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. 

Make a Donation

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. Click here to view our CAMP KEMO Programs Wish List. 

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.

• Sabrina Gandy
  Events Manager, Children's Hospital
  Palmetto Health Foundation
  Sabrina.Gandy@PalmettoHealth.org 
  803-434-2824
• Cassandra Shea
  CAMP KEMO Programs Coordinator
  Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital
  Cassandra.Shea@PalmettoHealth.org
  803-434-3503

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 Palmetto Health Richland, Columbia, South Carolina

Eligibility

CAMP KEMO Programs provides psychosocial programming for children and families with cancer or a blood disorder who are treated at Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital 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