Rest and Refuge, Hugs and Laughter
Dates Are Set for Camp Wieser 2023!
Stay informed about Camp Wieser 2023 by subscribing to our e-newsletter. The dates for Camp Wieser 2023 are Friday, September 15th through Sunday, September 17th. Camp Wieser will again take place at Mission Springs Conference Center in Scotts Valley, California. Applications for Campers and for Volunteers will be available on this website. The countdown has begun!Camp Wieser 2022
Camp Wieser returned as an in-person camp this fall! Camp was held again at Mission Springs Conference Center in Scotts Valley, the first time we had a chance to be together since Camp Wieser 2019. We were thrilled to give our precious families a weekend escape from their cancer cares. Some photos and videos of this year’s camp are posted on our Galleries page and more will follow. For the health and well-being (and much-needed hugs) of everyone at Camp Wieser 2022, we based our COVID protocols on information from local health departments, the California Department of Public Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and our own team of medical consultants. Here was the process for camp:- All attendees provided proof of being fully vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19 per current CDC guidelines. This applied to everyone at camp – families, volunteers, staff, vendors…everyone
- All attendees tested for COVID-19 prior to arrival, and again on Saturday and Sunday
- Face masks were required during certain situations, including all indoor activities
Please sign up for our e-Newsletter. The Me-One Foundation Board of Directors will set the dates for Camp Wieser 2023 and you will want to be among the first to know!
Camp Wieser
Camp Wieser is a chance for a family with an adult battling cancer to rediscover joy, celebrate life, and create memories. It is a safe refuge, with no demands or expectations, an ideal setting for adult cancer patients and their families to disconnect from the seriousness of the illness and have some serious fun. During this annual weekend getaway in the Santa Cruz mountains of Northern California, adult cancer patients and their families can choose to participate in as many or as few of the services or activities led by our supportive and caring Me-One volunteers. For the adult cancer patient, it’s an escape from the blizzard of dealing with their disease. For the youngsters and other family and supporters, it’s a well-needed (and often postponed) vacation filled with fun. And it’s all free for the cancer warrior and their family and friends. During the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021, when in-person camp was not possible, the foundation delivered boxes of fun items to families who would normally have qualified to attend in-person camp. These camps were called “Camp Wieser Staycation.” read some of the testimonials below.Camp Activities for the Whole Family (subject to adjustments due to COVID restrictions in 2022)
Participating cancer patients find these rejuvenating services and activities delightful:-
- Pampering spa treatments by certified aestheticians
- Massages
- Makeovers
- Pedicures
- Manicures
- Facials
- Hair Styling
- Reflexology
- Henna Body Art
- Fireside chats with other patients and families
- Musical performances
- Singalongs
- Arts and Crafts
- Skits
- Inspirational speakers
- Games
- Sports
- Dancing
- Hiking
- Climbing Wall
- Archery
- Yoga
- Zip Line
So They’ll Never Forget
Families create lasting memories at Camp Wieser. These special moments at the retreat are captured by professional photographers, both in video and still photos. Families cherish having these keepsakes of their time together. View the latest Photo Gallery here. When you look through the photos and videos, notice that you don’t see illness; you see smiles and joy and laughter and tears of gratitude. That’s the magic that happens at Camp Wieser. Many of your questions about Camp Wieser are answered on our FAQs page. Let us know how we can help you understand what Camp has meant to the many families who have gained so much emotionally from being there. It’s hard to put into words. Here’s our message for you: If you can get away for Camp, you should make the effort to get away. Call or write. We want to hear from you.Stories of Gratitude
In Their Own Words (2022 Camp Wieser Participants and Partners)Helped Us Get Through Some Rough Times
“We had to cancel some planned trips and that was almost harder than the chemo. Then I was invited to Camp Wieser. Looking forward to some time way from the medical issues helped us all to get through some rough times. The reality of Camp Wieser far exceeded the expectations. We were pampered, taken care of and had so many great activities to do, I cannot thank all the volunteers enough. We came back ready to continue the recovery.” process. THANK YOU!Amazing For My Whole Family
“Camp Wieser was amazing for my whole family. My spouse said it was the first time in six years that she has felt in control of her own body.”Wonderful Gift To My Care Team
“Cancer doesn’t just change the life of the individual with cancer, it affects their family and their village. Camp was a wonderful gift to my care team who has worked tirelessly to help me through my journey. After months of watching them work their butts off to care for me and my family, watching them have fun & be pampered brought me so much joy. Additionally, camp really did have something for everyone from things to keep my 1 & 3 year olds entertained to their grandma.”Still Riding The High!
