N.i.c.k.s camp
Each summer the Chiera Family Foundation helps send 150 kids from South Florida to a very special sleep away camp called N.I.C.K.’s CAMP. Located at Camp Boggy Creek in Eustis, Florida, this magical camp allows children from south Florida who are battling cancer to have a sleep away summer experience, just like other kids.
Located on over 240 acres, Camp Boggy Creek was started through generous donations from Paul Newman and General Norman Schwarzkopf. The camp allows children fighting cancer to fish, swim, participate in archery, zip lining, arts and crafts as well as cooking, acting and other summer and camp activities. Our foundation also helps fund each campers tee shirts as well as for their bus transportation to and from Joe DiMaggio’s Children’s Hospital. Even the lunches and snacks are donated by Coral Ridge Country Club and their members.
Kids from the ages of 8 through 16 are recommended by their oncologists to attend N.I.C.K.’s CAMP, and like many child cancer patients, this is sometimes the first-time children have been away from their parents. It truly is a life changing experience. When the children leave for camp, you will see the parents crying. When the children return from camp, they are the ones upset as they did not want to come home.
It truly is a magical place! Many children we send to camp return to camp each summer reuniting with their friends from previous years. Many of these campers eventually become councilors at the camp giving back to others after their treatments and recovery.. The most amazing feature about Camp Boggy Creek and NICK’s CAMP is that Doctors and nurses are on staff at the medical patch 24 hours each day. Parents can rest assured that if any medical issue arises, the camp is equipped to handle it. From time to time, our foundation also hosts family weekends.
These weekends allow the whole family to enjoy a camp experience. Parents and siblings can also speak to other families going through the same ordeal. There are also doctors available if parents want to ask any questions they might have about their child’s type of cancer or treatment.
Visit our program donation page to learn more about how to help.
Located just a short drive from Orlando, Florida, the 232-acre camp serves children ages 7-16 who’ve been diagnosed with chronic or life-threatening conditions.
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