About
Discovery Camps offers Discovery Camps where campers take part in activities such as swimming, climbing, laughing, dancing, singing, and horseback riding. During camp, medications are stored and handled by the medical team in the Band-Aid-Box (infirmary) while camp is in session.
• Ages: 7–16 years old
• Schedule: CAMP DISCOVERY COUNTDOWN TO CAMP JULY 13 - 19, 2025
Discovery Camps is a unique camp experience for children ages 7–16 who are battling or have battled cancer and is open to children ages 7–16 from specified treatment facilities in Texas. The main purpose of Camp Discovery is to provide these children a fun and “normal” camp experience that they would not be able to get at a traditional residential camp. Campers are not allowed to have cell phones or any other communicative devices at camp, and if a cell phone is found it is confiscated and kept in a safe place until camp is over. Parents are not allowed to visit during camp, and children have no need for money during camp. An information packet with what each child needs to bring is sent with the acceptance letter, and the medical team receives all necessary medications at registration.
Camp Discovery is staffed solely by volunteers and is abundantly staffed with volunteer nurses, nurse practitioners, and physicians. Many medical professionals at camp provide treatment to campers on a regular basis away from camp. Approximately 70% of volunteers are cancer survivors, with about 50% of volunteers being former campers, and Camp Discovery is currently experiencing a 94% return volunteer rate. Each volunteer participates in mandatory online training and a training at camp before a child’s arrival, and all volunteers have a yearly background check. The Camp Director is Jennifer Cavazos.
Camp Discovery began in June 1984, was featured on KSAT 12 in 2015 after operating for 32 years, and the name changed to Discovery Camps in May 2022. The mission of Discovery Camps is “Empowering children and families facing pediatric cancer through transformative camp experiences that cultivate happiness, resilience, and family strength.” Its stated purpose is to create happiness in the lives of children and families battling cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. Its programs provide children battling cancer a chance to have a fun and “normal” camp experience that they may not be able to have at a traditional residential camp, while also fostering new skills, individual growth, and personal development. Family programs allow the entire family to enjoy a relaxing weekend of fun camp activities and connect with other families who have shared a similar cancer journey with their child. Discovery Camps describes its vision as “A world where every child with cancer can experience the happiness, healing, and support of a compassionate camp community,” and lists its core values as Compassion, Inclusion, Resilience, and Happiness.
United States marshals have visited the camp and officially sworn in campers as deputy junior U.S. marshals, and campers have explored real riot gear and met Pauly, a K-9 officer. Teed off at cancer is described as committed to ensuring that all kids get a chance to go to camp.
Former campers and volunteers describe their experiences in testimonials. Matthew Sinclair states that as a camper, Camp Discovery was the best part of his summer and that as a counselor he enjoys seeing the joy in campers and their families. Tommy “Tbone” Bounds describes Camp Discovery as a place where kids can be kids and notes that he fell in love with the camp, kids, and volunteers during his first visit. Jessica Hoyt Koerlin, a former camper and current volunteer, states that the organization does a lot for kids with cancer and their families and that its efforts are impactful in many lives.
Last updated January 25, 2026.
• Ages: 7–16 years old
• Schedule: CAMP DISCOVERY COUNTDOWN TO CAMP JULY 13 - 19, 2025
Discovery Camps is a unique camp experience for children ages 7–16 who are battling or have battled cancer and is open to children ages 7–16 from specified treatment facilities in Texas. The main purpose of Camp Discovery is to provide these children a fun and “normal” camp experience that they would not be able to get at a traditional residential camp. Campers are not allowed to have cell phones or any other communicative devices at camp, and if a cell phone is found it is confiscated and kept in a safe place until camp is over. Parents are not allowed to visit during camp, and children have no need for money during camp. An information packet with what each child needs to bring is sent with the acceptance letter, and the medical team receives all necessary medications at registration.
Camp Discovery is staffed solely by volunteers and is abundantly staffed with volunteer nurses, nurse practitioners, and physicians. Many medical professionals at camp provide treatment to campers on a regular basis away from camp. Approximately 70% of volunteers are cancer survivors, with about 50% of volunteers being former campers, and Camp Discovery is currently experiencing a 94% return volunteer rate. Each volunteer participates in mandatory online training and a training at camp before a child’s arrival, and all volunteers have a yearly background check. The Camp Director is Jennifer Cavazos.
Camp Discovery began in June 1984, was featured on KSAT 12 in 2015 after operating for 32 years, and the name changed to Discovery Camps in May 2022. The mission of Discovery Camps is “Empowering children and families facing pediatric cancer through transformative camp experiences that cultivate happiness, resilience, and family strength.” Its stated purpose is to create happiness in the lives of children and families battling cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. Its programs provide children battling cancer a chance to have a fun and “normal” camp experience that they may not be able to have at a traditional residential camp, while also fostering new skills, individual growth, and personal development. Family programs allow the entire family to enjoy a relaxing weekend of fun camp activities and connect with other families who have shared a similar cancer journey with their child. Discovery Camps describes its vision as “A world where every child with cancer can experience the happiness, healing, and support of a compassionate camp community,” and lists its core values as Compassion, Inclusion, Resilience, and Happiness.
United States marshals have visited the camp and officially sworn in campers as deputy junior U.S. marshals, and campers have explored real riot gear and met Pauly, a K-9 officer. Teed off at cancer is described as committed to ensuring that all kids get a chance to go to camp.
Former campers and volunteers describe their experiences in testimonials. Matthew Sinclair states that as a camper, Camp Discovery was the best part of his summer and that as a counselor he enjoys seeing the joy in campers and their families. Tommy “Tbone” Bounds describes Camp Discovery as a place where kids can be kids and notes that he fell in love with the camp, kids, and volunteers during his first visit. Jessica Hoyt Koerlin, a former camper and current volunteer, states that the organization does a lot for kids with cancer and their families and that its efforts are impactful in many lives.
Last updated January 25, 2026.
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