The 2011 Beach Buddies Camp will provide an opportunity for local children affected by a family member’s cancer diagnosis to share their feelings and experiences in a safe, supportive environment while encouraging their interest in reading and written expression as a means of processing negative emotions. The camp incorporates bibliotherapy (using books to address emotional/behavioral issues) and other techniques including art therapy, play therapy, group therapy, etc. to address topics such as understanding cancer, coping skills, feelings, friendships, change, health and nutrition, quiet time and love.

The week-long camp will be held July 18-22, 2011 at Forest Hills United Methodist Church from 9 am – 3 pm. All activities and volunteer workers are overseen by Bowden Templeton, Ph.D., a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and the organization’s clinical supervisor. Registration begins April 1st and is open to any child in the Central Georgia area impacted by a breast cancer diagnosis in his or her family.

Cancer of all types affects Bibb County citizens at a disproportionate rate according to the Georgia Division of Public Health. Children of cancer patients frequently report emotional distress and may demonstrate behavioral and social problems, leading to poor school performance, truancy, and other school-related issues. The week-long camp addresses the needs of children aged 4-18 who have been affected by a family member’s diagnosis, providing hands-on emotional support in a group setting overseen by our licensed therapist, at no cost to the child or their families.

It is our prayer that each child in this community who has a parent or grandparent who has been diagnosed with breast cancer will hear about this camp and will have the opportunity to be served through our efforts.

A registration form must be completed for each camper.   Summer Camp Registration Form

Many thanks to the Junior League of Macon for awarding us with a Community Grant given in support of our 2011 Summer Camp.

We appreciate the generosity of our sponsors who enable us to provide this resource to the children in our community.

SPONSORSHIP LEVELS:

Presenting Sponsor: $1000
Sponsors 4 children to attend Summer Camp
Your Individual Name or Company Logo will go on the back of the Camp Shirts
You will receive 6 Camp Shirts
Your Individual Name or Company Logo will be placed on our Web Site

Beach Buddy: $500
Sponsors 2 children to attend Summer Camp
You will receive 4 Camp Shirts
Your Individual Name or Company Logo will be placed on our Web Site

Summer Pal: $250
Sponsors 1 child to attend Summer Camp
You will receive 2 Camp Shirts
Your Individual Name or Company Logo will be placed on our Web Site

These levels help cover the costs associated with our annual day camp which includes lunch, 2 snacks, art supplies, craft supplies, journals, pens, shirts, etc. Additional resources are customized for each camper: this may come in the form of books, therapy, tickets to an event, clothing, toys, etc.

As with all of the programs and services we provide, there is no charge to the families we serve.

All are made possible through individual and company sponsorships, grants and donations.

 Beach Buddies Sponsorship Form

Testimonial from our 2009 Summer Camp…

E… and A… have had a BLAST this week!!! Thank you both so much for all you do!!!!! E… told me that she shared my story with her class on the first day. I asked her how it made her feel and she said, “It was fine…everyone there was so nice!” So, thank YOU for giving my sweet daughters a place to have fun, feel comfortable and express how they feel. I’m forever grateful!!!

Please contact us with comments or questions.