Arizona Camp Sunrise & Sidekicks
Whispering Hope Ranch, 20235 N Cave Creek Rd, Ste 104 #452, Phoenix, AZ 85024
About
Arizona Camp Sunrise & Sidekicks offers year-round programs and summer camps for pediatric cancer patients, survivors, and their siblings. Programs include retreats, teen specific programs, and family overnight events. All programs and summer camps are provided at no cost to participants.
• Price: Programs and summer camps are provided at no cost.
Arizona Camp Sunrise began in 1983, when 23 children with cancer gathered at the first camp in the White Mountains. In 1984–85, Arizona Camp Sunrise moved to Flagstaff and then to R-C Scout Ranch in Payson, where it remained for more than 30 years. Arizona Camp Sidekicks began in 1988 as a program for siblings of children with cancer, and a day camp for survivors and siblings ages 3–7 was formed the same year. From 1989–2011, the organization developed a wide variety of programs, including retreats, teen specific programs, and family overnight events. In 2012, the American Cancer Society announced changes to its programs, and in 2013 a group of camp volunteers formed the nonprofit Southwest Kids Cancer Foundation to further the mission of Arizona Camp Sunrise. Ann Wheat was the founding camp director of Arizona Camp Sunrise.
Arizona Camp Sunrise is one of the oldest pediatric oncology summer camps in the United States. Arizona Camp Sidekicks is one of the only camps tailored to meet the needs of siblings impacted by pediatric cancer. The Southwest Kids Cancer Foundation was established to preserve and advance the programs of Arizona Camp Sunrise and Sidekicks that support families in the Southwest affected by pediatric cancer, and staff, volunteers, and the Board of Directors oversee day-to-day operations and fundraising for all programs. Arizona Camp Sunrise & Sidekicks is accredited.
Last updated January 17, 2026.
• Price: Programs and summer camps are provided at no cost.
Arizona Camp Sunrise began in 1983, when 23 children with cancer gathered at the first camp in the White Mountains. In 1984–85, Arizona Camp Sunrise moved to Flagstaff and then to R-C Scout Ranch in Payson, where it remained for more than 30 years. Arizona Camp Sidekicks began in 1988 as a program for siblings of children with cancer, and a day camp for survivors and siblings ages 3–7 was formed the same year. From 1989–2011, the organization developed a wide variety of programs, including retreats, teen specific programs, and family overnight events. In 2012, the American Cancer Society announced changes to its programs, and in 2013 a group of camp volunteers formed the nonprofit Southwest Kids Cancer Foundation to further the mission of Arizona Camp Sunrise. Ann Wheat was the founding camp director of Arizona Camp Sunrise.
Arizona Camp Sunrise is one of the oldest pediatric oncology summer camps in the United States. Arizona Camp Sidekicks is one of the only camps tailored to meet the needs of siblings impacted by pediatric cancer. The Southwest Kids Cancer Foundation was established to preserve and advance the programs of Arizona Camp Sunrise and Sidekicks that support families in the Southwest affected by pediatric cancer, and staff, volunteers, and the Board of Directors oversee day-to-day operations and fundraising for all programs. Arizona Camp Sunrise & Sidekicks is accredited.
Last updated January 17, 2026.
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