At Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital, we are dedicated to supporting the emotional, social, and developmental well‑being of children and families — not only during a hospital stay, but beyond it.

These medically supported camps offer children living with serious or chronic illnesses the chance to experience joy, independence, and connection in a safe, understanding environment. Many of these programs are free or low‑cost, staffed by medical professionals, and designed specifically for children who may not be able to attend traditional camps.

Through these camps patients can:

  • Spend time with other kids who understand what they’re going through
  • Build confidence and coping skills outside of the hospital setting
  • Enjoy age‑appropriate activities in a medically supervised environment
  • Create positive memories that support emotional healing and resilience

Families can explore each camp and register directly through the camp’s website. Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital does not manage registration — this page is intended to help families discover programs that may be a meaningful fit for their child.

Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times

A year-round, medically supervised camp facility serving children with cancer and their families. Since 1982, the camp has served more than 50,000 campers, providing fun-filled, cost-free programs designed to build courage, foster hope, and promote healing. Located in the San Jacinto Mountains of Riverside County.

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The Painted Turtle - Summer Program

Founded by Paul Newman, The Painted Turtle welcomes children ages 7–16 with serious medical conditions for week-long summer sessions. Campers swim, ride horses, perform on stage, paddle canoes, and form lasting friendships with peers who share similar medical challenges — all with on-site medical staff support. Each session focuses on a specific medical condition.

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Camp Crescent Moon (Sickle Cell Disease Foundation)

An outdoor week-long summer camp for children ages 7–14 with sickle cell disease, run by the Sickle Cell Disease Foundation — the first such camp created specifically for this community, launched in 1967. Campers learn about sickle cell disease, build self-confidence and coping strategies, and form life-long friendships. Donor support makes it available on a full scholarship, with families paying only a $25 registration fee. Located at Temescal Gateway Park in Pacific Palisades, CA.

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Camp Gibbous (Sickle Cell Disease Foundation)

A medically supervised camp for teens and young adults ages 15–20 living with sickle cell disease, held at Temescal Gateway Park in Pacific Palisades. Named after the moon phase that follows the crescent moon, reflecting the campers’ transition from childhood to adulthood. Camp Gibbous focuses on empowerment, college prep, character building, and preparing participants for adult life with SCD, alongside social activities like karaoke, mixers, and group chats.

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Sunrise Day Camp - Orange County

A program of the Merage JCC and proud member of the Sunrise Association, Sunrise Day Camp brings the joys of childhood to children with cancer and their siblings in Orange County. It offers a free 7-week summer day camp for ages 3½ to 16, year-round fun events, and in-hospital recreational activities for children undergoing treatment.

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Camp Sunshine

Located in Casco, Maine on the shores of Sebago Lake, Camp Sunshine provides hope, joy, and community through unique experiences for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. The camp offers year-round programs, all completely free of charge, in a serene lakeside setting.

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