We host camps and outings for women age 19 years +, Children with healthy siblings 3 to 18 yrs., and a Teen Camp. We also host special men outings 19+.
Women of Color Cancer Camp
The “Women of Color Retreat” is uniquely designed for black and brown women in an effort to address the disproportionate levels of mortality within this population. Although incidences of cancer for black women are lower than other races, the survivorship for these women is a remarkable three times less!
Women attend Faces of Courage’s Retreats from across the United States and neighboring countries. These retreats educate, empower and unite women in this community. Campers will be given the tools to create an effective support system that will build awareness for early diagnosis and intervention.
All participants will be either newly diagnosed, “strivers” (what we call women working towards surviving cancer), or survivors and will reflect many different demographics with only two common threads, race and cancer.
This progressive, no-cost event, includes activities that promote empowerment; provide health care screening and educational opportunities, provide navigational tools for the individual’s medical treatment, and indulge the senses through spa treatments. And it’s fun!
The retreat provides emotional comfort, educates the individual on symptoms and healthcare management, lifts spirits, and alters attitudes towards survival and the treatment process.
Faces of Courage Women of Color Retreat isn’t just an opportunity to create a support network, it’s an expressed intention of this program to educate the participant on effectively changing the cultural attitudes towards cancer detection, prevention, and treatment.
Women's Cancer Camp
The “Women’s Cancer Retreat” is uniquely designed for women who are newly diagnosed, undergoing treatment, and/or survivors. A myriad of services is provided through this program with the goal of developing a support network that transcends demographic barriers such as race, religion, or socio-economic backgrounds. The common thread is cancer.
The program focuses on bringing support, joy, laughter, and fun back into the lives of these women during these traumatic times.
The Women’s Retreat is a three-day retreat that brings the newly diagnosed together with survivors and includes activities that will promote empowerment; provide educational workshops; encourage bonding and provide a relaxing spa-like atmosphere.
This camp is similar to current programs in that it takes place in the local Tampa Bay area and provides a judgment-free environment. The camp also has a comfortable atmosphere where participants are able to relax, discuss, and just have fun.
The major benefit of socializing with peers affected by cancer is the positive aspect associated with connecting to other survivors.
The activity schedule is adjusted appropriately in order to maximize participant intermingling within this age group. Another plus for the participants is the guiding characteristic of FOC camps being offered at no cost.
A weekend retreat of fun, relaxation, education, sharing stories, creating friendships that last forever, all FREE OF CHARGE
Teen Camp
The ‘Teen Weekend Camp’ takes place Friday afternoon through Sunday afternoon. A detailed schedule gives participants multiple activity options during the majority of the retreat.
The major focus of Teen Camp is to allow all participants to enjoy themselves with no pressure to follow a mandatory schedule.
Events include activities aimed at the valuable end result of creating an open atmosphere where participants engage with each other and also see the benefits of education, hope, and increased self-esteem.
Participants for this camp range in age 13-23 who have been diagnosed with all types of cancer and blood illnesses. Additionally, able-bodied siblings are invited to attend.
This weekend sleepover provides a medically supervised traditional camp experience full of fun and activities for the kids while giving the parents a much needed weekend break.
Santa's Workshop Kids Camp
The “Kids’ Cancer Camp A/K/A Santa’s Workshop Weekend” provides adolescents ages 2-12 having cancer and/or blood disorders the opportunity to interact with their peers and connect with others experiencing similar circumstances.
Adolescents in this age group have a large amount of stress in their lives without the addition of a life-threatening illness. Additionally, able-bodied siblings are invited to attend, allowing the caregivers a much-needed respite.
The camp takes place on the first weekend in December. The activities provided in a camp atmosphere that would promote meeting with fellow participants as well as simply fostering an environment of fun. Research has shown the tremendous benefits of such interaction. The only responsibility participants have is to register and provide their own transportation to the camp.
Short term goals include the immediate realized benefits of socializing with other cancer patients. Long term goals would involve making lifelong friends, building support mechanisms, and learning coping skills.
Looking for ways to help?
If you prefer to donate through Venmo, you can do so using our email foccamp@gmail.com