About CAMP KEMO Programs
CAMP KEMO Programs is entirely funded by our gracious community. Without the support of private donations, memorials and civic organizations we would not be able to support our patients and families.
Donate by mail
Donations also can be mailed to us at:
- CAMP KEMO Programs
7 Richland Medical Park Dr., Suite 7215
Columbia, SC 29203
Our wish list
CAMP KEMO Programs is always in need of supplies to help our programs run and better support our patients and families. Consider donating goods to CAMP KEMO Programs.
View our CAMP KEMO Programs Wish List (PDF)
Contact us
Interested in hosting a fundraiser, having a speaker at your civic/church organization or making a contribution to CAMP KEMO Programs? Contact us today.
Camp locations
CAMP KEMO Programs uses various sites throughout South Carolina.
- Camp Kinard, Batesburg- Leesville, South Carolina
- White Oak Conference Center, Winnsboro, South Carolina
- Camp Burnt Gin, Wedgefield, South Carolina
- CAMP KEMO is held at River Oaks Retreat Center, Honea Path, South Carolina
Sponsored by
Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders of Prisma Health Children's Hospital–Midlands, Columbia, South Carolina
Eligibility
CAMP KEMO Programs provides psychosocial programming for children and families with cancer or a blood disorder who are treated at Prisma Health Children's Hospital–Midlands Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders.
Funding
Private donations, memorials and civic organizations (no funding from hospital budget).
Mission
Through sharing this experience with children with the same concerns, it is hoped that each child will gain strength and support. The focus of activities and interactions will be to emphasize the positive abilities of each child, to help increase the child's self-esteem and to begin preparation for re-entry into the mainstream of life.
History
Linda Wells, a pediatric nurse and Frances Friedman, a Child Life Specialist, founded CAMP KEMO in 1980. It began as a day camp for children with cancer and served 45 children. Due to this success, the first weeklong overnight camp was held in August 1981. Our overnight camp has continued ever since with an increasing number of participants each year, serving roughly 120 campers each summer. Due to its growth, CAMP KEMO began to expand into other programs to include Lasting Impressions, the Toy Box and many more.
While summer camp is the largest program CAMP KEMO Programs provides, it is only one of many. Throughout the year, children with cancer and blood disorders and their families benefit from CAMP KEMO Programs through a variety of psychosocial programs, including family camp weekends and picnics, GRACE dinners, teen retreats and activities, sibling events, as well as educational and support programs.
CAMP KEMO Programs Council
- Angie Braun
- Joan Creed
- Mindy Currence
- John Denise
- Deans Fawcett
- Sabrina Gandy
- John Hinks
- Michael Hogue
- Reggie Hoyle
- Kenny Jones
- Craig King
- Nelson Lacy
- Fauni Lowe
- Brooks Matthews
- Brent McCraw
- Ron Neuberg
- Laura Pirich
- Robin Price
- Mark Riley
- Cassandra Shea
- Shawn Stinson
- Tommy Stringfellow
- John Tate
- Meredith Walker
- Eric Wells
- Linda Wells