Camp No Worries was founded after experiencing firsthand the physical and emotional impact of being diagnosed with a life-threatening illness.

The History of Camp No Worries

Kasey Hall was like every average 11-year-old living in a small hometown in Southern New Jersey. Kasey was awaiting school to end and summer vacation to begin when suddenly she experienced new onset seizures, urgent medical appointments, emergency scans, and multiple evaluations all leading to the diagnosis of a brain tumor. Kasey was fortunate the tumor could be safely resected, and her life would eventually return to a new normal. However, the Summer of 1986 was not spent as anyone had planned.

The 1980s were not the times we know today. There was no internet, no social media, no email and only opportunities for in-person connectedness. The Summer of 1986 created memories of isolation, anger, fear, poor body image and loss. The loss of time and childhood was shared by all members of the family. The loss of independence was the most memorable. Like most 11-year-olds, Kasey had not planned to spend quite so much time with her parents. Kasey’s 9-year-old sister and 5-year-old brother did not understand why life had been turned upside down. All the family dreams, routines and summer plans changed in the blink of an eye. 1986 was a time where each appointment ended in another restriction of activity.  Kasey would function differently, would learn differently, and would behave differently.

Years later, Kasey and her family decided to use what she had learned throughout diagnosis, treatment, and recovery to give back to families in the community. The goal was to build strength, friendships, community, and resilience. It was Kasey’s hope to create a summer camp for children impacted by childhood cancer. With the assistance of family members, friends, co-workers, and the community, Camp No Worries was established in the summer of 1995. Upon starting camp, Kasey was certainly young with noticeably big dreams.

The 1^st year was a small start to say the least. Camp No Worries hosted 14 children overnight for four short days and 3 nights. Bringing these children together was everything the team imagined it would be. Cancer did not exist for those few short days. Childhood was restored deep in the Pine Barrens of New Jersey.

Today Camp No Worries can accommodate up to 100 campers. Camp No Worries is an independent 501C3 and runs on a full volunteer staff and at no cost to families to attend. Camp No Worries is a family and the memories made at camp will remain forever a part of the lives of the children and families we serve.