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
Knowing your family history can be a game-changer when it comes to early detection of colorectal cancer. Antonio Dionizio (@antoniod1381), a Fight CRC 2025 Ambassador, shares how his family history influenced his decision to start screening early:'When I turned 30, I had my first colonoscopy and doctors found and removed my first polyp. If it wasn’t for my family history, I probably would have never even known what a polyp was, and wouldn’t have had one removed at age 30.'Your family history can help guide your screening decisions and catch potential issues early. Don’t wait—talk to your doctor about your family history and screening options today.
If you've been diagnosed with #ColorectalCancer, surgery might be part of your treatment plan. The goal of surgery is to remove cancer from your body. Sometimes, it can remove all the cancer; other times, it may only remove part of it. Being prepared can help reduce anxiety.➡️ to learn more about the most common surgical methods for treating colorectal cancer.
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Meet Zakela, a powerhouse advocate committed to raising awareness about #ColorectalCancer, a preventable disease that tragically took her brother Joshua's life in 2015. At just 27 years old, Josh was diagnosed with stage four #ColonCancer and passed away 6 months later, just weeks before his 28th birthday.Now, as a 2025 Fight CRC Ambassador, Zakela channels her grief into action. She’s determined to change the future for those with a family history of colorectal cancer and genetic mutations like Lynch Syndrome."As an ambassador, there is so much more that I can do with an army of dedicated people who know and understand what it truly means to FIGHT. Being an ambassador means the world to me—it allows me to unlock doors for others in my community and around the world, empowering, enabling, and encouraging them on their journey." - Zakela Mickens, 2025 Ambassador.Zakela’s mission is to honor Joshua’s memory while ensuring that others don’t face the same challenges without the support, knowledge, and resources she wishes she had. #PrioritizeCRC #StrongArmSelfie...#ColorectalCancerAwarenessMonth #Hope #MoreTime #Caregiver #Family
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Ben White, our Federal Policy Manager, is back with an important update for the #ColorectalCancer community. While we were disappointed by the 57% funding cut, good news: Congress has directed the Department of Defense to maintain colorectal cancer funding at the same level as fiscal year 2024.We need your help to protect CRC research in the CDMRP! Head to the link in our bio to contact your Congress members and urge them to create a standalone CRC Research Program. Already done that? Find your rep's contact info and give them a call!
Today, on #LynchSyndromeAwarenessDay, we shine a light on the importance of genetic testing. Zakela shares how her brother's stage IV #ColonCancer diagnosis led to his discovery of Lynch Syndrome—and how later that year, she too learned she had the condition.#LynchSyndrome is the most common genetic condition linked to #ColorectalCancer and increases the risk for several other cancers. Early screening and surveillance are critical for those affected.Learn more about Lynch Syndrome and why awareness matters: link in bio. 💙...#RectalCancer #Caregiver #LynchSyndrome #Genetics
Sara Alvarenga was a busy wife and mom of two before her stage 4 #ColonCancer diagnosis. For years, she noticed blood in her stool, but multiple doctors chalked it up to hemorrhoids. With no family history or other symptoms, it seemed like a reasonable explanation—until everything changed in December 2018.When bloating sent her to urgent care, she was told it was likely an infection and given antibiotics. But something still felt off. Her primary care doctor agreed it could be an infection but sent her to the ER to rule out appendicitis. A CT scan revealed a thickened colon wall and a micro perforation—Sara was admitted immediately.She spent December and January in and out of the hospital. The third time she was admitted with sepsis, she finally got her diagnosis: stage 4 colorectal cancer. Doctors told her she had 2 to 5 years with treatment. Six years later, Sara is still fighting—for time with her family and to raise awareness about this preventable disease.'I share my story to let young people know that this disease does not discriminate. Know the symptoms. Advocate for yourself. If something doesn’t feel right or look right—it isn’t. Keep pushing until you have answers.'Show Sara some love in the comments as she continues fighting. 💪