Cancer Sucks. Camp Heals.

Providing free, year-round, life-lifting programs and summer camps for pediatric cancer patients, survivors and their siblings.

The Southwest Kids Cancer Foundation (SWKFC), Inc. is a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) organization, established in 2013 to preserve and advance the programs of Arizona Camp Sunrise and Sidekicks that support families in the Southwest affected by pediatric cancer. SWKCF is committed to ensuring our life-changing programs remain available to children and families at no cost.

Arizona Camp Sunrise began in 1983 and is one of the oldest pediatric oncology summer camps in the United States. Arizona Camp Sidekicks began in 1988 and continues to be one of the only camps tailored to meet the needs of siblings impacted by pediatric cancer.

Our Mission

We provide year-round, life-lifting programs and summer camps for pediatric cancer patients, survivors and their siblings.

Our Vision

Healing the wounds created by pediatric cancer for children and their families.

Our History

                  
 1983    
                                 23 Children with cancer gathered at the first Arizona Camp Sunrise in the White Mountains. Ann Wheat was founding camp director in partnership with American Cancer Society.
                              
 1984-85   
                                Arizona Camp Sunrise moves to Flagstaff and the following year to R-C Scout Ranch in Payson, where it remained for 30+ years.
                              
 1988    
                                A program for siblings of children with cancer was created and a day camp for survivors and siblings ages 3-7 was formed.
                              
1989-2011   
                                A wide variety of programs are developed including retreats, teen specific programs, family overnight events, and many more.
                              
 2012  
                                 American Cancer Society announces changes to its programs.
                          
 2013   
                                A dedicated group of camp volunteers form a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Southwest Kids Cancer Foundation, to further the mission of Arizona Camp Sunrise.
                              
 Today   
                                Staff, volunteers & the Board of Directors oversee day-to-day operations of SWKCF as well as help fundraise for all programs.