Camp Sparkle

Camp Sparkle is a free summer day camp for children and teens impacted by cancer. Campers learn about cancer, take part in therapeutic activities, go on field trips, and make friends. The program serves children and teens ages 5-17, including those who have completed Kindergarten and campers entering 1st-8th grade.

Programs

• Camp Sparkle — Children and teens (ages 5-17); children/teens who have completed Kindergarten and older; campers entering 1st-8th grade · Summer day camp; 2026 dates in Seattle: July 27-31 · Free summer day camp for kids and teens impacted by cancer; campers learn about cancer, participate in therapeutic activities, go on field trips, and make friends.
• Sparkle Saturday — Children and teens in Kindergarten and older impacted by cancer · First Saturday of each month (except January); 2025-2026 Seattle dates: October 4, November 1, December 6, January 10, February 7, March 7, April 4, May 2 · Year-round therapeutic arts activity for kids and teens, plus a parent support group. Facilitated by licensed clinical social workers.
• Teen Group — 9th to 12th graders · Every other Tuesday, 4:00-5:30pm · Emotional support group for teens with cancer or a loved one with cancer. Requires parental consent to participate.
• Cancer Happens® — K-12 · Free cancer prevention and risk-reduction curriculum delivered in schools; trained health educators lead 45-50 minute sessions.
• Teen Writing Contest — 9th-12th graders / high school students · National writing contest for teens impacted by cancer through their own diagnosis or a loved one’s.
• Community Education — All ages · Webinars, podcast episodes, awareness, tools, resources, and research updates.
• Support Groups and Wellness + Community — All ages · Weekly sessions · Professionally facilitated online support groups and wellness classes.

At a glance

• Ages: 5–17 years old
• General schedule: Camp Sparkle is a free summer day camp; Sparkle Saturday is held on the first Saturday of each month except January; Teen Group meets every other Tuesday at 4:00-5:30pm; support groups and wellness classes are offered weekly online.
• Facility hours: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm

About the provider

Cancer Pathways has offered support, education, and community to people facing cancer for over 20 years. The organization was formerly Gilda’s Club Seattle and officially opened its Seattle clubhouse in 2001. Camp Sparkle serves children and teens at five locations in Washington state, and the program has served 2,450+ campers and 180 youth each summer. Michaela Phillips is the Director of Camp Sparkle and Family Programs, and Morgan Weidner is the Youth and Community Programs Manager.

Programs and services are offered free of charge. Camp Sparkle is open to children/teens impacted by cancer. Sparkle Saturdays are open to any child impacted by cancer who is in Kindergarten and older. Teen Group requires parental consent. Support groups are for individuals 18+.

What families say

“Camp Sparkle is a free summer day camp for kids and teens impacted by cancer, whether through a personal diagnosis or a loved one's.” — Homepage

“For many children, Camp Sparkle is where they realize for the first time that they are not alone in their experience with cancer.” — Camp Sparkle page

“Everyone understands you here. Knowing that there’s other people who went through it—feels good knowing that you’re not the only one” — Camper

Last updated August 18, 2026.