Camp Good Days’ Women’s Oncology Program

The Women’s Oncology Program at Camp Good Days and Special Times fosters support and provides women who are dealing with cancer the opportunity to share life experiences. Designed by women, for women, the Women’s Oncology Program addresses the risks, fears, and barriers of everyday life most women face during and after diagnosis and treatment. All of the Women’s Oncology Program sessions strive to help women strengthen and rebuild their physical and emotional well-being through group and individual activities.

Women’s Oncology Program Mission Statement…

The Women’s Oncology Program fosters support and sharing of experiences among fellow survivors. The Women’s Oncology Program encourages the rebuilding of each participant’s emotional and physical well being through group and individual activities.

About the Women’s Oncology Program

The Women’s Oncology Program was started at Camp Good Days in 1996 to provide women with cancer the opportunity to meet other women who have undergone similar challenges and to share life experiences. Designed by women, for women, these programs address the risks, fears and barriers of everyday life that most women face during and after treatment. All of the programs aim to help women strengthen and rebuild their physical and emotional well-being. The Women’s Oncology Program has gained national recognition as part of a five part series on breast cancer on Good Morning America, on the Lifetime Channel and has been featured in Ladies Home Journal and MAMM Magazine as well as in numerous television and newspaper features.

A number of different residential camping experiences will be offered by Camp Good Days for women dealing with cancer, throughout 2009. All of the residential camping experiences will take place at the Camp Good Days’ Recreational Facility, located on 13 ½ acres of waterfront property, on the shores of Keuka Lake, in the Village of Branchport, Yates County, New York. The Camp Good Days’ Recreational Facility includes a heated / air-conditioned Dining Hall; heated / air-conditioned Dormitory; six Cabins; a full equipped, staffed and recently renovated Infirmary; In-ground Pool; Adventure Ropes Course; Indoor Climbing Wall; and many Activity Areas such as, Arts & Crafts; Nature; Woodworking; and Computers.

In an effort to provide the highest quality experience for the participants, space is limited for the Women’s Oncology Program residential camping experiences. The Women’s Oncology Program sessions, as with all of the programs and services provided by Camp Good Days, are offered free of charge for the participants. This is only possible because of the generosity of so many individuals, businesses, and organizations, and the success of special fundraising events.

The Women’s Oncology Program is under the direction of Wendy Bleier-Mervis, Executive Director, and Shannon Grieve, Camp Director. Bleier-Mervis has successfully completed the American Camping Association’s Camp Director Course and holds degrees in Political Science and Physical Education from Colgate University and SUNY Brockport. She received her Masters Degree in Education Administration and Certificate of Advanced Study from SUNY Brockport. Shannon Grieve holds a degree in Sociology with a concentration in Social Services from SUNY New Paltz and her Masters in Public Administration from SUNY Brockport.

Women’s Oncology Program Residential Camping Experiences

Please note: these are examples of previous residential camping experiences and may be subject to change based on participants’ needs, suggestions, feedback, and overall programming schedules.

Women’s Creative Expressions Program

An overnight camping experience focused on expressions of mind, body and soul. This program is open to all women, ages 18+ who have dealt with cancer from recent diagnosis to remission. Activities may include journaling, creative writing, scrap-booking, painting and more.

Supportive Spouse/Friend Program

A weekend camping program open to all men and women with cancer ages 18+ and their significant other and or friend. Activities may include Ropes Course, Climbing wall, Waterfront activities and Arts & Crafts.

Women’s Adventure Program

A weekend camping experience for women ages 18+ who have dealt with cancer from recent diagnosis to remission. Opportunities may include Waterfront activities such as fishing, boat rides, and swimming, as well as rock climbing, Ropes Course and other outdoor experiences.

Women’s Generational Program

An overnight camping experience for multi-generational pairs or trios of female family members wherein one participant has been diagnosed and/or has undergone treatment for cancer in the past three years (Grandmother, Mother, Daughter, Niece…). Activities include those that focus on wellness, arts & crafts and adventure. Children must be at least 8 years of age and accompanied by an adult.

Women’s Wellness Program

A weekend camping experience for women ages 18+ who have dealt with cancer from recent diagnosis to remission. Activities focus on wellness and may include Therapeutic Massage, Yoga, Meditation, Reiki, Manicures and a variety of recreational activities

Women’s Oncology Program – Comments from our Participants…

“I loved the boat ride on the lake!”

“Thank you for the wonderful weekend”

“I’m a 19 year old survivor and I found that my heart and soul were touched, like I had cracked open a part of me that had been stored away after all these years. It was cleansing.”

“Wow, awesome food!”

Regarding the food – “Delicious! I was amazed at the bounty and great taste.”

“I am once again in awe of the staff and the volunteers. Everything was done to make us feel welcome and pampered. Thank you so much for all you do.”

In regards to the yoga session – “Great workout! I’ve been wanting to try yoga, so I’m glad I had the opportunity.”

“Once again you gave me a chance to reflect on how far I’ve come in these last 5 years. I Can’t tell you how much this weekend means to me.”

“This weekend is truly a highlight of my year. I love bonding with other survivors, especially younger women like myself. I feel totally spoiled with all of the pampering. I came home refreshed and revitalized, when I went there stressed out and uptight. Thank you!!!”

“I always have a great time at camp. I enjoy talking to the other women, discussing side effects, symptoms etc. just to know you aren’t alone. I’ve met a lot of wonderful women at camp. Thank you all!”