Camp Winning Spirit
Sponsored by the Childhood Cancer Lifeline and YMCA Camp Coniston
Held at YMCA Camp Coniston on 1200 acres surrounding a private lake, in Croydon, NH
Some of the best ideas are born at kitchen tables, with people you have just met…such is the case for Camp WInning Spirit. In the fall of 1995, a chance meeting between a Lifeline board member and someone at the NH YMCA sparked what has become the highlight of the year for most families. In August of 1996, the first Camp Winning Spirit was held at YMCA Camp Coniston, and it has been a Labor Day tradition since.
Camp Winning Spirit is an extended weekend for families of children with cancer. Participants may be presently in treatment, recently off-treatment, or have ongoing concerns related to cancer. It is a time for the whole family to run and play and have fun together. Children get to try new activities offered by the camp and its caring staff. Parents have time together and find support from new and familiar faces who have shared similar struggles regarding pediatric cancer.
There is a volunteer medical professional on call all weekend living in the camp infirmary. New London Hospital is 15 minutes away.
This annual Labor Day weekend event is a collaboration between the Childhood Cancer Lifeline of NH and YMCA Camp Coniston that began in 1996. Camp WInning Spirit and all of its lodging, food, and activities are free of charge to registered families.
Cabins consist of bunk beds with mattresses and some shelves. Each cabin holds between 12-16 sleeping spaces. Toilets and showers are located in a communal bathhouse.
Suggested packing list:
• sleeping bag per person or twin sheets/blankets
• pillow per person
• 1 shower towel, 1 beach towel
• toiletries/shampoo, hairbrush
• sneakers and flip flops
• hiking/walking shoes if you like hiking
• jeans and sweatshirts for cold nights
• shorts and t-shirts for warm days
• bathing suit
• raincoat/books
• alarm clock/small radio
• camera and batteries
• flashlight
Weather Preparation
Weather consists of cool nights and hot days. Cabins have screens and no glass windows, so bring warm sleeping attire. Remember to expect the unexpected (i.e. rain)!
Camp Meals
All families mingle and eat together at tables sized for 10+ people. Meals are served at scheduled times, family style. Avoid bringing food into your cabin - chipmunks, squirrels, and mice will visit you. Camp has refrigerators in the dining hall for you if your family has special dietary needs.
Activities
Program activities change/rotate each morning and afternoon. Options throughout the weekend include: archery, tennis, basketball, sailing, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, canoeing, Frisbee golf, arts & crafts, four-square, and wiffleball to name a few!
Friday Schedule
5:00 families check in
6:00 dinner
7:00 orientation skits in the lounge
Saturday & Sunday Schedule
8:00 breakfast
9:00 first program/activity time
10:30 family camp vs. staff games
12:00 lunch
1:00 siesta (quiet time in cabins)
1:50 second program/activity time
5:00 family time
5:30 dinner
7:00 evening program
9:00 quiet cabin time
Monday Schedule
8:00 breakfast
9:00 program time
12:00 lunch
1:00 checkout
Registration
Registration is on a first come - first serve basis with priority going to New Hampshire and Vermont families until August 15th. Registrations from other states will be accepted after that time.
For a registration form, please reach us via
phone: (603) 645-1489 or email: info@childhoodcancerlifeline.org
