B.A.S.E. Camp Polk

 We Call It B.A.S.E. Camp Polk Because...
B.A.S.E. Camp has a double meaning. First, it is an acronym for Believe, Achieve, Support, and Educate. Second, it is a term used in climbing for a place that is set to provide the starting point for a long assault on a mountain. We feel that cancer, sickle cell anemia, hemophilia, and other rare/orphan hematological diseases are just such mountains in children’s lives. B.A.S.E. Camp Polk will provide outreach and services to those families living in Polk County that have a child(s) diagnosed with cancer or other life-threatening hematological illnesses.

Members Are...
We serve not only the children who are patients, but their brothers and sisters too. Our members are children, aged 0 to 19, who are ill with cancer or other hematological disease, or are the sibling or child of the person with the illness.

B.A.S.E. Camp Is...
B.A.S.E. Camp is unique in that is makes a difference in children’s lives on a regular basis. Our programs focus on "being normal," participating in peer groups, which children who are not affected by life-threating/challenging illnesses take for granted.

B.A.S.E. Camp Polk (an affiliate of the B.A.S.E. Camp Children's Cancer Foundation in Orlando), will focus on providing YEAR-ROUND series of programs to help children and families along the journey of cancer and other life-threatening/challenging hematological and childhood illnesses.   

Services/Outreach

B.A.S.E. Camp Polk will eventually provide the following programs to help children (and their families) get through the toughest days of treatment.   

J     Family Meet n’ Greet Support Group – Monthly outings with B.A.S.E. Camp families to connect, share stories, and support each other in fun and enlightening atmospheres. 

J     Food Basket Program – Addresses the nutritional need of children on chemo and financial needs of the family

J     Milestone Parties – individualized end-of-chemo parties, in/out-patient, and birthday parties for the patient or family member when patient is hospitalized.

J     HOMEBOUND B.A.S.E. Camp Kids – a series of programs to help homebound children through and along their journey when they cannot attend B.A.S.E. Camp events.

J     Jr. B.A.S.E. Camp Kids – monthly day outings for patients/siblings six years and younger.

J     B.A.S.E. Camp Kids & B.A.S.E. Camp Teens – Unique monthly overnight “mini-camps” for children 6-12; 13-16 and 17-19 years old.

J     The Attraction Ticket Program – provides FREE days at area attractions for local children who are undergoing chemo and other treatments for their illnesses.

Like the encampments built as climbers climb mountains, B.A.S.E. Camp programs offer a place to stop along the journey for rest, nourishment, encouragement and strength to finish the climb.

I would like to extend a unmeasurable amout of gratitude to Terri Jones, Founder and President of BASE Camp Children's Cancer Foundation, Orlando.  Terri blessed me with the opportunity to bring BASE Camp to Polk County and fulfill my dream and heart's desire - the ability to help other families and children as we were helped. 

For more information on BASE Camp Children's Cancer Foundation, Inc., in Orlando please visit their website at www.basecamp.org