Morton Plant Hospital - Camp Living Springs

What is it?

Camp Living Springs is a one-of-a-kind three-day camp for adult cancer survivors. Offered at no cost to participants, this outreach program is 100 percent funded by the Morton Plant Mease Foundation and staffed with volunteers in collaboration with the YMCA of the Sun Coast and Morton Plant Hospital nurses and counselors who willingly donate their time. The Camp is held annually at a 100-acre retreat facility, nestled around a beautiful lake and river. Expansive porches overlooking the lake are lined with rocking chairs, conducive to group discussions or quiet reflective time. The many activities have a common theme of putting laughter and FUN back into their lives. As stated by one camper, “By the end of this magical, liberating weekend, I had become the free, uninhibited, fun-loving kid I had always wanted to be.”

For the camping experience, each cancer survivor is paired with a volunteer buddy. Days are filled with fishing, crafting, and nature walks, and evenings contain karaoke, entertainment, dancing, and lots of silly craziness! For three full days, fighting cancer is put on hold. In the words of one camper, “This weekend away from our everyday lives and cares allowed us to forget the fears we have been living with.” A unique concept, Camp Livings Springs provides a much-needed service to adult cancer survivors in our community.

Who is it for?

Cancer survivors 18 years or older, regardless of where they receive their treatment, are eligible to attend Camp Living Springs. Attendees do not have to have a certain type of cancer, nor do they need to be currently in treatment.

Why do they do it?

The mission of Camp Living Springs is to promote camaraderie, relaxation, and shared experiences while nurturing the spirit of those touched by cancer. Cancer camps for children are very common. Camps for adults are not! Respite programs for caregivers are plentiful. Respite programs for patients are not. Outside of support groups, very little is available for adult cancer survivors who have the same needs to escape from the thoughts, emotions, and daily rigors of their disease.

“The camp gives people who are cancer survivors a chance to take a ‘vacation’ from their cancer and meet and commune with other adults going through similar type situations,” remarked Tim McMahon, Director of Cardio and Oncology Services. “It gives them a place where they can let their hair down and remove their wigs. It gives them the courage to embrace their survivorship, instead of being filled with fear.”

Impact

Campers and volunteer buddies agree that the experience is hard to put into words; you just need to “live” the experience. However, most often we hear that “it gives me back my identity. I’m no longer known as bone, lung, or bladder. I am Audrey, June or Sally.”

Contact: Suzanne Scott
Manager, Volunteer Services
Telephone: 727-461-8115
E-mail: Suzanne.scott@baycare.org