“All of my family was able to come and support my son at Camp Wieser. We all had an amazing family time and it wasn’t centered around the cancer, it was just all being together, laughing and enjoying ourselves. My son was smiling the whole weekend and didn’t think about cancer, we are still riding the high! Besides the new friendships we have created from Camp Wieser, we now have a new family, our Camp Wieser Family! We can’t wait to be back next year as volunteers!”Camp Gave Me a New Mantra
“I have been tackling this cancer journey since Jan. Lately I’ve been feeling very low, like I can’t do this anymore. My Camp Wieser weekend with my gal village along, has rejuvenated me. My new mantra now is, ” ‘I have to do this, I will do this, I can do this!’ ”Unforgettable Experience
“During the camping weekend, I feel very comfortable walking around with bald head, no eyebrows, nor lashes. There are so many fun activities to do and well pampered that I truly felt I won the cancer. I’m blessed with the caring supportive host and I love her like a sister. For an unforgettable weekend experience, I’m grateful to all the warm kind hearted volunteers and generous financial donors. They are truly Earth Angels.”First Outing Post Surgery – Still on a High
“My sister is in the cancer battle. This was her first overnight outing post major, life altering surgery and many complications. She’s been on a high all week as I have. Thank you all for the time, effort, planning & love that went into this past weekend.”This Was Truly a Blessing
“Camp Weiser brought our family closer together. It gave us opportunities to talk about our cancer experience in ways we hadn’t yet, but it also allowed us the opportunity to experience joy together and set the cancer aside for awhile. Cancer can feel unrelenting, so this was truly a blessing.”A Beautiful Incredible Weekend
“It was an amazing experience. I was very blessed. It made me realize that my story has been easy compared to what others have and are going through. A beautiful incredible weekend. Thank you. I hope to volunteer next year.”Our Every Need Taken Care Of
“It was so great to know that my kid was in safe hands and enjoying activities that I’m no longer to do with them:) Fantastic having our every need taken care of by such an amazing team.”Chance To Be Normal People
“Camp Wieser was truly a life changing experience. It gave us time to connect with each other, with others who are fighting cancer, and with Me-One volunteers who are all now our family. Gave us a chance to just be “normal” people and not a cancer patient!!! Thank you!”Fun For a Change!
“The camp was a great way for me and my friends to get out together and have fun for a change!!”Stories From Prior Years
Thoughtful Efforts
“Sending gratitude and a huge thanks for including me and [my son] in your 2020 Staycation recipient list! We appreciate the generous gift basket, and the thoughtful efforts of all the donors and volunteers. We will continue to enjoy the basket this fall as I go through treatment. Thank you so much”Soooo Many Gifts!
