The inspiration for Wapiyapi came from University of Colorado medical students in the early 1990s who believed every child deserves an unforgettable camp experience. Seeing how childhood cancer steals a child's sense of normalcy, they created a free summer camp that provides respite and an additional circle from which families may draw the strength for continued healing.
Kids can let go of cancer and 'just be kids' - laughing and playing with others who cherish them just as they are. Camp Wapiyapi 2022 is scheduled at Quaker Ridge Camp near Colorado Springs for an in-person camp with a virtual track as well to accommodate as many children in need as possible. A Lakota Sioux word that means healing, Wapiyapi is known for its personalized staffing support to meet the needs of this special population.
Kids can let go of cancer and 'just be kids' - laughing and playing with others who cherish them just as they are. Camp Wapiyapi 2022 is scheduled at Quaker Ridge Camp near Colorado Springs for an in-person camp with a virtual track as well to accommodate as many children in need as possible. A Lakota Sioux word that means healing, Wapiyapi is known for its personalized staffing support to meet the needs of this special population.
Services
Developed by University of Colorado medical students in the 1990s, Camp Wapiyapi offers healing outside of the hospital to children facing pediatric cancer with the chance to "just be kids again" - at no cost to their families. Patients and siblings recapture the delight and spontaneity of being childlike which cancer has stolen from them.
Cancer steals a child's sense of normalcy and independence, but Wapiyapi gives that back. At Camp Wapiyapi kids can leave cancer behind for a week and instead focus on friendship, community and endless fun! It's amazing to see kids smile and stretch their wings because camp allows them to be who they want to be.
Children who are facing a pediatric cancer diagnosis in their immediate family, are between the ages of 6 and 17 years of age at the time of camp, and reside in and/or are treated in Colorado are eligible. Both patients and siblings are welcome; siblings may attend without the patient. We're excited for an expanded, digital format that allows us to safely connect our camp community.
Camp Wapiyapi has at least one doctor and two nurses on camp grounds 24 hours a day for the entire session of camp to care for the campers. If your camper is there, our medical team is there. Day and night. Our medical team is comprised of professionals from local hospitals including Children's Hospital Colorado and University of Colorado.
The online portal opens in February and will include a series of questions, staff agreement, and releases. Phone interviews follow and prior to acceptance, medical paperwork, including proof of vaccinations, and background checks are completed. While our staff volunteers are fun, they also carry out serious responsibilities.
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