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

Childhood Cancer Lantern
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Camp Casey

Camp Casey Family Horseback Riding Programs · About this organization

What you get

An afternoon horse-camp visit at the child's home with riding, games, crafts, horse treats, and a pizza party.

How to start

Fill in the camper form with your child's treatment and safety details, then return the waivers Camp Casey sends you.

Good to know

  • Your child needs to be within 24 months of diagnosis or treatment.
  • One-day activities throughout the year.

The details, as published

B-ALL is in scope Open

Free Michigan programs combining horseback riding, family recreation, peer connection, and classroom education: Horsey House Calls, Cowboy Camp Outs, Outlaw Outings, and Horses in the Hallway.

Go to the official program ↗

What help you may get

Camps And Retreats

Horsey House Call

An afternoon horse-camp visit at the child's home with riding, games, crafts, horse treats, and a pizza party.

Noncash help · One Time

Can cover

  • horse grooming and safety lesson
  • individual horseback rides
  • team-building games
  • arts and crafts
  • horse treats
  • pizza party
  • Cost-free.

Camps And Retreats

Cowboy Camp Out

An all-inclusive weekend dude-ranch getaway for the whole family with lodging, horseback activities, meals, and recreation.

Noncash help · One Time

3 retreat days per award

Can cover

  • family lodging
  • horseback trail rides
  • campfires
  • outdoor movie
  • pool and hot tub
  • activities and games
  • Cost-free.
  • August 28–30, 2026.

Wishes And Family Experiences

Outlaw Outing

A one-day family recreation event for families previously served by a Horsey House Call or Cowboy Camp Out.

Noncash help · Per Event

Can cover

  • horseback riding
  • farm activities
  • lunch
  • beverages
  • treats
  • No participant cost is published.
  • One-day activities throughout the year.

School And Learning

Horses in the Hallway

A classroom social-emotional day with a therapy horse, social worker-led cancer education, empathy lesson, service project, and crafts.

Noncash help

Can cover

  • horse grooming and safety lesson
  • empathy lesson
  • age-appropriate cancer presentation
  • group service project
  • arts and crafts
  • Cost-free.

Peer And Emotional Support

Family peer connection

Cowboy Camp Outs and Outlaw Outings connect families with others affected by childhood illness.

Noncash help · Per Event

Can cover

  • peer family connection

Why this may help

Peer And Emotional Support: Horseback-riding activities also give you time with other parents and children affected by cancer.

School And Learning: Horse care, safety, empathy, and a group service project add learning to the riding activities.

Check the main eligibility rules

Diagnosis

B-ALL is in scope. B-ALL is a malignant, life-threatening illness and cancer is expressly within the program mission.

Age

Any starting age to age 17, measured at application.

  • The family must live with a child under 18.

Treatment status

Active Treatment, Maintenance Treatment, Within One Year Post Treatment, Post Treatment

  • Diagnosis or treatment must have occurred within the last 24 months.
  • Camp Casey staff confirms diagnosis or treatment with the physician after application.
  • First-service eligibility excludes families already served by Horsey House Call, Cowboy Camp Out, or Lone Star Getaway; Outlaw Outings are specifically for previously served families.
  • Families must comply with policies and waivers sent after application.
  • Programs are cost-free; no income test is published.

Where you live and where your child is treated

Where your family lives

You must live in: Michigan.

  • The current programs page states that Camp Casey serves children in Michigan.

Where your child is treated

Treatment-location rules are not published clearly; confirm with the program.

Where the service, camp, stay, or experience happens
  • The Highlands at Harbor Springs Resort — Published 2026 Cowboy Camp Out venue only; it does not create residence eligibility. — Harbor Springs, Michigan

How to get started

Get ready to apply

Does a social worker or care team need to start it? No. A required care-team start is not published; the family can use the available route below.

Who can start: Parent Or Guardian, Community Referrer

  1. Complete and submit the official camper application with child, treatment, household, and safety information.
  2. Confirm diagnosis or treatment with the physician after receiving the application.
  3. Review and complete the policy waiver forms sent by Camp Casey.

Ways to apply or ask

Documents to prepare

  • Camp Casey policy waiver forms sent after application.

Availability and timing

ProgramActive
ApplicationsOpen
Funding or spaceLimited
Application windowRolling
Last checkedAug 27, 2026
  • The official programs page says to apply and warns that Cowboy Camp Out spots fill quickly.
  • Cowboy Camp Out spots fill quickly; the 2026 event is August 28–30.

Limitations and things to confirm

  • Family residence must be in Michigan.
  • Child must be under 18 and within 24 months of diagnosis or treatment.
  • First-service programs exclude prior Horsey House Call, Cowboy Camp Out, or Lone Star Getaway recipients; Outlaw Outings serve previously served families.
  • Exact service placement and response timing are not published.

Official sources

Program details were last verified Aug 27, 2026. Availability can change, so check the official program before applying.

Official program