Our Mission

Camp Ta-Kum-Ta provides challenging, extraordinary experiences in a safe and loving environment for children who have or have had cancer and their families.  Camp exists for Vermont and Northern New York children (including other out-of-state children who are treated in Vermont), at no cost to their families.

Statement of Belonging

Cancer does not discriminate, neither can we. At Camp Ta-Kum-Ta we recognize the unique challenges and experiences faced by children affected by cancer, and we strive to create an environment that is welcoming, affirming, and accessible to all. We are committed to fostering a culture that celebrates our diversity, ensures equity, advocates for accessibility, and invites inclusion for everyone, regardless of their race, religion, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, ability, socioeconomic status, or ideological beliefs or values. While we acknowledge that we are not perfect and will at times make mistakes, we are dedicated to learning, growing, and addressing and correcting issues restoratively, through mutual respect, care, and compassion.

Building on our values of safety, connection and joy, our goal is to make sure everyone feels welcomed, respected, and supported, ensuring that they can fully participate and thrive within our camp community. Together, we stand united in our commitment to creating a camp experience that embraces and celebrates the uniqueness of each individual and fosters a sense of belonging. At Ta-Kum-Ta you are safe to come as you are!

Camp Ta-Kum-Ta was Founded in 1984.

Camp Ta-Kum-Ta was founded through the dedicated efforts of a small group of people lead by Sheara Billado, a pediatric oncology nurse at UVM Medical.  Wanting a parent’s perspective to be core to the planning, she invited Ted and Debby Kessler to be a part of the group and before he knew it, Ted became the Camp Director.  Both Ted and Debby wanted to recreate the mind/body healing experience their son Todd had at a cancer camp in New York State.  Together, for over 30 years, Sheara, Ted and Debby fundraised, planned and built an outstanding non-profit organization that now owns its own property and runs year-round programs for children with cancer and their families.

How did Camp get its 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!  Eventually she did get her “Camp Ta-Kum-Ta”. Today, she is one of the many survivors volunteering during our programs.

What’s it really like?

Each year Camp Ta-Kum-Ta tries to squeeze in as many unique life experiences and memories as possible. Along with traditional camp activities such as swimming, athletics, ropes course, and arts & crafts, Camp Ta-Kum-Ta offers once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, as well.

Why did Camp TKT move from Colchester VT to South Hero VT?

For 24 years Camp Ta-Kum-Ta took place in August at Camp Holy Cross on the shores of Malletts Bay, Lake Champlain in Colchester, Vermont. In early 2008 the Camp TKT Board of Directors learned that the facility would no longer be made available as a campsite.  A search began 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 was created.

Camp Ta-Kum-Ta has programs year-round.

Although told by many that Vermont just wasn’t big enough to sustain such a camp, Sheara Billado, Ted and Debby went ahead with it anyway.  Thanks to the support of the community, some 120 staff volunteers, and leadership from the Board of Directors, Camp Ta-Kum-Ta expanded from its one week summer camp to offering programs year round.  Our programs consist of Winter Weekends (oldest, middle, and youngest), Playgroups, a Moms’ Weekend, our signature Summer Camp Program, Siblings’ Weekend, Dads’ Weekend, a Halloween Party, and a Holiday Party.

There is no cost to the children and their families to attend.

Camp Ta-Kum-Ta is an independent 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Our programs and services are financed completely through private donations and fund raising. Because of your support and a terrific volunteer staff, Camp Ta-Kum-Ta accepts all of its children and their family members tuition-free.

Camp Ta-Kum-Ta is a proud member of COCA-I (Children’s Oncology Camping Association, International).

Camp Ta-Kum-Ta is a Gold Ribbon Member of COCA-I, an organization whose mission is to strengthen the international community of camps for children with cancer and their families through networking, advocacy, and education.

What does a Gold Ribbon Accredited mean?

COCA-I examines Camp Ta-Kum-Ta’s rules, regulations, requirements, guidelines and common practices.  The “Suggested COCA-I Guidelines” is an important resource to COCA-I members and following these guidelines are rewarded with a Gold Ribbon.  These “Suggested COCA-I Guidelines” are being presented as a completely voluntary set of recommended oncology camp standards.

COCA-I meets annually at a conference hosted by a member camp.  For more information visit: www.cocai.org