“Both [my husband] and I want to thank you for your kindness and generosity. There were soooo many gifts we were able to pay it forward! Love and many blessings.”One of the Best Weekends in a Long Time
“I just wanted to say THANK YOU so much from our family for being selected to receive the Staycation blessing! I am overwhelmed by the generosity. It was such a pleasure to meet John and his helpers. We are still just amazed by all of the goodies we received. I have to say I had one of the best weekends in a long time playing and just hanging out as a family. We have especially enjoyed the corn hole boards, we had quite the family tournament this weekend! Thank you again and have a great week!”We Are Overwhelmed With All The Goodies
“Thank you for everything you and the Me-One Foundation did for me and my family. I’m blessed to have been selected for this. I don’t take things for granted. I will find a way to pay it forward and brighten up someone’s day like you folks did for me and my family. What a beautiful thing you all did and I enjoyed meeting you all. You guys are the best. We are overwhelmed with all the goodies, especially the gift cards. I’m touched! Thank you again for everything!”Overwhelmed By Your Kindness
“Thank you for what you did for my sister who is fighting for her life’s battle with ovarian cancer. She is a sister and person. She was overwhelmed by the kindness that your people showed her. Thank you!”What a Way to Make a Difference
From a Nurse Navigator/Partner: “Just wanted to thank you and the Me One Team for the great patient visit recently. I saw [an oncology patient] yesterday and she was just beaming about your organization and all who visited. Her husband was so grateful too. The bean bag game, the generous gift cards, the ice cream social and the popcorn, the beautiful blanket, …I think I am missing some of what she reported but she truly was so excited and to receive all the enthusiastic support of love and warmth from your team meant so much with all that she is going through with her cancer and treatment. What a way to make a difference in someone’s life!”Such Good Care of our Families
From a Nurse Navigator/Partner: “I got a call from [patient]. She was eager to tell me about the “camp in a box” she received and the wonderful people who came to her home. [Her son] was equally surprised and overwhelmed by the generosity of your organization, and friendliness of the people he met. Thank you again for taking such good care of our families.”What a Wonderful Experience
“I loved receiving the care box from Camp Wieser. My children loved all the games and activities and I enjoyed the gift cards and all the little individual grouped items. Was a wonderful experience.”Gift Cards Very Helpful for Groceries and Gas
“We appreciate everything you did for us. The gift cards were a big help for us for groceries and gas money, which was perfect for [getting to] my chemo treatments. I will be on treatment for another two years and I enjoyed taking along the heating pack you gave me. My family was so grateful for this experience. Thank you to everyone!”Really Put a Smile On My Face
“I’m very thankful with what my kids received. The foundation does a great job – including when you feel down they have different games to play in order to keep your mind distracted. The Camp Foundation does really put a big smile on your face with everything that they give you and your family when you really need it. Thank you so much for everything and your hard work.”It Was Uplifting
“It was uplifting to be the recipient of the generous offering of gifts supplied by your donors and volunteers. As a two time cancer survivor, it means a lot to receive the support and encouragement your organization offers.”I Don’t Think I Could Have Felt More Supported
“I’m a single mom who has never had the resources to have an adventure with my child, finding out it wasn’t likely that I would live long enough for another chance kept me up at night. Hearing about Camp Wieser from my doctor was such a wonderful shock at a time in my life full of horrible shocks. Everyone that I have had contact with has been very kind, thoughtful and reassuring. I don’t think I could have felt more supported. The fact that it was at home didn’t diminish how happy and cared for we felt, at a time when it isn’t safe for a family to come help us. We got such an amazing gift from amazing people and didn’t feel as lost for a while.”Relaxing and Fun Time
“I can’t thank everyone enough. We had such a fun weekend. We played games, ate, snacked, watched a movie. It was a family filled relaxing and fun time.”Really Lifted My Spirits
“Being chosen as a recipient for the Camp Wieser 2020 Staycation really lifted my spirits while I was in chemotherapy treatment. It felt good to know there is a community of people who care for me and the battle I am in. I felt like I won a contest and it was so great that it was something I could share with my family!”Truly Brightened My Day
“It was truly an honor to be picked for Camp Wieser 2020 Staycation! It truly brightened my day to receive such a wonderful gift. My cancer journey has been long, hard, and stressful. It is because of my Staycation pack that I am able to have fun with friends and family while I continue my cancer journey. Thank you!”Just So Amazed By The Volunteers and Donors
“I know both my husband and I feel very supported and loved. It was a joyful experience and we are just so amazed by the donors and volunteers. I did not want it to end. Cancer can fell like a scary and lonely journey, but this gave us both a great feeling of someone who was cheering us on!”In Their Own Words (2019 Camp Wieser Participants)