Each winter, survivors ages 16-22 meet for a weekend of fun, friends, and cookies at the Maplelag resort in Callaway, MN. It’s here, at this unique location, that campers experience a much colder side of the outdoors. Supervised by KACE nurses and volunteers, the campers are encouraged to try ice skating, snow shoeing, cross country skiing, and sledding. This year, as a special treat, our campers tried their hand at ice fishing as well. The best part of the outdoor activities is that the giant 30-person hot tub is waiting to warm you up.

It’s not all snow and cold though. Cozy couches, beautiful fireplaces, and unlimited homemade cookies encourage hours of conversation. During the retreat the campers all come together around a keynote speaker to discuss such topics as the affects of chemotherapy on your body, overcoming obstacles, life after cancer, and transitioning from being a “kid-with-cancer” into life as a healthy adult.

Meals are all served family style and the food is AMAZING. On the final night, Maplelag hosts a resort wide talent show and of course the Kamp KACE crew always has to perform a few camp songs.