Camp Bluebird

Camp Bluebird is a semi-annual event designed for adult cancer patients.  This 3-day, 2-night retreat offers a unique experience, providing campers with education, support and encouragement in living life after a cancer diagnosis.

At each session, survivors arrive at Lakeshore United Methodist Assembly Retreat Center on the shores of Kentucky Lake to learn from each other, laugh with one another and create lasting bonds of friendship. Campers represent every range of the spectrum with those celebrating years of being cancer-free to the newly diagnosed who need the hope and advice that seasoned campers can offer. Most importantly, each person learns a most valuable lesson - that cancer may be the most urgent thing in your life, but it is not the most important.

Adults age 18 or older who have been diagnosed with cancer are invited to apply to attend Camp Bluebird.

WEST TENNESSEE CAMP BLUEBIRD

West Tennessee Camp Bluebird, a joint project of West Tennessee Healthcare Foundation and AT&T Telephone Pioneers, has a rich history of serving cancer patients and survivors since 1997. This camp serves survivors from the Memphis/West Tennessee area. During this semi-annual midweek event, campers are offered a wide variety of activities including fishing, crafting, educational sessions, exercise, hiking, daily devotionals and free time to explore Nathan Bedford Forrest State park which adjoins Lakeshore property. Additional information and registration forms are available by contacting Sandra Atherton, Director at jsaacres@eplus.net, 731-423-3001, or www.wthfoundation.org/campbluebird.

MIDDLE TENNESSEE CAMP BLUEBIRD
April 19-22, 2012

Middle Tennessee Camp Bluebird sponsored by St. Thomas Hospital and AT&T Pioneer Volunteers Chapter 21 is a weekend camp held each spring and the fall serving survivors from Nashville, TN and surrounding area. Each camp has a fun theme with activities and even food geared to this special idea. Camp Bluebird offers time for listening and learning and is designed to help reduce the isolation felt by many cancer patients. Registered nurses, medical personnel, chaplains and volunteer counselors assist campers in exploring lifestyle adjustments as well as education regarding medically-related concerns such as nutrition, exercise, side effects from cancer treatments and management of these symptoms. Creative and recreational activities are scheduled, in addition to quiet time to appreciate the peaceful, scenic surroundings at Lakeshore. Irene Bradford, director of Middle Tn. Camp Bluebird, may be reached at ibradfor@stthomas.org or 615-222-3847. Additional information may be found at www.campbluebirdnashville.org.