If you have further questions or would like more information, feel free to contact us at 208-422-0176 or camp.rainbowgold@cancer.org.
Q: How much does it cost to participate?
A: All camps and year-round programming are provided entirely free of charge for every camper and his or her family. There may be costs involved for volunteers at some of the year-round programs.
Q: How do I get involved?
A: Camp Rainbow Gold utilizes volunteers in a variety of capacities and relies on the support of donors for funding purposes. Learn more about how to become involved in the American Cancer Society Camp Rainbow Gold's many programs.
Q: What are the requirements to volunteer?
A: Camp Rainbow Gold employs volunteers in a wide range of capacities. Those who assist with year-round programming and services must be at least 18 years of age. Volunteers who wish to help at camp must be no younger than 21 years of age, must successfully pass a driving record and criminal background check as well as participate in an annual weekend training session.
Q: How are volunteers selected for camp?
A: After an interested individual submits an application, the application is screened at which time the prospective volunteer is offered an interview. The interview is conducted by our Childhood and Family Support Manager and camp leadership using games, group activities and direct interview questions. If he or she is selected, driving record and criminal background check is conducted and upon successful completion of that, he or she will be offered a volunteer position with Camp Rainbow Gold. We look for a diversity of characteristics when selecting volunteers to accommodate the many needs at camp.
Download background check guidelines. View a summary of your rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Q: How can I apply for my child or family to attend camp?
A: Download and submit the application from this website.
Q: How old does my camper need to be?
A: Camp Rainbow Gold oncology camp is for children ages six to 17 who have been diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives. Survivors ages 18 through 21 are eligible for our junior counselor program. Sibling camp is for children ages six to 17. Family camp is for the entire family, but children must be over the age of four.
Q: When are the camps?
A: Oncology camp is always during the first week of August. Sibling camp is the last week in July. Family camp is in June. View the events calendar for these and other dates.
Q: Where is Camp?
A: The office of Camp Rainbow Gold staff members is located inside the American Cancer Society building at 2676 S. Vista Avenue in Boise, Idaho 83705. Camp Rainbow Gold oncology and sibling camps are held at Cathedral Pines, which is 11 miles north of Ketchum, Idaho, in the beautiful Sawtooth Mountains. Camp Rainbow Gold family camp is located at Camp Perkins, which is 23 miles north of Ketchum, Idaho.
Q: How does my child get to camp?
A: Camp Rainbow Gold provides transportation for all children who wish to attend oncology camp by means of bus from Boise or Mt Home or Angel Flight, a non-profit organization who flies children for free. A bus from Boise and Mountain Home is provided for sibling camps, while families are responsible for their own transportation arrangements for family camp. We ensure that every child who wants to come to camp is able. Depending on the nature of other year-round programming and events, transportation is arranged on a case-by-case basis.
Q: What medical support is provided by Camp Rainbow Gold?
A: The week of oncology camp is staffed with four oncology nurses and a pediatric oncology physician at all times. Sibling and family camps are both staffed with registered nurses at all times.
Q: Can I attend or visit my child at camp?
A: Camp Rainbow Gold does not recommend or allow parents to accompany their child to the week of camp. Camp is provided not only as a break for the children but also as relief for the parents. Parents and other family members are encouraged, however, to attend other programs and services provided throughout the year.
Q: Can I contact my camper while he/she is at camp?
A: In most cases, the answer to this question is no. Camp offers children the opportunity to play and have fun and contact with parents can often lead to homesickness or the inability to let go and enjoy oneself fully. In emergency situations, the camp may be reached. Also, if there is a problem at camp, parents are notified immediately.
