About Camp Rainbow Gold
A cancer diagnosis changes everything for the whole family. Camp Rainbow Gold gives Idaho children who have been diagnosed with cancer, and their families, a chance to take a break from cancer—a break from doctor appointments, hospital visits, and the stress and fear that comes with this diagnosis.
“At camp, I feel free.” – Larissa, Camper
MISSION: To provide emotionally empowering experiences for Idaho’s children diagnosed with cancer
and their families.
VISION: Experiences Define a Childhood; Cancer Should Not.
VALUES: Hope, Fun, Love
Our History
Camp Rainbow Gold started back in the 1980s when a pediatric patient told his oncology doctor that he was sad he couldn’t go to camp. That doctor decided he should go to camp, despite his medical needs. So, his doctor took him and other pediatric cancer patients camping. Afterward, the child said that camp was the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow… and Camp Rainbow Gold was born.
Over 40 years later, Camp Rainbow Gold has grown in scope and size.
Camp Rainbow Gold now offers free programming throughout the year for Idaho families impacted by pediatric cancer, no matter where they are in treatment. It doesn’t matter when a child was in active treatment or is still in active treatment, once they and their family are part of our program, they remain part of our program always.
Camps include youth oncology camp, teen oncology camp, sibling camp, and family camps. Each one is designed by a team of volunteers who spend the year coming up with unique, fun experiences. This volunteer team then runs camp, along with dozens of other volunteers who make camp happen. Campers also get support from volunteer doctors and nurses, so even medically fragile children can step away from their diagnosis and enjoy a week of camp filled with fun, love, and hope.
Weeklong camps take place at Idaho’s only medically designed, adaptive, accessible camp, Hidden Paradise in Fairfield, ID. This means camp is a welcoming, safe space for people with medical needs. And transportation options are available across the state.
Camps are solely funded through donations from individuals, foundations, and corporations.
Camp Rainbow Gold is where kids can be kids and campers connect, heal, and have a chance to just be themselves.
About Hidden Paradise
Camp Rainbow Gold began searching for a permanent home to meet the growing needs of children with cancer and their families. Along the way, we discovered something bigger—many Idaho nonprofits serving children and adults with medical, emotional, or developmental challenges also lacked safe, accessible spaces for their camps.
That’s why Hidden Paradise was created—not only as the home for Camp Rainbow Gold, but also as a resource for other organizations in need.
Get to Know Us
Questions? Call us at 208-350-6435 or