Since 2006, the Choosing Hope and Moving Past Sadness (CHAMPS) program has provided resources and support to area children who have a loved one living with cancer.

The program is offered in two formats – a three-day summer camp for children ages six and up, and one-hour evening sessions for children and their parent or guardian. All sessions are free and led by licensed healthcare professionals.

This year’s annual CHAMPS day camp will be held, June 21-23, at St. James Club, 7337 W. Bancroft St. in Toledo.

The camp offers a safe and nurturing environment where children meet and interact with peers facing similar circumstances, and can freely express their feelings about how cancer is impacting their family. The camp also includes art therapy, swimming and other fun activities.

The evening program for children and their parent or caregiver will be offered on the following dates at the Hickman Cancer Center at Flower Hospital, 5200 Harroun Road in Sylvania: May 5, Sept. 1, Oct. 6, Nov. 3 and Dec. 1. Children and adults meet in separate groups to discuss how to cope with their loved one’s illness and offer emotional support.

“The activities we plan all have a purpose. The main goal is to help participants explore coping strategies that work for them in their daily lives,” says Bonnie Gratop, ProMedica social worker. “Each year, I especially look forward to the camp where previous participants return to serve as volunteers to help others in need.”

For more information or to register for a free CHAMPS program, call 877-291-1441.

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