How We Help
Camp Beat It: A Magical Escape for Families Affected by Cancer
For families navigating the complex journey of childhood cancer, finding time for pure joy can feel nearly impossible. The exhausting treatments take an immense toll — mentally, emotionally, and financially.
Camp Beat It is our signature overnight family camp, designed to give that gift of happiness back.
It is a sacred space where children can step away from the medical world and just be kids, while families find a vital sense of community, hope, and understanding.
Camp Beat It is generously supported by the Ralph Hole Jr. Memorial Fund and the Edmonton Civic Employees Charitable Assistance Fund (ECECAF). We are deeply grateful to them for their continued support. Their generosity helps us create not only magical memories, but also lasting, meaningful connections for the children and families we serve.
The Magic of the Camp Experience
Hosted at Camp Nakamun, Camp Beat It brings families together surrounded by serene lakes and towering trees. Through fully immersive outdoor adventures, families can reconnect with nature and, most importantly, with each other.
Our campers participate in a wide variety of engaging activities designed to build confidence and spark laughter, including:
- Water Adventures: Kayaking and canoeing across the lake.
- Wilderness Skills: Geocaching, fire starting, and birdhouse building.
- Creative Arts: Rock painting and collaborative crafts.
- Community Celebrations: Breathtaking fireworks displays under the stars, high-energy family dance parties, and singing the beloved camp song after every single meal.
The Heart of the Camp
While the scheduled activities are unforgettable, the true spirit of Camp Beat It shines through in the quiet moments. Evenings spent sharing stories around the campfire offer a unique space for healing and lifelong friendships.
Every camp concludes with a deeply moving torch relay. Each brave child carries the flame through the camp — a powerful, symbolic journey of strength, resilience, and unity. As families gather around the final community fire pit, the flames represent far more than warmth; they represent unshakeable hope.
Real Impact, Real Memories
Camp Beat It supports families at every stage of their journey, whether they are in the thick of treatment or reflecting years after a diagnosis.
2025 Camp by the Numbers
100%
Of surveyed families would absolutely recommend Camp Beat It to others.
100%
Stated the camp provided excellent opportunities to make lasting memories.
116
Participants filled our registration to maximum capacity, representing 28 families.
9
Communities served, spanning from Fort McMurray in the north to Ponoka in the south.
23
Years of childhood cancer history reflected, with participating children diagnosed between 2001 and 2024.
50%
Of the attendees in 2025 were experiencing the magic of Camp Beat It for the very first time.
In the Words of Our Campers
For families like ours, it can be very difficult to find time for joy… Camp Beat It gave us something that nothing else can match: a true gift of happiness, not only for our child but for our whole family. Those moments of laughter, connection, and fun are priceless.
Camp Parent
At camp she could be normal, without judgement… It was lovely meeting other families and just being silly together. Family dance with games creates a fun atmosphere and helps you forget the hard times for a while.
Parent of a teenage survivor
Camp Beat It provides a platform for both of them to bond, play games together and become closer… Thank you for this thoughtful platform!
Parent reflecting on the bond renewed between siblings
Help Us Keep the Campfire Burning
Camp Beat It is entirely dependent on the incredible generosity of our community and dedicated funds. Because of donors like you, we can offer this lifesaving escape completely free of charge to families who need it most, ensuring that childhood isn’t lost to a diagnosis.
You can provide a sanctuary of joy, healing, and belonging. Your gift directly funds accommodations, outdoor activities, meals, and the unforgettable moments that remind these brave children that joy is still possible on this journey.
Donate to Fund Camp Beat It Today
Connect with Tracey Thurston, Director of Development.
Camp Nakamun
