Sobre el acto

Colon Camp es un retiro único que reúne a jóvenes supervivientes de cáncer colorrectal para estrechar lazos, aprender y animarse mutuamente como solo pueden hacerlo otros supervivientes. Imagínate una épica escapada de campamento en un entorno hogareño: hamacas, baños en el lago, conversaciones nocturnas, hogueras y muchas risas, pero con un toque especial. Aquí también encontrará un chef privado, expertos compasivos y charlas impactantes sobre la realidad del cáncer y los recursos y el apoyo que pueden curar las heridas recientes.

En Colon Camp, no se pasa de puntillas sobre las cosas difíciles; es un lugar donde ser un superviviente se celebra sin complejos. Desde desafíos en equipo hasta experiencias artísticas, noches de karaoke y mucho más, este es el lugar donde las conversaciones sin filtro se vuelven reales y rápidas. Colon Camp trata de forjar amistades a la vez que se cura y se dota a los demás de la fuerza necesaria para seguir luchando.

Sobre el acto

Colon Camp es un retiro único que reúne a jóvenes supervivientes de cáncer colorrectal para estrechar lazos, aprender y animarse mutuamente como solo pueden hacerlo otros supervivientes. Imagínate una épica escapada de campamento en un entorno hogareño: hamacas, baños en el lago, conversaciones nocturnas, hogueras y muchas risas, pero con un toque especial. Aquí también encontrará un chef privado, expertos compasivos y charlas impactantes sobre la realidad del cáncer y los recursos y el apoyo que pueden curar las heridas recientes.

En Colon Camp, no se pasa de puntillas sobre las cosas difíciles; es un lugar donde ser un superviviente se celebra sin complejos. Desde desafíos en equipo hasta experiencias artísticas, noches de karaoke y mucho más, este es el lugar donde las conversaciones sin filtro se vuelven reales y rápidas. Colon Camp trata de forjar amistades a la vez que se cura y se dota a los demás de la fuerza necesaria para seguir luchando.

Programa de actos

We are still putting the agenda together, but here’s a glimpse into 2025 Camp.

3:00 PM EST

  • Cleveland Airport (CLE)

You’ll need to arrive at the Cleveland Airport (CLE) by 3pm. Transportation to Camp from the airport will be arranged.

ALL DAY

  • Campamento de colon

A day full of structured and unstructured activities including workshops on healthy healing, journaling, and cooking. Leisure time for hiking, fishing, lake activities, crafts, naps, and games.

ALL DAY

  • Campamento de colon

A day full of structured and unstructured activities including an “Ask the Expert,” breathwork, and mocktails workshops. Leisure time for hiking, fishing, lake activities, crafts, naps, and games before a Team Challenge.

ALL DAY

  • Campamento de colon

We will spend the morning learning about ways to stay engaged with one another and the colorectal cancer community. We’ll have a fun group outing and follow that up with a final night BBQ – a tradition of Colon Camp.

Anyone is welcome to attend the BBQ – past campers, sponsors, and those in the area. Get tickets now!

ALL DAY

  • Campamento de colon

You’ll be transported to the Cleveland, OH airport based on your flight time.

El poder del campamento de colon

El poder del campamento de colon

Jamie Orth Taylor Scholarship

Jamie was diagnosed with stage IV colorectal cancer at age 27. After attending Colon Camp, she was a changed girl. “It changed her life and her attitude about cancer, she accepted her diagnosis and began advocating for others,” said her mom, Jody Usenick. Jamie passed away in June 2018, however her family has established a scholarship that sends one camper to Colon Camp each year, covering both the cost of camp and all travel expenses.

Jamie Orth Taylor Scholarship

Jamie was diagnosed with stage IV colorectal cancer at age 27. After attending Colon Camp, she was a changed girl. “It changed her life and her attitude about cancer, she accepted her diagnosis and began advocating for others,” said her mom, Jody Usenick. Jamie passed away in June 2018, however her family has established a scholarship that sends one camper to Colon Camp each year, covering both the cost of camp and all travel expenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Colon Camp is a five-day, four-night getaway for anyone who was diagnosed with colorectal cancer at a young age. Colon Camp provides an opportunity to bond with a small group of people who have been in your shoes and are ready to connect, share, and kick back with new friends.

Expect four days of group activities, time outdoors, instructor-led courses, free time, good food, and a supportive and relaxing atmosphere.

  • Anyone who was diagnosed with colorectal cancer between the ages of 18-39 and is currently 39 or younger.
  • Proof of diagnosis and insurance will be required upon acceptance.

Expect further communication from us after you apply. Final acceptance decisions will be made by the end of February.

You must submit your application by Sunday, February 19th.

You are responsible for travel to and from the Cleveland, OH airport. Everything else is on us!

