Camp No Worries Celebrates 20th Year: Worry-free week of fun for children dealing with cancer

Eighty campers from the region, ages 6 through 16, are expected to attend camp. Each of these campers is dealing with a diagnosis of cancer in some way – whether they are patients, survivor’s siblings or bereaved siblings.

"It's hard to believe 20 years has passed from what was once a dream to this amazing reality,” said Kasey Massa, Camp No Worries board recruiter and Camp President. “In 20 years we have served over 1,500 campers age 6-16 years from the tri-state area. We have given children a week of no worries and families a much needed respite from the demanding life of childhood cancer. We have given childhood back to the kids who need it most. We have brought in well over 1,000 volunteers to make the magic of camp. We have built friendships that will last a life time, and shed tears for those lost. We've built a community, a home, and lasting care free memories to cherish forever".

The camp is run solely by volunteers; its funding depends on the generosity and financial support of community organizations, businesses, foundations and individuals to provide each camper a free week of summer camp.

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 are working tirelessly to ensure that no family has to bear the financial burden of camp.

“Your donation, no matter how large or small, will help to ensure these special campers will have a week of ‘No Worries’ at no extra cost to their families,” said Jen Segelken, Y Development Director.

“Camp No Worries is just one example of how the Y strives to give all children in our community the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive at camp,” said Tim Kerrihard, Y President/CEO.’

At Camp No Worries, pediatric oncology nurses, social workers, cabin counselors, program heads and other camp staff are selectively chosen for their experience and enthusiasm for working with children with cancer. This all-volunteer staff 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.

To make a donation to Camp No Worries, visit www.campnoworries.org then click “Support Us.”

About Camp No Worries

Camp No Worries was founded by the Hall/Massa family in 1994 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 20th season, Camp No Worries accommodates up to 100 children. 

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