Camp River Run
Inspire. Experience.
An outdoor camp experience in Hidden Paradise, Idaho, that allows kids with medical conditions to be kids while receiving the care they need.
What We Do
At Camp River Run, we empower children with medical conditions to embrace their individuality and foster a sense of belonging through community-building. By encouraging meaningful connections, joyful activities, and challenging our campers to explore outside of their comfort zones, we are able to help them widen their horizons and make memories that last a lifetime. From overnight summer camps to a variety of year-round day camps, we offer opportunities suitable for the interests and experience of every camper.
Simply put, our outdoor camp cultivates the magic of being a kid.
Why It Matters
Camp River Run was created because of a dream by founder Shawna Van Beek. It was her dream that started it all.
“My dream of starting a camp for kids affected by life-threatening illnesses began with a 17-year-old young lady who was in and out of remission with her battle with cancer. Despite multiple hospital visits and an uncertain prognosis, she always remained so positive and optimistic about the future. One summer’s afternoon over ice cream, I asked her what made her tick; what she said impacted me for the rest of my life.
She told me that what kept her going was knowing that she would have the opportunity to serve as a junior camp counselor later that year at a camp for kids with cancer. She went on to say that going to that camp every summer as a child made her and all the other kids feel “normal” for one week out of the year. That hit me like a ton of bricks—that these kids just want to feel normal, and going to camp is how they achieve that feeling.
It was that day that sparked my life’s dream, and I am so happy to say that with the help of six other wonderful members on the Camp River Run Board of Directors, that dream came true, and the first week of camp in Cascade was held in July 2008!”
Camps
“Camp is the best thing ever! Just the fact of meeting everybody and then connecting with the kids, it’s the best feeling ever. I couldn’t have asked for a better camp to volunteer with, I love this camp so much!”
- Christopher, Counselor Director; Volunteer 2019 - Present
Summer Camp
Our Summer Camp is a 4-day, 3-night camp for children ages 7-17 who are fighting life-threatening illness and disabling or ongoing medical conditions. This camp is completely free for all campers and offers participants a chance to enjoy the adventure, fun, and community-building experience of summer camp while having access to the medical support they need and counselor support for all activities.
Day Camps
Camp River Run offers 5 individual day camps throughout the year to let campers explore new activities and keep them connected with their summer friends. Each Day Camp is different, ranging from hockey game outings to field day activities at the park, and more. All events have medical and support staff in attendance, and parents or caregivers are welcome to join.
Make Memories.
Make A Difference.
When you decide to volunteer your time and skills for Camp River Run, get ready to have one of the most rewarding experiences of your life.
Ways To Give
Become A Sponsor
Support Camp River Run by becoming a financial sponsor for individual campers, events, or activities, and make the joy of camp possible.
Give In-Kind
Every gift counts! Select Camp River Run as your charity of choice for your Fred Meyer account or purchase items from our Amazon Wishlist.
Donate
100% of every gift, large or small, is allocated to funding and supporting the campers’ activities and experience at Camp River Run.
Upcoming Events
Don’t miss any activities for your camper or opportunities to volunteer! Check out our calendar for up-to-date events.