We have many generous family members from past campers who would like to provide scholarships to camp. Don’t let cost be a barrier!

In the past, Colon Club has welcomed survivors and caregivers alike. However, we have pivoted the event to focus on the 18-39 year olds, and recognized a need to build community amongst patients. We are hopeful to expand camp to include an offering for caregivers in the future.

Colon Camp is built by and for the AYA colorectal cancer community, and only accepted campers and staff are allowed to attend. Pets are not allowed.

Colon Camp is in the Cleveland, OH area, approximately 1 hour away from the airport. Travel to and from camp facilities from the Cleveland Hopkins airport will be handled by us – you just need to get to the airport!

Absolutely. The Cleveland Clinic has an AYA cancer clinic, and there are smaller hospitals with emergency departments closer to the camp facilities. If you need medical attention, you will get it.

Yes. As long as you fall within the age group and have not attended in the past, please apply!

Colon Camp is designed to help you identify and heal from the trauma of cancer. Part of that healing may involve sharing your story with fellow campers, however this event is not designed to help you share your story. (If you’re ready for that, check out the Fight CRC Ambassador program.) This event is designed to help provide health and wellness opportunities that enable you to heal.

Colon Camp is transitioning to focus on health and wellness. We will not have the modeling experience that previous camps have offered. We will have photo and video opportunities, however the camp’s focus is on healing versus storytelling. We do plan to release a calendar in 2026 that will raise awareness of colorectal cancer in young adults and may include camper stories. However, that is not the focus of camp.

Colon Camp is currently limited to 12 attendees. We have hopes to grow this program in the future; please apply to join the wait list if you’re interested.

Follow @ColonClub on Instagram and join the Young Survivor Support group in our Community of Champions app. We have also built partnerships with groups like First Descents, Stupid Cancer, Elephants & Tea, and others who provide similar experiences. We will notify you about these opportunities. We also hope you’ll consider joining us for Call-on Congress or Climb for a Cure. While these are not “camp” events, they will introduce you to others in the community, many who have faced colorectal cancer way too young.

Reach out to us using our contact form!

Frequently Asked Questions

Colon Camp is a five-day, four-night getaway for anyone who was diagnosed with colorectal cancer at a young age. Colon Camp provides an opportunity to bond with a small group of people who have been in your shoes and are ready to connect, share, and kick back with new friends.

Expect four days of group activities, time outdoors, instructor-led courses, free time, good food, and a supportive and relaxing atmosphere.

  • Anyone who was diagnosed with colorectal cancer between the ages of 18-39 and is currently 39 or younger.
  • Proof of diagnosis and insurance will be required upon acceptance.

Expect further communication from us after you apply. Final acceptance decisions will be made by the end of February.

You must submit your application by Sunday, February 19th.

You are responsible for travel to and from the Cleveland, OH airport. Everything else is on us!

We have many generous family members from past campers who would like to provide scholarships to camp. Don’t let cost be a barrier!

In the past, Colon Club has welcomed survivors and caregivers alike. However, we have pivoted the event to focus on the 18-39 year olds, and recognized a need to build community amongst patients. We are hopeful to expand camp to include an offering for caregivers in the future.

Colon Camp is built by and for the AYA colorectal cancer community, and only accepted campers and staff are allowed to attend. Pets are not allowed.

Colon Camp is in the Cleveland, OH area, approximately 1 hour away from the airport. Travel to and from camp facilities from the Cleveland Hopkins airport will be handled by us – you just need to get to the airport!

Absolutely. The Cleveland Clinic has an AYA cancer clinic, and there are smaller hospitals with emergency departments closer to the camp facilities. If you need medical attention, you will get it.

Yes. As long as you fall within the age group and have not attended in the past, please apply!

Colon Camp is designed to help you identify and heal from the trauma of cancer. Part of that healing may involve sharing your story with fellow campers, however this event is not designed to help you share your story. (If you’re ready for that, check out the Fight CRC Ambassador program.) This event is designed to help provide health and wellness opportunities that enable you to heal.

Colon Camp is transitioning to focus on health and wellness. We will not have the modeling experience that previous camps have offered. We will have photo and video opportunities, however the camp’s focus is on healing versus storytelling. We do plan to release a calendar in 2026 that will raise awareness of colorectal cancer in young adults and may include camper stories. However, that is not the focus of camp.

Colon Camp is currently limited to 12 attendees. We have hopes to grow this program in the future; please apply to join the wait list if you’re interested.

Follow @ColonClub on Instagram and join the Young Survivor Support group in our Community of Champions app. We have also built partnerships with groups like First Descents, Stupid Cancer, Elephants & Tea, and others who provide similar experiences. We will notify you about these opportunities. We also hope you’ll consider joining us for Call-on Congress or Climb for a Cure. While these are not “camp” events, they will introduce you to others in the community, many who have faced colorectal cancer way too young.

