Camp Rainbow

Camp Rainbow is a day camp for MCGHealth Children's Medical Center hemotology/oncology patients. The program was established in 1985. Any patient, ages four to 16, with cancer or a rare blood disorder who has been diagnosed and treated at the MCGHealth Children's Medical Center is eligible to attend and bring one sibling along. 

Campers can participate in activities such as horseback riding, swimming, arts and crafts, ceramics, boating and more. Teenagers work on team building skills and self-esteem by participating in group initiatives.  Also, they try their skills in a difficult ropes course.  Children spend time with other children who are dealing with similar issues. In addition, Camp Rainbow offers parents a welcome break.

As many as 150 children spend a week at Camp Rainbow each summer. Campers are supervised by volunteers with years of camp experience and medical professionals who give their time, talents and skills as counselors for the week.

Camp Twin Lakes located in Rutledge, Georgia, is the home of Camp Rainbow. Georgia corporations built Camp Twin Lakes with special needs populations in mind so all children can experience the joys of camp life. Young campers fish the camp’s two lakes or cruise them on kayaks, canoes, paddleboats or pontoon boats. There is horseback riding, an arts and crafts cabin, a computer lab, a covered basketball court, a swimming pool, an archery range, four tennis courts with automatic ball feeders, an amphitheater, baseball and soccer fields, mountain bikes and biking trails, nature trails, a climbing wall and ropes course.

At Camp Rainbow, children with cancer and their siblings spend relaxing, fun-filled days with children in similar situations. Together, they learn from each other, offer mutual support and share their complex emotions. Camp also provides opportunities for children to build confidence, learn independence and improve self-esteem. The relaxing but highly interactive setting enables young patients to better know the doctors and nurses who provide care for them and their families.

The week essentially becomes a family vacation. Children spend six days just being children while parents and other family members get a needed rest knowing their children’s needs are being met by the camp staff. Families are not charged for camp as the cost per child is covered entirely by donations from individuals and businesses.

To support Camp Rainbow with donations, please call the MCGHealth Office of Philanthropy and Partnership at
706-721-3957. 

To volunteer at Camp Rainbow, please call 706-721-5503.