Frequently Asked Questions

People—especially parents—have many questions about Camp Hobé. Answers to general questions are below. For more detailed answers to frequently asked questions, including eligibility, registration, cost, camp activities, medical support, transportation, volunteer details, and other practical information, download our FAQ sheet.

What is Camp Hobé?
Camp Hobé is a special summer camp experience designed for children currently undergoing treatment for cancer as well as for their siblings. Our goal is to create an atmosphere that enhances self-esteem, fosters independence and friendships, and creates a feeling of belonging.

Who can attend Camp Hobé?

• Children diagnosed with cancer who are currently being treated with immunosuppressive therapy (chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or immunosuppressants) or whose final immunosuppressive therapy was within three prior camp seasons
• Children from the Intermountain area (Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, Nevada) or those being treated for cancer at Primary Children’s Medical Center
• Siblings of children described above
• Children between the ages of 4 and 19 years during the camp session
  

Eligible children with cancer must also be medically stable:

• Current physical examination certifies that child is appropriate for camp attendance
• Blood counts are stable or improving (not decreasing), with an Absolute Neutrophil Count above 500 cells/mm3, platelet count above 50,000 cells/mm3, and hematocrit above 30%
• Not being treated with intravenous (IV) antibiotics, total parenteral nutrition, IV fluids, or oxygen therapy when checking in at camp
• Does not have a condition that might endanger the health, safety, or emotional well-being of others (e.g., apnea, poorly controlled seizures, other poorly controlled medical conditions)

Will my children stay in the same cabin group?
Not necessarily. Cabin groups are assigned by age and gender in order to best meet the physical and psychosocial needs of our campers. While siblings of the same gender who are close in age may be assigned to the same cabin group, this cannot be guaranteed. Most campers need—and enjoy—the chance to spend time with their peers. Each camper gets the individual attention needed from the cabin counselors, whether the camper is a cancer patient or a patient's sibling. Each camper creates his or her own special memories to share with siblings at mealtimes, all camp events, or after the camp session.

How does Camp Hobé help children?
Camp Hobé helps children by addressing and relieving the psychological, social, and physical impact of cancer. Camp lets kids undergoing treatment do activities they cannot normally do; the high level of supervision and medical care we provide makes this possible. Camp lets children be kids again and lets them spend time learning through play. Camp returns kids to a peer group that they may have missed during cancer treatment. At camp, living with cancer makes children part of the crowd.

When is Camp Hobé?
The exact dates vary, but camp sessions are usually scheduled in June.

What are the ages of campers?
We serve children between 4–19 years of age, in three different age-appropriate sessions:

• Day Camp: 4–7 year olds, two-day onsite program (children do not stay overnight)
• Kids Week: 6–12 year olds, five-day overnight program
• Teen Week: 12–19 year olds, five-day overnight program

Where is Camp Hobé?
Camp Hobé is held at the beautiful Camp Wapiti site, which is located just outside Tooele, Utah. The campsite is approximately 40-50 minutes by car from downtown Salt Lake City.

How do I know Camp Hobé is a good program?
Camp Hobé is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA) and has been for more than 15 years. Accreditation means our camp complies with up to 26 mandatory standards of critical health and safety concerns. In additional, Camp Hobé complies with 20–40 additional standards in each of ten separate areas, including operations, facilities, staffing, programs, and aquatics. The accreditation process focuses on education and encourages camps to continually improve their programs.

How do I get ready for camp?
To learn more about getting ready for camp and other useful tips, check out this video from the American Camp Association: Ready for Camp.

It includes information about the following:
• Strengthening the partnership between parents and camp professionals.
• Taking steps to make the adjustment to camp as smooth and successful as possible.
• Campers on medication at camp, and why it's important to share medication information.
• Children with ADHD at camp.
• Working with your physician and camp for the best outcome.

How do I contact the camp director?
Christina Beckwith: (801) 631-2742 or wapitimama@camphobekids.org