Reach out to us using our contact form!
Voces de la Comunidad
This Father's Day, we're honoring dads like Steve Greene. 💙Steve's story began in November 2012 when, at 43, he noticed some unusual symptoms. He was active, healthy, and not overly concerned. But a colonoscopy revealed stage IV colorectal cancer.Just three years after losing his own father to prostate cancer, Steve and his family were stunned. But he faced the diagnosis head-on. With the support of his care team, family, neighbors, church, and the Fight CRC community, Steve finished his last round of chemo in January 2014. Now, more than a decade later, Steve is still raising awareness and pushing for earlier detection."It was a shock to hear the doctor tell me I had cancer when I was 43 years old. Today, it's a true blessing to share my story and be involved with a great organization like Fight CRC. CRC is preventable in so many cases if we know our family history, pay attention to symptoms, and get screened. Forty-five is the new 50. Don't wait to get screened."We're proud to share Steve's story and celebrate the strength of dads everywhere.
"My father, Paul Shadle, was diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer in 2016 at age 44. The day that he was diagnosed was terrible. I can remember falling to the floor and thinking, "Why him?"My dad was strong — in fact he was the strongest person I have ever met. He never once complained about what he was going through or said it was unfair (although that's what I thought and felt about it). He loved to share his story and help other advocates spread awareness about colorectal cancer.Looking back on that day my dad was diagnosed, I think about how strong he was and the strength that carried throughout his entire journey. As for me that day, I made it off the floor and got to watch one of the greatest men who has ever lived show me how to fight. Now, I ask myself, "How can I help others who are in the same situation he was in? How can we catch this cancer before it is stage 4 in other patients?"This is how I am carrying my dad's torch." - Ryan Shadle (@ryan_shadle)💙 Today, we carry the stories and legacies of all dads — those still with us, those facing colorectal cancer, and those we hold in our hearts. We remember them. We honor them. We fight in their name.
Who are clinical trials for?Clinical trials are for anyone who meets the eligibility criteria, not just those with stage IV cancer or limited treatment options.Knowing your cancer stage, biomarkers, and treatment history is 🔑 when considering a trial. Not sure? Talk to your care team.Looking for a doctor who offers clinical trials? Find one today using our provider finder!
Our #PRIDE merch is here and we're kind of obsessed! 🌈 It's a bold way to show your Pride and raise awareness for #colorectalcancer.What are you grabbing first? Tap the link in our bio to shop today!
After giving birth to her second son, Kaitlin (@kaitlinv1224) noticed she was going to the bathroom more often. When she saw a GI doctor at 32, she was denied a colonoscopy—told she was 'too young' and had no family history. The doctor advised her to reduce her stress. But Kaitlin didn't ignore her body.Four years later, while pregnant with her daughter, Kaitlin's symptoms got worse. This time, she pushed for a colonoscopy. After the procedure, the doctor told her he was glad she advocated for herself—Kaitlin was diagnosed with stage III rectal cancer.Kaitlin's advice? 'Speak up for yourself. You know your body better than anyone else.'If Kaitlin's story resonates with you, share your own to offer hope and education to others in the fight. 💙
Say hello to our 2026 Ambassador Class! 👋🥳This year, we've selected five teams. These are survivors, caregivers, and loved ones who've faced #colorectalcancer side by side. Together, they'll raise awareness, share their stories, advocate for change, and take action. We're proud to welcome this powerful group. Join us in giving them a warm welcome! 💙
Thank you, Ron and Martha Doornink, for your unwavering advocacy and incredible support in making this groundbreaking partnership a reality.💙 Your belief in the power of innovation and your commitment to advancing personalized treatments for colorectal cancer have played a vital role in launching this transformative study. With your help, we’re one step closer to ensuring patients have access to more effective, individualized care.To learn more about this transformative study in colorectal cancer care, visit the link in our bio.
We need your help protecting the CDC Division of Cancer Prevention and Control.The President's proposed budget would eliminate this entire division, wiping out programs that are vital to the #colorectalcancer community.That means the end of:📉 The Colorectal Cancer Control Program, which helps people in underserved areas get screened between ages 45–75.📊 The National Program of Cancer Registries, which tracks CRC cases and trends—including early-age onset.This data helps track the rise of early-onset CRC and added key evidence to lower the screening age from 50 to 45.Losing these programs would be a huge setback, not just for the CRC community, but for the entire cancer community.Thank you to everyone who filled out our action alert. Now we need you to take it a step further:📞 Call your members of Congress.📲 Share this post.🗣️ Speak up and make it clear that these programs matter, and they must be protected.Take action now using the link in bio.