Frequently Asked Questions
What is the mission of Okizu and who does Okizu serve?
What programs does Okizu offer?
How much does it cost families to attend Camp Okizu?
What does Okizu mean?
Is Okizu a non-profit organization?
Is Okizu accredited?
Does Okizu partner with any hospitals?
How can I help Okizu?
What percentage of donations go to the program?
Is my donation tax-deductible?
How safe is my contact information when I make a donation?
Q: What is the mission of Okizu and who does Okizu serve?
A: The mission of Okizu is to help all members of families affected by childhood cancer to heal through peer support, respite, mentoring, and recreational programs.
Okizu works with the pediatric oncology treatment centers in Northern California to serve all Northern California and Northern Nevada families affected by childhood cancer.
Q: What programs does Okizu offer?
A: Okizu offers Family Camp, Oncology Camp, SIBS (Special and Important Brothers and Sisters) Camp, Teens-N-Twenties, and Bereaved Teen Weekends, held at Camp Okizu. Click here for complete program information. Click here for program-specific FAQs.
Q: How much does it cost families to attend Camp Okizu?
A: Because many of the families we serve are already financially stressed from the expenses associated with their child’s illness, we do not charge a fee to attend Camp Okizu and families attend all of our programs free of charge.
The cost of sending a child to camp for one week is approximately $1,000. Depending on the size of the family, the cost of a weekend at family camp is approximately $300 per person.
We fundraise throughout the year to make these camping experiences possible, and all help is welcome. Click here for more information about making a donation.
Q: What does Okizu mean?
A: Okizu (oak-eye-zoo) comes from the Sioux language and means unity, to come together, to heal from a hurt, to make whole.
Q: Is Okizu a non-profit organization?
A: Yes, Okizu is a 501(c)(3) organization. Okizu’s financials can be found here. Okizu’s tax ID number is 68-0291178.
Q: Is Okizu accredited?
A: Yes, Okizu is accredited by the American Camping Association (ACA). We are also a Children’s Oncology Camping Association International (COCA-I) Gold Ribbon Camp.
Okizu is also a GuideStar Exchange Silver Participant and a GreatNonprofits Top-Rated Nonprofit.
Q: Does Okizu partner with any hospitals?
A: The medical supervision, professional support, and endorsements come from the children’s oncology treatment centers in Northern California. Many of the staff participate throughout the year with the planning and evaluation of camp policies and procedures, as well as volunteer their time at camp. Click here to view a list of participating hospitals
Q: How can I help Okizu?
A: You can help Okizu in a variety of ways!
Volunteer: Okizu relies on volunteers to make camp a reality each summer. Each year volunteers contribute more than 100,000 hours to make our camp programs happen. For more information about volunteering, click here.
Attend an event: Okizu is the beneficiary of gala events, fun runs, lobster feeds, and many other exciting events. For more information about how to attend one of these events, click here.
Donate: Make a monetary donation, gift of stock, dedicate your birthday, or join some of our shopping affiliate programs. Learn more here.
Q: What percentage of donations go to the program?
A: 76% of donations are allocated toward program and site costs, 5% for interest on our property in Berry Creek, and 19% toward administration and fundraising.
Q: Is my donation tax-deductible?
A: All donations above and beyond fair market value of goods and services received are tax-deductible, as allowed by law. Okizu’s tax ID number is 68-0291178.
Q: How safe is my contact information when I make a donation?
A: We take your privacy seriously! Okizu honors the rights and privacy of our donors. We do not sell or trade donors’ personal information to any other entity. Donors wishing to remain anonymous should notify Okizu at the time a gift is made. Click here to view the Donor Bill of Rights. Okizu’s tax ID number is 68-0291178.