Camp Rainbow FAQs

Who can attend Camp Rainbow?

Camp Rainbow is a week-long overnight camp for kids from the ages of 6 to 13 who have had or are currently in treatment for cancer or other blood disorders.  Camp Rainbow draws its participants from the three major Pediatric Oncology departments in the St. Louis area:  Cardinal Glennon, St. Louis Children’s Hospital, and St. John’s Hospital.  Camp Rainbow also holds a five-day Mini Camp for children ages 4 to 6 that runs concurrently with camp, as well as a Teen Camp for high school aged campers that runs for a weekend in March.

Where is Camp Rainbow? 

Camp Rainbow is held at the Outdoor Education Center at Babler State Park in Wildwood, MO, about half an hour from the city of St. Louis. 

How much does it cost to send my child to Camp Rainbow? 

Camp Rainbow is free for all of the campers who attend. 

Who are the counselors at Camp Rainbow? 

The counselors at Camp Rainbow are a carefully selected group of high school students; they are supervised by well-trained college-aged and adult staff.  These counselors are primarily drawn from two sources:  the Missouri Valley region of the North American Federation for Temple Youth (NFTY), and young adults who have lived through or currently live with cancer or another blood related disorder themselves.   Many of these counselors were campers at some point in time.  Counselors go through an intense orientation and training program, and work on a one-to-one or a one-to-three basis with the campers, depending upon the age of the camper.

Will my child’s medical needs be met if he or she attends Camp Rainbow? 

Yes.  Camp Rainbow has a full staff of nurses who are in attendance the entire week of camp.  The nurses, who volunteer their time to be at camp, facilitate all of the day- to -day medical needs of the campers. 

What are the activities at Camp Rainbow? 

Camp Rainbow has all of the activities of a standard summer camp.  These activities include, but are not limited to, swimming, fishing, archery, arts and crafts, drama, sports, nature, and a low ropes challenge course.  There are also “camper choice” activities each afternoon and special evening programming each night. 

Can I volunteer at Camp Rainbow? 

Camp Rainbow is always looking for volunteers.  Due to space and logistics not every volunteer can be accommodated to work the week of camp.  However, all year long we have need for volunteers to help with the administrative tasks of keeping Camp Rainbow thriving and successful.