Cavett Kids Foundation

In cooperation with the Oklahoma Children’s Cancer Association (OCCA), the Cavett Kids Foundation sponsors and coordinates OCCA Ski Camp for kids disabled by cancer.  This camp is directed towards teenagers who have a sarcoma type of cancer, brain tumor, or who have had a Bone Marrow Transplant. These are cancers that have left the teen with the extra challenge of having an altered image due to the amputation, surgery or changes due to medicine.  Ski Camp is now over 25 years old.

Ski Camp takes place during spring break every year. We take a large sleeper bus to Winter Park Colorado. We have doctors, nurses, parents, a chef, and Cavett Kids Foundation personnel accompany up to 20 campers. The campers are enrolled in the oldest and one of the largest programs for disabled skiers in the nation, the National Center for Sports Disable (NCSD). Each camper is paired up with a volunteer from the NCSD.  They provide one-on-one ski instruction and ski with the campers at all times.

One of the most amazing parts of Ski Camp happens during the nightly "Group" sessions.  Campers get together and discuss all of the different emotions that come along with battling cancer and living with physical disabilities.  Often times teenagers battling cancer feel alone and feel like no one else in the world understands them.  During group, they are finally able to open up about their feelings in a room full of people who understand exactly what they mean.  They share stories about the good and bad times, laugh about their experiences, compare scars and battle wounds and connect on a level that is indescribable by words. 

Ski Camp isn't only about skiing.  Downtown Winter Park is within walking distance of the condos.  Campers are able to shop around and eat at some of the local restaurants.  We also take the campers tubing at a nearby tubing facility.  Campers link together and tube down the big hill. It is an awesome experience!