Camp Bluebird

October 6-8, 2010
April 25-27, 2011

Camp Bluebird is a special camp sponsored by Shawnee Mission Medical Center for adult members of our community who have been diagnosed with cancer. For three days and two nights campers have a unique opportunity for listening and learning, not only about their disease, but with others like themselves who live with cancer.

Nestled in rolling hills near Parkville, Mo., the camp is held twice yearly at the Heartland Presbyterian Retreat Center. Three-hundred-sixteen acres of forest and woodlands provide an ideal setting to get away from everyday living. In addition to hiking and horse riding trails, campfire and picnic facilities, the retreat center features indoor recreation areas, a chapel and dining facilities in the center’s lodge. In these rich surroundings, campers have an ideal setting to experience a supportive community of individuals. And that, really, is what Camp Bluebird is all about.

Of the forty-some individuals who gather, each has a unique story. Bringing a wealth of experience of living, an opportunity is created to share experiences with those who know the challenges of living with cancer. Campers make the transition from being supported by a caring, but healthy family to support from their peers. In camping with other cancer patients, one truly releases from normal living to a much deeper level.

Camp Bluebird is staffed by physicians, nurses, and other Shawnee Mission Medical Center health professionals on a completely volunteer basis. These individuals gladly give of time from their busy schedules to live out the mission of the Medical Center to heal the human spirit as well as the body. The camp gives physicians and nurses a chance to get closer to their cancer patients, as well as providing a thorough way to process the many mixed emotions of both patient and health care provider that are associated with this disease.  Revenue from fees covers only a small fraction of the actual costs. Camp Bluebird is made possible by the generous gifts of donors to The Foundation for Shawnee Mission Medical Center.

“It made me realize this is not a lonely disease.”

“Not enough words or paper to explain…my spirit is so uplifted and ready to keep going.  It fills me with strength that I don’t receive anywhere else."

Click here to download the Camp Bluebird brochure.

To donate to Camp Bluebird, use The Foundation for Shawnee Mission Medical Center's online giving page, or contact The Foundation for Shawnee Mission Medical Center at 913-676-2055.