Camp Hobé offers psychosocial support for children with cancer and similarly-treated disorders and their families, through summer camps and family outings. Our mission is to create an atmosphere that enhances self-esteem, fosters independence and friendships, and creates a feeling of belonging.
Camp Hobé gives these families opportunity to participate in activities just like those who are not affected by these illnesses. The summer camps provide medical and psychosocial supervision to ensure children are safe physically, mentally, and emotionally. Camp Hobé is passionate about improving our participants’ overall mental well-being. Our programs are run by staff and volunteers who are trained to supervise and guide campers in activities that challenge, support, and grow their physical, mental, emotional, and social health.
Camp Hobé serves children and families from the Intermountain area (Utah, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, and Wyoming) or those being treated for cancer (or similarly-treated disorders) at Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah. Children or teens who have been diagnosed with these illnesses may participate in Camp Hobé programs while being treated with immunosuppressive therapy (chemotherapy, radiation therapy or immunosuppressants) and for three consecutive camp seasons after their final immunosuppressive treatment. The patient’s family members may also participate in Camp Hobé programs during this time period.
- Our in-person camp program offers 3 sessions each summer: a 5-day session for kids ages 7-11 years, a 5-day session for teens ages 12-19 years, and a 2-day program for kids ages 4-8 years. Because we do not wish to turn any patients away, we may limit summer camp attendance to no more than four children from any one family, including the patient (that is, one patient and up to three siblings).
- Our virtual camp offers 1 session each summer for ages 6-19 years, providing interactive activities for campers who live farther away or are unable to attend in-person for whatever reason (eg, illness, hospitalization, travel concerns).
- Our family outing program offers several free family activities throughout the year.
Throughout their time with our programs, Camp Hobé participants grow in spirit, strength and understanding. Camp Hobé provides activities to help participants learn healthy coping mechanisms to better their psychosocial wellbeing, through grief work and emotional support during challenging activities. Camp Hobé is a place where children and family members can challenge their mental and physical strengths by participating in outdoor activities such as high ropes, swimming, and many more. They are allowed to have fun with others, to discover the joy and freedom of being away from the confines of the hospital, and to temporarily displace the fears that the future holds. This is their chance—sometimes their only chance—to “just be kids” and to escape the grown-up realities they face everyday.
Camp Hobé Inc. is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN 57-1149391), and all donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.