Day Camp

Sunrise Day Camp-Staten Island is the world’s only full-summer day camp for children with cancer and their siblings, provided completely free of charge.

Children, ages 3 ½ to 16, who are within the first 5 years of either being diagnosed or most recent treatment for cancer, can have the best summer ever…provided your doctor clears them to participate. The camp is open to all children, on a non-sectarian basis.

Siblings also have the opportunity to play and interact as their brothers and sisters do at Sunrise. They are free to be with friends in a very normal, fun way while escaping the constant worry often found in a a home with a chronically ill child. It also helps them better understand and deal with their sibling’s illness and their own feelings.

The JCC of Staten Island is happy to include siblings in Sunrise Day Camp, whether or not the child with cancer is able to be a camper.  We recognize that each child is unique. Working with the family and the sibling(s) – with Sunrise Day Camp being one of the options – we will find the best fit for every sibling who wants to go to camp.

Transportation

Sunrise is a day camp program, and is within driving distance of most Staten Island communities and surrounding boroughs.

Are You a Working Parent? No Problem! Camp opens as early as 8:30 am and closes at 6:00 pm to accommodate working parents.  Campers arriving early and staying late are transported to camp by their parents in their family vehicles.

Flexible Enrollment

Campers may enroll for one, two, three or four sessions. Determine what days of the summer work best for your family schedule. If your needs change, call the Sunrise office and let us know. We will always look to accommodate you as best we can.

Not Yet Ready for Summer Camp?

We understand that children may not be ready physically or emotionally to attend camp during the summer. Children with cancer and their siblings are welcome to join us any time during the year for our year-round programs. Contact our camp registrar at (347)486-6498 for an application and we will get you started. Any program day is a great day to become a Sunrise camper!

Attention to Medical Needs

Our private, air-conditioned Wellness Center is staffed by on-site pediatric oncology nurses and supported by volunteer pediatric oncology doctors from area hospitals and supervised by our medical Director. Medications can be easily administered and ample indoor areas are provided for children to just “cool down.” In the unlikely event of an emergency during the camp day, rapid transportation by ambulance to home hospitals is provided.

Advance Tours of Camp

There are several open houses scheduled in the spring.  You and your family will have a chance to meet staff, speak with other camper parents and tour the facilities.  If you cannot attend one of our scheduled open houses, you are welcome to call the office to arrange a personal tour at (347)486-6498.

Sunrise Day Camp for the Whole Family

There are two “Late Stays” during the summer.  Parents are welcome to an ‘interactive’ visiting day at camp for an afternoon and early evening camp program. This is the time to see campers at play and with their friends, meet the staff and enjoy the camaraderie of other parents in an informal setting.

What type of food is served?

Children bring their own favorite lunches from home, so they never have to wonder what’s on the menu today (of course, we’ll refrigerate it). But that’s all they need to bring! We provide the snacks including juice, water and other drinks whenever needed.

Allergy Aware: We strive to be a nut free environment. Because a large number of our campers have nut allergies, we request that any food sent to camp be nut free.

Need something special? No problem; just let us know and we’ll get it.