Kampgrounds of America’s Care Camps Big Weekend: Supporting Children with Cancer Across North America
Kampgrounds of America’s Care Camps Big Weekend
Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA) is gearing up for its much-anticipated Care Camps Big Weekend, an event that brings joy and funding to children battling cancer. On May 9-10, 2025, 376 campgrounds across North America will participate, marking the 18th year of this remarkable initiative. The event not only celebrates the start of camping season but also raises money for the Care Camps Foundation, which supports medically supervised camps for young patients.
During this special weekend, participating KOA campgrounds will generously donate 50% of the revenue generated from each camper’s second night stay directly to the Care Camps Foundation. In addition to the donations, many campgrounds will host various events and activities aimed at raising awareness and empowering campers to contribute to this noble cause.
As KOA's president and CEO Toby O’Rourke expresses, “The Care Camps Foundation has always been near and dear to our hearts. Every year, our campgrounds and campers eagerly anticipate this special weekend outdoors, all while backing a truly meaningful cause.” This sentiment encapsulates the spirit of the weekend, emphasizing the collective effort to impart positivity and support to children fighting cancer.
Since its inception in 1984, KOA has passionately undertaken the initiative to fundraise for Care Camps, which gives these children a chance to relish in the camaraderie and joyous moments associated with childhood. It allows them to momentarily divert their focus from their challenging circumstances and embrace the simple pleasures of life.
With over 100 pediatric oncology camps throughout the U.S. and Canada supported by the Care Camps Foundation, the annual KOA Big Weekend serves as a cornerstone event that significantly contributes to their operations. Gwynn Sullivan, the Executive Director of the Care Camps Foundation, shares gratitude, stating, “KOA's Big Weekend will greatly help us support over 120 camps for children with cancer across the U.S. and Canada.” The mission of Care Camps is to harness the healing power of the outdoors and community to uplift kids facing cancer, a goal that resonates deeply with KOA’s community-driven ethos as well.
Campers looking to partake in this special event can easily find participating KOA campgrounds by visiting the Care Camps Big Weekend page on KOA's official website. Individuals can also learn more about the Care Camps Foundation, explore donation options, and delve into the inspiring stories of the children they support by navigating to carecamps.org.
About Kampgrounds of America, Inc.
With a legacy of over 60 years, Kampgrounds of America, Inc. prides itself on its leadership in outdoor hospitality. Guided by the mission of connecting people with nature, KOA encompasses more than 500 campgrounds under its brand, providing unmatched support in areas like education, design, and marketing for campground owners. Their luxury glamping venture, Terramor Outdoor Resorts, is also making waves by enhancing outdoor experiences across the country.
Encouraging communal gatherings and heartfelt memories, KOA continues to be a staunch supporter of the Care Camps Foundation, demonstrating resilience and responsibility towards children grappling with devastating challenges. This year's Care Camps Big Weekend stands as a familiar reminder that together, with every camping trip, we foster hope, healing, and support for the young warriors navigating through their battles with cancer.