About the Event

Colon Camp is a one-of-a-kind, off-the-grid retreat that brings together young colorectal cancer survivors to bond, learn, and hype each other up in a way only fellow survivors can. Picture an epic camp getaway in a homey setting: hammocks, lake hangs, late night conversations, firepits, and loads of laughs—but with a twist. Here, you’ll also find a private chef, compassionate experts, and powerful talks about the realities of cancer and the resources and support that can heal fresh wounds.

At Colon Camp, there’s no tiptoeing around the tough stuff; it’s a place where being a survivor is celebrated unapologetically. From team challenges to art experiences to karaoke nights and more, this is the place unfiltered conversations get real, fast. Colon Camp is about building friendships while healing and equipping each other with the strength to keep fighting.

About the Event

Colon Camp is a one-of-a-kind, off-the-grid retreat that brings together young colorectal cancer survivors to bond, learn, and hype each other up in a way only fellow survivors can. Picture an epic camp getaway in a homey setting: hammocks, lake hangs, late night conversations, firepits, and loads of laughs—but with a twist. Here, you’ll also find a private chef, compassionate experts, and powerful talks about the realities of cancer and the resources and support that can heal fresh wounds.

At Colon Camp, there’s no tiptoeing around the tough stuff; it’s a place where being a survivor is celebrated unapologetically. From team challenges to art experiences to karaoke nights and more, this is the place unfiltered conversations get real, fast. Colon Camp is about building friendships while healing and equipping each other with the strength to keep fighting.

Schedule of Events

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

  • Colon Camp

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

  • Colon Camp

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

  • Colon Camp

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

  • Colon Camp

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

The Power of Colon Camp

The Power of Colon Camp

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!
Community Voices