NF Camp is the summer camp of the Children’s Tumor Foundation, dedicated to teens and young adults living with types of NF, including neurofibromatosis type 1 and all types of schwannomatosi, including NF2-related schwannomatosis. For over 20 years, CTF has hosted this week-long experience for teens and young adults ages 11 to 19, which has historically taken place on the third or fourth week of July (6 nights/6 days) in Salt Lake City, Utah.
NF Camp is not just about fun-filled activities, it is a chance to make lasting friendships with others who understand what it’s like to be a young person with NF. Bringing together over 100 youths living with NF over the course of two weeks for community friendship and fun, Camp provides NF patients with the psychosocial tools to build their confidence and independence through peer support and recreational therapy.
NF Camp has a 5:1 camper-to-counselor ratio with a 24-hour Registered Nurse on-site at all times. NF Camp has onsite activities such as a ropes course, swimming, horseback riding, and an NF education talk from local NF specialists from the University of Utah Medical Center. There are numerous offsite activities for the campers to enjoy, including field trips to the local amusement park, Salt Lake City Bees game, the local waterpark, and a day of canoeing.
Camp provides a safe space and a community for those who normally feel isolated and alone, allowing the opportunity for young adult NF patients to spend time with others facing similar challenges. Many times, campers will form lifelong friendships.