunteer Training
We provide comprehensive training for volunteers working with pediatric cancer patients. The program covers medical protocols, emotional support techniques, and activity adaptation strategies. Trained volunteers create a safe environment where children can focus on building relationships and enjoying camp activities.
Fundraising Events
Annual fundraising events sustain our free programs through community donations. These events raise awareness while generating resources for program expansion. Donors receive direct impact reports showing how contributions transform campers' lives through measurable outcomes from post-camp surveys.
People
Darla Dakin
Executive Director
Leading Camp Wapiyapi since its founding, Darla brings decades of nonprofit leadership experience. She oversees strategic operations while maintaining direct connections with campers and families. Her vision focuses on expanding access to healing experiences for more families affected by pediatric cancer.
Megan Blanc
Camp Director
Megan directs all camp operations with specialized expertise in pediatric oncology programming. She ensures safety protocols meet medical standards while maintaining engaging activities. Her leadership creates the joyful atmosphere that families describe as 'the best week of the year.'
Cassie Guiffre
Activities Director
Cassie designs adaptive activities that accommodate medical needs while preserving traditional camp fun. She trains staff in inclusive programming techniques and modifies equipment for accessibility. Her creativity ensures every camper can fully participate in experiences like archery and mountain biking.
Questions
Who can attend Camp Wapiyapi?
We serve children affected by pediatric cancer, including both patients (in treatment or remission) and their siblings aged 6-16.
Is there a cost to attend camp?
All programs are completely free for families thanks to community donations and volunteer support.
How do you accommodate medical needs?
Our staff implements specialized modifications for physical limitations while maintaining traditional camp activities with safety protocols.
What activities are available?
Campers enjoy archery, mountain biking, ropes courses, talent shows, and dance parties adapted for medical requirements.
How can I support Camp Wapiyapi?
Support options include tax-deductible donations, monthly giving through the S'more Club, volunteering, or attending fundraising events.
What makes your camp unique?
We're one of few camps serving both patients and siblings simultaneously, creating healing experiences for entire families.
