By Stacie Tornga
In November of 2025, I had the opportunity to attend the COCA (Children’s Oncology Camps of America) conference in Spokane, Washington.
First Impressions – A Lot of Camp People!
You know—fun outfits, high energy, big hugs, and that childlike excitement camp inspires, even in the most stoic adults. Camp has taught me that age is just a number, and that glee, giddiness, and a little (mostly innocent) mischief can be harnessed at any point in life—as long as you have the right people around you. If you’ve ever been in a work meeting where there’s someone you can’t look at without bursting into laughter, those are the people I’m talking about.
One of my favorite things to do at a conference is stop and grab tea before heading to sessions. It’s a little treat, and having something in my hands always helps me focus and feel less nervous. It ended up being one of the best ways to connect with new people at the conference! While waiting in line, everyone was in the same boat, and since we all knew why we were there, it was easy to strike up a conversation and ask what sessions others were attending that day.
A Conference with a Different Focus
The biggest difference in attending this conference was its focus on childhood cancer. So many volunteers, board members, staff, and leadership team members had their own cancer stories, reminding me of my first day at camp as a camper—how cancer, once again, was the common denominator that made connections and conversations come easily. There was a full spectrum of emotions: heartbreaking stories, hilarious anecdotes, and the dark humor you often find in communities affected by cancer.
I was also surprised by how many sessions and discussions included the sibling experience. I feel like CRG was ahead of the curve in launching Sibling Camps, and it was interesting to see more programs around the U.S. adding them. Some camps had well-established sibling programs, while others were just getting started. Some didn’t separate their oncology and sibling camps, bringing everyone together. Others allowed siblings to invite friends. No matter the format, the big takeaway was that everyone recognized cancer’s impact on the entire family—and that one week of camp could have lasting effects.
How Our Camper Population Is Changing
There were also many sessions on how our camper population is evolving—or, more accurately, how research and education are helping us better meet their needs. Some campers we may have previously labeled as quirky or in need of extra attention have always been there—we just didn’t have the tools to fully understand or support them.
Now, we can be more intentional. Some campers need a clear and straightforward schedule posted to ease their anxiety, which also benefits the entire cabin by getting everyone excited for the day’s activities. Others need extra time to get ready because they struggle to focus on one task at a time. By giving them that time, we might create opportunities for other campers to model positive behaviors, feel helpful, or simply appreciate a more relaxed start to their day. And with that extra time, maybe we can reduce unnecessary trips back to the cabin because everyone is better prepared.
What might seem like extra work for a few campers can actually improve the experience for everyone. Maybe the biggest takeaway is that by modeling patience, flexibility, and inclusion at camp, our campers will take those lessons home—treating their classmates and the world with more empathy and understanding. And let’s be honest, learning to include and accept people as they are, is a lifelong process for all of us.
A Full Cup for the Camp Season
Attending the COCA conference refilled my cup for the upcoming camp season. Learning and growing in such an accepting and welcoming community is a privilege I hope to always appreciate. It’s just one more gift—on a very long list—of things camp has given me.
One of the most important things I’ve taken away from camp is the gift of being understood at a time when I felt completely alone. It was a breath of fresh air. That perspective has fueled me—to keep learning, to seek out other perspectives, and to embrace the inspiration and resources camp continues to provide. Because at its core, camp isn’t just about a single experience; it’s about lifelong growth, connection, and understanding—lessons that extend far beyond one summer. And that’s what makes it so powerful.
All of this is to say that by volunteering, you are not only giving our campers a magical week at camp, but you are also creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond their time at Hidden Paradise. I’ve been the recipient of that ripple effect, and it’s energizing to know that each camp season, we are putting something truly good back into the world.