PROGRAMS
Camp Hope
June 28-July 3,2026
​Program Overview
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5 nights, 6 days (Sunday-Friday) of camp free of charge to families at East Bay Camp on Lake Bloomington- an ACA accredited and fully accessible campground.
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Children ages 5-17 who have or had cancer, sickle cell disease, or other related illnesses.
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LIT (Leader in Training) Program ages 17+
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Day Camp for kids ages 5+ that are unable to sleep overnight at camp.
We provide:
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OSF College of Nursing and Illinois State University Child Life students as counselors in cabins with campers as extra layer of support.
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24/7 onsite security
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On-site staff support from child life and/or mental health professionals to help campers and to assist counselors
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Age-appropriate and engaging medical education
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Remembrance Service with activities and support so campers will know they will always be remembered at Camp Hope
Mission
Children facing cancer, blood diseases, or other related blood disorders often miss out on experiences that many take for granted. Due to their illness and treatment, these children are frequently immunosuppressed or medically fragile, making them particularly vulnerable in school, activities, or events with peers. Some may go years without interacting with others, leading to hindered social and emotional growth. Siblings of both survivors and those who have passed also seek connections with friends who understand their complex feelings, enjoying a week free from the stress surrounding a seriously ill child.
The mission of the Camp Hope program is to offer these children a week free from treatment-related stress, a supportive community of peers who share their unique challenges, and resources to help them cope with their illness and recovery.
Highlights
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Arts & Crafts
Beachfront
Boating
Carnival
Connections
Dance Party
Fishing
Field Games
Friendships
Hiking
Legacy
Messy Games
Medical education
Swimming
Target sports
Themed Events
Tree Climbing
Remembrance
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Legacy of Hope
Bereavement Program
Supporting families who have experienced the loss of a child
Legacy of Hope provides gentle, compassionate support for families grieving the death of a child. Whether your loss was recent or many years ago, you are welcome here.
Monthly Support Gatherings
Beginning January 2026, we will meet on the 3rd Thursday of each month at the Ronald McDonald House – Peoria (Community Room). These gatherings offer a safe and understanding space for parents and close family members to share, remember, and connect with others who have walked a similar path.
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Legacy of Hope Retreat
Our first annual Legacy of Hope Retreat will be held May 15–17, 2026 at East Bay Camp.
This intimate, healing weekend is designed to bring grieving families together for reflection, connection, remembrance, and renewal.
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Registration will be limited to ensure a warm, manageable, and personal setting.
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Information and registration link coming soon.
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Space will be filled first-come, first-served.
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All programming is free of charge to families​
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Legacy of Hope is built on honoring each child’s story and walking alongside families as they rediscover hope at their own pace.
Hope Connections
For families navigating childhood cancer, sickle cell disease, or related blood disorders — on or off therapy
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Hope Connections is a year-round family support program beginning January 2026, designed to strengthen the community of parents, caregivers, and children affected by pediatric cancer, sickle cell disease, and related blood disorders.
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Who It’s For
Families who are:
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Newly diagnosed
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Currently on treatment
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Off therapy or in survivorship
All are welcome.
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Monthly Family Programming
We meet on the 4th Thursday of each month at the Ronald McDonald House – Peoria.
Each gathering includes:
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Supportive discussion groups for parents and caregivers
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Fun, engaging activities for children
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Resources, connections, and tools to help families feel encouraged and understood
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Opportunities for families further along in treatment to support those newly entering the journey
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Hope Connections ensures families never have to navigate their path alone — offering comfort, community, and practical support throughout the year.
Young Adult Retreat
Please help revive this program with a donation today!
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Program Overview
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Weekend retreat, (Friday- Sunday) for young adults ages 18-39, diagnosed with cancer, a blood disease, or another related illness.
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The program is free of charge and held at various locations including campgrounds and event venues.
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Patients may choose to bring a sibling/significant other ages 18-39.
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On-site staff support from mental health professionals.
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Workshops tailored specifically to Young Adult relevant concerns such as college and career, relationships, fertility, independence, financial, etc.
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Teambuilding and challenge course activities.
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Opportunities to connect and support one another
Mission
Around 80,000 young adults are diagnosed with cancer in the US. annually. Because it is so unexpected, this is the most underserved population battling cancer. These individuals are at risk for anxiety and depression due to disruption in their developmental trajectory, greater physical symptom burden, and increased likelihood of developing aggressive diseases. Our mission is to connect young adults through meaningful camp activities to build relationships and provide relevant information and resources to help them navigate their disease and its long-term side effects.​
Highlights
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Arts & Crafts
Beachfront
Boating
Connections
Fishing
Field Games
Friendships
Hiking
Legacy
Messy Games
Swimming
Target sports
Tree Climbing
Remembrance
Wellness