Hikers Climb Presidential Traverse For Kids With Cancer

Camp Casco’s fifth Camp Champions program will take place June 1-2, 2024.

Hikers Named Champions For Camp For Childhood Cancer Survivors 

Camp Casco Champions program seeks to raise money through physical challenge 

Camp Casco, a nonprofit organization offering free camps and socials for childhood cancer patients, survivors, and siblings in New England, is proud to announce its 2024 Camp Champions program, raising money to support summer camps for childhood cancer survivors. 

Camp Casco’s Camp Champions program, presented by New England Applied Products, supports childhood cancer patients and survivors while taking on New Hampshire’s epic Presidential Traverse: a 23-mile hike reaching 7 of the state’s 4000+ foot summits. The Champions will conquer this challenging hike together over just two days, braving some of the harshest weather in the world. Each Champion was tasked to raise $2,000, the equivalent of sending one child to camp for a week. While at Camp Casco, children affected by childhood cancer get the opportunity to experience independence, take on new challenges, and make friends with other kids who have been through similar challenges, all while supported by a round-the-clock medical team and a 1:1 counselor-to-camper ratio. With the help of dedicated volunteers and generous donors, Camp Casco is thrilled to offer larger summer programs, including the first week-long Sibling Camp for brothers and sisters of cancer patients. 

For this year’s Camp Champions, Camp Casco selected an elite group of 12 impressive athletes from across the nation for the group’s fifth annual challenge, taking place June 1-2, 2024. Each Camp Champion is hiking in honor of an individual camper for summer 2024. So far, Camp Champions have raised almost $25,000 for Camp Casco, with fundraising efforts continuing until June 30th. 

Marissa Fletcher hiking for

Camp Casco in 2022

 “Our 2024 Camp Champions have been training for months to prepare for this incredibly challenging hike. This trek is filled with ups and downs and is extremely physically and emotionally demanding, much like the experience of childhood cancer,” says Erin Fletcher Stern, CEO of Camp Casco. “Through this hike, our Champions come together to challenge themselves and support each other, mirroring the magic of our summer camps and helping to give this transformative experience to more deserving kids fighting cancer this summer.” 

Marissa Fletcher, an expert hiker, hike team captain, and New England resident, says hiking the Presidential Traverse for Camp Casco is one of her favorite activities. This year, she is hiking to help send Ella to Sibling Camp. “I have had the best experiences participating in Camp Champs,” says Fletcher. “[I] am thrilled to do something so fun for a cause that has become very dear to my heart.”

Donations can be made at https://fundrazr.com/champs2024 through June 30th, 2024.