Founded in 1984, Camp Ta-Kum-Ta was established through the efforts of Ted and Debby Kessler to recreate the mind and body healing experiences their son, Todd had received at a cancer camp in New York State.
At the very beginning Camp was just a great idea without a name. While in the Pediatric Oncology Unit at the hospital discussing the possibility of a camp where "kids with cancer" can just be "kids", one of the children still too young to attend exclaimed in frustration "but I want a camp to come ta!". The name was perfect, and eventually she did get her "Camp Ta-Kum-Ta". Today, she is one of the many survivors volunteering on staff!
Each year Camp Ta-Kum-Ta tries to squeeze in as many life experiences and memories as possible into one magical week. Along with traditional camp activities such as swimming, athletics, ropes course, and arts & crafts, Ta-Kum-Ta offers once-in-a-lifetime opportunities such as rock climbing expeditions, hot-air balloon rides, formal dances, and lake cruises.
For 24 years Camp Ta-Kum-Ta took place in August at Camp Hold Cross on the shores of Malletts Bay, Lake Champlain in Colchester, Vermont. In early 2008 the T-K-T Board learned that the facility would no longer be made available as a campsite, and so a search was begun for a new, permanent home. In August of 2008 it was announced that Camp Ta-Kum-Ta would move to the former Willey Farm in the Town of South Hero, Vermont in the Lake Champlain Islands. There, a new camp will be built from scratch.
Camp Ta-Kum-Ta is independent and self-sustaining, financed completely through private donations and fundraising. With an all-volunteer staff of 70, Camp Ta-Kum-Ta accepts all of its children tuition-free.
Although told by many that Vermont just wasn't big enough to sustain such a camp, Ted and Debby went ahead with it anyway. Thanks to the support of the community, some 70 staff volunteers, and leadership from a seven member Board of Directors, Camp Ta-Kum-Ta is preparing for another magical week in 2009!
Learn how you, too, can become a member of this vibrant community. Support Camp Ta-Kum-Ta by Becoming a Hero, Volunteering, Donating, Contributing in-kind gifts, or Participating in one of our charitable events.