Lighting the way through cancer

At Camp Kaleidoscope, we understand that life can throw unexpected obstacles, especially for children dealing with a parent's cancer. Our mission is to create a comforting space where kids can explore their emotions, forge new friendships, and discover resilience.

At Camp Kaleidoscope, we believe in illuminating the path through these dark times. Our community fosters a space where children can be themselves and connect with others who understand their journey. Each shared story becomes a beacon of light, a reminder that they are not alone.

Camp Kaleidoscope is a Stanford University-based program run by student leaders that supports San Francisco Bay Area children who have or had a parent with cancer.

Our Mission

Camp Kaleidoscope creates space for children navigating a parent’s cancer journey—whether in treatment, remission, or after loss. Through a free, week-long overnight camp experience and year-round programming, we foster connection, resilience, and joy, giving campers a place to build lasting friendships and find strength in a supportive community.

a diverse community

At Camp Kaleidoscope, we hope to provide a week of fun, friendship, and escape for children from all backgrounds.  From second grade to high school, students of all ages will come together each summer, all sharing similar hardship in their lives.

campers

The diagnosis of cancer is devastating to everyone involved. When the patient has young children, they are particularly vulnerable to the disruptions in their lives. Camp Kaleidoscope will be the touchstone that helps them get through the rest of the year.

In 2025, we expect to serve 120 campers across the San Francisco Bay Area from the ages 6 to 18.

counselors

Stanford student volunteers plan, organize, and lead the preparation and execution of camp.  In total, 70+ over-committed college students are estimated to volunteer more than 17,000 hours of their time. During the course of 9 months, that effort will go toward creating six irreplaceable, life-altering days, so that 120 children can experience feeling normal and safe.

camp Kaleidoscope

Together, campers and counselors will help create the incredible Camp Kaleidoscope community. Each summer, interpersonal bonds will be formed, children will become more confident, and a sense of control will be gained by children at this overnight summer camp environment. We hope that the communities of children, parents, and families created by Camp Kaleidoscope will last a lifetime.

In June 2025, Camp Kaleidoscope expects to serve 120 campers, ranging from the ages of 6 to 18. We will serve around 80 Bay Area families. We cannot wait to make a difference in the lives of families impacted by cancer.

Camp Kaleidoscope was recently featured in the Mercury News Wishbook. You can read the article here. Thank you to the Mercury News team for believing in our mission and helping us share it with the community.