Topsham -- Kids just want to have fun and it's no different for kids with cancer. Through our three New England camp programs, the American Cancer Society offers a place where kids who have cancer can join in dozens of fun activities, meet other kids and families and feel more confident about living with cancer- and all our camps are free.

American Cancer Society camps combine the traditional softball, swimming and s'mores with a medical staff prepared to meet the special needs of campers who are being treated for cancer. Caring counselors lead activities tailored to different age groups and medical professionals are available 24 hours a day.

The American Cancer Society's three camp programs are: Camp Rising Sun held the third week of August at YMCA Camp Jewell in Colebrook, Connecticut; Camp Rainbow held the week of June 15-21, 2008 at Bangor YMCA Camp Jordan in Ellsworth, Maine; and Camp Hope held the third week of August at Camp Aldersgate in North Scituate, Rhode Island.

Camp Rainbow has been in operation since 1987 and is a special place where kids with cancer can simply smile, laugh and play; a place where they are not treated as "different" or "sick;" a place where they can just be happy, fun-loving kids again. Children currently in treatment for cancer as well as those who are up to 10 years post-treatment are eligible to attend.

When asked what they liked most about Camp Rainbow, many of last summer's participants remarked that they like how everyone cares about everyone else and how they were able to share their thoughts with others who have or had cancer. When asked what they like least about camp, the general consensus was, "It wasn’t long enough!"

For more information about Camp Rainbow or to request an application for this year’s camp, please contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 or visit http://www.cancer.org/.