• Camp Happy Times
• Social Services
• School Re-entry Program
• Child Life Center
• Support Groups
• SibShops
• Sickle Cell Patient Program
• Child Life Specialists
• Resource Center

 

A one week miracle for children with cancer.

Camp Happy Times

We believe that a single happy moment is therapeutic to everyone who shares in it.

For more than 25 years, The Valerie Fund has operated Camp Happy Times, a free one week overnight camp experience for children aged 5-21 who have or have had cancer. Nearly 200 children each summer attend Camp Happy Times located on the two hundred acre Tyler Hill Camp in Wayne County, Pennsylvania. Tyler Hill is fully accredited by the American Camping Association and Camp Happy Times is a proud member of the International Children's Oncology Camping Association.

Watch the video

Read the guide (large 7MB PDF)

Camper Application (small PDF)

Directions to Camp Happy Times (small PDF)

Mission

Camp Happy Times promotes friendship, independence, and a spirit of cooperation for cancer patients and survivors. The CHT philosophy is to provide a recreationally therapeutic environment that engages participants while building self-esteem, confidence, trust and friendship.

Activities

Campers are encouraged to take on the challenges of various daily activities. They are divided into similar age groups where they learn new skills and develop self-confidence. For many, this is their first time away from home and Camp Happy Times offers a comforting environment that encourages the development of the campers. Lifelong bonds are established between kids who all know what it's like to be sick.

Staff

Staff and counselors are all volunteers. Applicants for CHT staff positions are carefully screened prior to acceptance. Many counselors are former campers and return annually. At camp, new counselors are teamed with experienced counselors. All attend an intense training session, which maintains our high standards of professionalism. The camper-to-counselor ratio is a low 2:1 to ensure that a caring, qualified counselor is always nearby.

Infirmary

Infirmary staff is comprised of Valerie Fund doctors and nurses, who administer chemotherapy, evaluate blood counts and prescribe and administer medications to the campers throughout the week. Valerie Fund social workers and child life specialists are also on site and available at all times.

Leadership Program

Our leadership program is an essential program for 20-22 year olds. Specifically designed to promote emotional growth and positive change in teenagers, participants learn how to be confident and acquire decision-making and leadership skills. They develop the emotional maturity and confidence needed to be the leaders of the future.

Support

The Valerie Fund offers Camp Happy Times free of charge, including transportation, meals and on-site medical care. We are proud that approximately eighty cents of every dollar donated to The Valerie Fund and Camp Happy Times goes right back to the kids.

More information

For more information on how you can attend CHT as a camper or volunteer, please us.