Written by a parent, not a doctor. Nothing here is medical advice.

Childhood Cancer Lantern
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Blue Skies Ministries

Family camps and getaways

What you get

Free family camps and getaways with resort lodging, activities, most meals, nursing help, and time with other parents. Open now, but funds are limited, so ask early.

Who starts it
You, with a letter from your doctor
How it’s sent
Online, on their website
Your time
An hour or so, plus waiting for the letter
Last checked
Aug 27, 2026

Before you start, check you fit

  • Selection is not guaranteed; each camp has room for about 10–12 households.
  • You arrange transportation, medicines, personal care, and some meals.
  • Family supplies medications, treatments, physical care, transportation, and some meals.

  1. Ask your doctor for the letterStart here. This is the part that takes the longest.

    Blue Skies Ministries needs 2 things from your doctor. Copy this message, or say it in person at the next visit.

    Hi [doctor’s name],

We’d like to apply to Blue Skies Ministries’s Family camps and getaways. Free family camps and getaways with resort lodging, activities, most meals, nursing help, and time with other parents. They are taking applications now while funds last.

They need 2 things from you: a signed confirmation of the diagnosis and a letter. Their form and instructions are here: https://www.blueskiesministries.org/guest-family

Could you write that when you have a chance? I can send you the link, or bring a printout to our next visit. Thank you for everything you do for us.

[your name] · [phone]
    Copying is the only thing this page does with your text. Nothing is saved.

  2. Fill in their applicationIt is on their website.

    Open their application ↗ Checked Aug 27, 2026

    What the form asks for

    Camp dates and applicant
    NAME OF PERSON COMPLETING APPLICATIONRELATIONSHIP TO PATIENTWhat camp are you interested in attending? (Please select all camps that would work for your family. You can list top two choices in the next question.)What is your first choice for campWhat is your second choice for camp
    Patient and treatment center
    Patient Last NamePatient First NamePatient Preferred NamePatient Date of BirthPatient's Age at Time of Requested RetreatPatient GenderPatient Type of Pediatric CancerPatient DiagnosisDate of DiagnosisIs your child currently receiving treatment (curative or palliative) for pediatric cancerTreatment Completion DateOverview of your child's cancer journeyHas your child had a relapse, recurrence or progression of disease since diagnosis? If yes, please sharePatient Caringbridge/Facebook PagePatient Family Street AddressPatient Family CityPatient Family StatePatient Family CountyPatient Family Zip CodePatient's school and grade at time of retreatSchool City and StatePatient's current medications and reasons for medicationsPatient's allergies (medications, food, environmental). Does your child carry an EpiPenAre there any other medical issues regarding your childDoes your child have any physical limitations? Can they climb stairs or walk distances without assistanceDoes your child require any special needs? (oxygen, wheelchair access, special diet, etc.)Treatment Center NameTreatment Center City/StateName of Your Child's OncologistPrimary Nurse NamePrimary Nurse Phone NumberPrimary Nurse EmailSocial Worker NameSocial Worker Phone NumberSocial Worker Email
    Show the rest of the form (2 more sections)
    Adults, household, and siblings
    FIRST ADULT Parent/Guardian First NameParent/Guardian Preferred NameParent/Guardian Last NameDate of BirthRelationship to patientDo you live at home with the patientMarital StatusEmailCell PhoneIf you work outside the home, please list your employer and what you doAny health issues, medications (including reason for medication), allergies (including whether you carry an epi-pen), physical limitations (including climbing stairs), or disabilitiesIf a second adult is attending with you, please list their NAME and relationship to YOU and the PATIENTSECOND ADULT Parent/Guardian First NameSECOND ADULT Parent/Guardian Preferred NameSECOND ADULT Parent/Guardian Last NameDate of birthSECOND ADULT Relationship to patientSECOND ADULT Do you live at home with the patientSECOND ADULT Marital StatusSECOND ADULT EmailSECOND ADULT Cell PhoneSECOND ADULT employer and occupationSECOND ADULT health issues, medications, allergies, physical limitations, or disabilitiesTotal number of people that will be attending the retreatName(s), age(s), relationship to patient of everyone who will be attending campDoes the patient have any siblings who will not be attending campHas your family ever attended Blue Skies beforeHow many times has your family attended Blue SkiesWhen was the last time you attended Blue Skies? (Please put never if you have not been to camp.)Has your child had a relapse or progression of disease since your family last attended Blue Skies? Please explainHave you been to another overnight family camp/retreat for children with cancer? When and WhereHave you applied or are you planning to apply to another overnight beach camp for children with cancer in this calendar yearHave you received a Hope Box from Blue SkiesSibling 1 First NameSibling 1 Preferred NameSibling 1 Last NameSibling 1 GenderSibling 1 health issues, medications, allergies, physical limitations, or disabilitiesSibling 1 school name and grade at time of retreatSibling 1 school City/StateSibling 2 First NameSibling 2 Preferred NameSibling 2 Last NameSibling 2 GenderSibling 2 health issues, medications, allergies, physical limitations, or disabilitiesSibling 2 school name and grade at time of retreatSibling 2 school City/StateSibling 3 First NameSibling 3 Preferred NameSibling 3 Last NameSibling 3 GenderSibling 3 health issues, medications, allergies, physical limitations, or disabilitiesSibling 3 school name and grade at time of retreatSibling 3 school City/StateSibling 4 First NameSibling 4 Preferred NameSibling 4 Last NameSibling 4 GenderSibling 4 health issues, medications, allergies, physical limitations, or disabilitiesSibling 4 school name and grade at time of retreatSibling 4 school City/State
    Family story, emergency contact, and acknowledgments
    Family's journey of living through childhood cancer, the impact on everyone at homeWhat is your family's greatest challengeWhat is the best thing that has happened to your family recentlyWhat are your expectations for the Blue Skies retreat? How can we help your familyDo you have any religious affiliation or attend a church? If so, please list the name of the church and city/stateHow did you hear about Blue SkiesDo you know a family or volunteer who has attended, please list their namesWhat is your family's favorite sports teamsWhat is your family's favorite recreation/games to play togetherWhat is your family's favorite candy/snacksWhat is your family's favorite vacation spotWhat is your family's favorite TV show/movieFamily Pet(s)Is there anything else you would like to share with usEmergency Contact NameEmergency Contact Relationship to youEmergency Contact EmailEmergency Contact Phone NumberI have read the above guidelines and will review them with all family members attending camp. We agree to adhere to themI have read and understand the terms of the Liability WaiverBy typing my name below, I acknowledge and agree with all terms of the waiverBy typing your name below, you agree that all of the information you provided is accurate and true to the best of your ability

    Have ready

    • Online guidelines, consent, liability waiver, accuracy certification, and typed parent/guardian signature.

  3. Submit it on their websiteSend the letter with your application, or the way they ask.

    • Parent or guardian submits the online family application; the oncology team sends completed Medical Clearance and Family Referral forms directly to Blue Skies.

After you send

A Blue Skies team member says it will contact the family within one week; background checks are required for attendees age 18 and older. If you have not heard back by then, write and ask.

Full record, as published