Breaking Borders is a program pioneered by Camp Quality, an international family of non-profit camps that provides summer camp programming for children affected by childhood cancer, hematological diseases and their siblings. Breaking Borders was developed to address the young adult population of childhood cancer survivors transitioning from pediatric care into adult follow-up clinics – the fastest growing and most under served oncology age demographic. Breaking Borders addresses the necessary life skills needed to aid in this difficult transition by providing an opportunity for participants to take on a large long-term goal – one that they will have control over – that will allow them chances to build grit, self-confidence, perseverance and other valuable skills that they will carry with them throughout their lives.

This is done through a series of buildup sessions which culminates in an end of program expedition. Over the course of 6 months, participants will meet in person or via teleconference for a session that will help aid them in the preparation for their final multi-day expedition. Ranging from communication, trip-planning, and team-building, our participants will walk away from this program not only with tangible life skills but also an increased sense of self that one attains only get from taking an outdoor adventure. We hope that by pushing participants out of their comfort zone that they find support amongst their peers and learn that growth occurs when we reach outside ourselves and break down borders.