We have answers to your most frequently asked questions.
in-person FAQs
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Registration for Camp Norden 2025 is open for Campers, Nurse Volunteers and Counselor Volunteers. Click on the APPLY button to begin the application process for either camp.
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Any child who has had or currently has cancer is welcome to apply for camp! The application process will help us learn about your camper’s needs so we can ensure camp is a safe and fun experience. In-person Camp Norden is designed for kids 8-17.
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We are currently accepting applications for Camp Norden 2024 here!
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Camp Norden is fully funded by Children’s Cancer Research Fund, meaning there is no cost to families who want to send their child to camp. If you want to help keep Camp Norden free for families experiencing childhood cancer, click here to donate.
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Camp Norden was created and funded by Children’s Cancer Research Fund, a national nonprofit that has been funding research and services for children fighting cancer for over 40 years. Learn more about Children’s Cancer Research Fund here.
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Check out our list of camp activities here.
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Absolutely!
We have medical staff with years of experience caring for cancer patients, who are passionate about making the camp experience as safe as possible for our campers. Each cabin group is assigned a nurse who is familiar with campers' health histories and we have a pediatric oncologist on site at all times and a health center to take care of any medical needs on site.
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In the case of a medical emergency our pediatric oncologist and nurses will assess the camper’s health status and provide care in the health center at Camp Norden. As needed, campers will be transported to either Cuyuna Medical Center in Crosby or Essentia Health St. Joseph’s in Brainerd via local emergency medical services.
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Parents will be called immediately in the case of an emergency, if the camper requires any new medications not on health record, if the camper feels unwell and has to stay overnight in the health center, or if any other significant medical issues arise that the medical staff find important to communicate.
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Camp Knutson has been hosting camps for individuals with disabilities, medical conditions and other identified needs for over 65 years. They have the facilities and the expertise needed to allow kids with medical needs to have the full summer camp experience in a safe way.
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CampDoc is an online registration and electronic health record system we utilize to keep camper information organized and accessible to our medical staff.
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Located at Camp Knutson
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Camp Norden takes the safety and health of our campers very seriously. We are closely monitoring guidelines from MDH and CDC. We will provide updates on any communicable disease requirements and plans by July 1 for participating families.
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Every year we design exclusive apparel that is free for our campers, volunteers and staff. We do have a variety of items that are available for anyone to purchase. Check them out here.
Virtual FAQs
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Registration for Camp Norden 2025 is open for Campers, Nurse Volunteers and Counselor Volunteers. Click on the APPLY button to begin the application process for either camp.
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Take it from one of our past campers, Zein, who said, "I can't believe you all found a way to make Zoom ACTUALLY FUN!"
We have innovated a new way for campers to feel connected like never before. We use Zoom and Virtual Reality to meet up in the metaverse where campers can fly, build, play and most importantly - create! This program won Zoom's overall Innovation Award in 2020 for using Zoom in new and exciting ways. This camp works to break down the screen and allow campers to create genuine friendships and new memories.
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Campers are learning new skills including 3D modeling, scene design, visual effects, creative problem solving, video creation, songwriting, game development and so much more! We are able to positively distract them and give them access to new tools and thinking. The goal is to help campers dream big and these tools help us do just that.
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Parents and siblings are more than welcome to be involved or check-in. We can even help you get set up so you can see what kids are experiencing in Virtual Reality in real time! After our session is over, the camper is the new expert and can teach their family the new technology and tools that they have learned.
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Absolutely!
All campers need is the Oculus (which we'll send) and your imagination, and campers can participate from wherever they are.
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It is OK if you do not feel tech-savvy! We have an in-house virtual tech support team that is dedicated to helping get you set up! The tech support team will also be present during camp sessions so any camper who is having a technical glitch can be taken aside to sort it out, and then brought back into the main Zoom room.
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YES! This is why this camp resource was created! Your child will be joining other kids who are impacted by pediatric cancer from all over the nation. Camp is a few days of innovation and creativity where kids don't have to explain why they are feeling sick, why their hair may be falling out, why they have physical limitations, etc. This is a virtual camp where kids are understood and can connect, play and learn together with kids in similar situations.
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WE UNDERSTAND! It is no fun being sick or missing out but unfortunately that comes with the territory of pediatric cancer. Our counselors and campers all understand and this is not a problem. We can easily catch them up on experiences once they feel better.
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Camp Norden was created and funded by Children’s Cancer Research Fund, a national nonprofit that has been funding research and services for children fighting cancer for over 40 years. Learn more about Children’s Cancer Research Fund here.
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Every year we design exclusive apparel that is free for our campers, volunteers and staff. We do have a variety of items that are available for anyone to purchase. Check them out here.