Have you ever seen a child not want to leave a hospital because they’re having too much fun? At Sunrise on Wheels, it happens every day!
Sunrise on Wheels is an innovative program that provides a day filled with Sunrise fun to children awaiting treatment in pediatric oncology units of participating hospitals. Volunteers wheel a rainbow trunk bursting with toys, games and activities right into many of our affiliated hospitals and change what could have been a bleak and depressing day into a day of camp fun!
Our Wheels program, which launched in 2009, currently brings fun to more than 2,500 children in 32 hospitals. Each Wheels location serves a large number of children ranging from toddlers to young adults. While the youngest are enjoying Legos, coloring and other age-appropriate activities, older children can participate in a lively game of UNO or intricate crafts. There are even electronic devices available for interactive gaming.
Whenever we become aware that one of our campers is hospitalized, parents can request a “Sunshine Visit”, from camp counselors or year-round camp staff, who will visit with a few special surprises and a cheery smile. They will sit at bedside and play with the child, share stories of camp days, and even give mom or dad a drop of respite so he or she can go home for a few hours, change clothes and maybe have a hot meal. The continuity from camp to bedside helps our children feel connected to their counselors, friends and fun, lessening the sense of isolation and fear that a hospital admission can bring with it.
Sunshine from Sunrise is just that – a burst of sunshine during the darkest times, bringing sighs of relief to parents and sounds of laughter from their children. It’s so simple to schedule a visit; all you need to do is call us!
To schedule a visit or if you have questions, please contact Sandor G. Haft, LMSW Director, Sunrise Day Camp 718.475.5274 shaft@sijc.com
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Sunrise Day Camp-Staten Island is a proud member of the Sunrise Association.