Nancamp is an integral part of the summer day camp programs offered by the Marblehead/Swampscott YMCA at Children's Island just outside Marblehead Harbor and its Small Fry Program at the YMCA facility in Marblehead.
Nancamp offers children affected by cancer the opportunity to break free for two weeks from the awful pressures in their young lives by participating in a unique summer day camp experience on the ocean. At no cost to the family.
Nancamp is for:
- Children who have or had cancer and can participate in the summer day camp activities
- Children who have recently had a parent or sibling pass away from cancer, or
- Children who have a parent or sibling suffering from cancer
Children are accepted after consultation with parents or guardians, and with the family or attending physician. Participating children are fully integrated into the day camp groups and activities. Their experience with cancer is kept confidential except for the Camp Director and the child's camp counselor.
Camp fees and reasonable associated expenses, such as transportation, are paid by the Nancy Bostley Memorial Fund. Spaces are limited. Applicants are accepted on a first-come-first-served basis, pending approval by the Nancamp Trustees and the Marblehead/Swampscott YMCA Camp Director. Priority is given to first-time applicants.
Nancamp also sponsors children affected by cancer for additional YMCA programs. Kindergarten through sixth graders, for example, can attend the Y's week-long Fun Club during February and April school vacations.
Nancamp was established in 1991 in memory of Nancy Bostley, who lost her battle with cancer in August of that year. Her strength and faith throughout her illness was inspiring. Her love of children and compassion for others led her family to establish Nancamp in her memory.
