2023 Camper Calendar

Welcome to Okizu!

For 42 years Camp Okizu has offered support programs to families who have a child diagnosed with cancer. Camp Okizu has become a second family and a home away from home for thousands of patients, siblings, and parents.

Summer Camp 2023 Dates and Locations

IN-PERSON SLEEP-AWAY SUMMER SESSIONS FOR KIDS 8-17

  • Oncology Camp session 1: June 12 – 17 @ Camp Arroyo (Livermore, CA) Sponsored by The Taylor Family Foundation*
  • SIBS Camp session 1: June 19 – 23 @ Camp Arroyo (Livermore, CA) Sponsored by The Taylor Family Foundation*
  • Oncology Camp session 2: July 2– 7 @ Camp Taylor (Modesto, CA)
  • SIBS Camp session 2: July 9 – 14 @ Camp Taylor (Modesto, CA)
  • SIBS Camp session 3: July 16 – 21 @ Camp Taylor (Modesto, CA)

*We would like to recognize The Taylor Family Foundation for sponsoring sessions of Camp Okizu this summer! The Taylor Family Foundation’s mission is to preserve the wellness and enhance the quality of life for children in Northern California with life-threatening and chronic illnesses, disabilities and youth at-risk through unique therapeutic experiences and support. For more information, visit us www.ttff.org, www.facebook.com/ttff.org.

2023 Family Camp Dates and Locations

Family Camp is a chance for the patient, siblings, and parents to come together with other families who are coping with the challenges of navigating the pediatric cancer world. Each session includes some family activity time as well as designated times for parents and kids to meet separately for some targeted peer support.

Spring Family Camp Dates

  • Family Camp 1: March 31 – April 2 @ Camp Campbell (Boulder Creek, CA) 
  • Family Camp 2: May 19 – 21 @ Camp Del Oro (Nevada City, CA)
  • Family Camp 3: May 26 – 29 @ Camp Arroyo (Livermore, CA) *Open only to families who are bereaved

Fall Family Camp Dates

  • Family Camp 4: August 11 – 14 @ Camp Del Oro (Nevada City, CA) 
  • Family Camp 5: August 18 – 20 at Camp Arroyo (Livermore, CA)
  • Family Camp 6: October 6 – 8 at CYO Camp (Occidental, CA)
  • Family Camp 7: October 20 – 22 at Camp Del Oro (Nevada City, CA)

2023 Teens-N-Twenties (TNT) Dates and Locations

For campers who are 18-25 and too old to attend summer camp, we offer the TNT program. This weekend-long program is for older teen and young adult patients and siblings to have an opportunity to enjoy the support and friendship of the Okizu experience even after they have aged out of summer camp.

  • September 15 -17 @ Via West

2023 Bereaved Teen Program Dates and Locations

In their everyday lives, it is so rare for a teenager to meet someone their own age who has lost a sibling to cancer. Our bereaved teen program provides teens and young adults, ages 13 – 25, the opportunity to bond with a group in their own age range who share the experience of losing a brother or sister to cancer can be extremely healing.

  • April 28 – 30 @ Via West

* Fall program date TBA

2023 Family One-Day Events – Dates and Locations

Learn more about our programs and connect with other families affected by childhood cancer at our one-day picnic events. Pack a lunch for your family and come have fun with Okizu at a picnic space near you!

  • April 8 @ Camp Arroyo (Livermore, CA)
  • April 15 @ Sac Republic Soccer Match (Sacramento, CA)
  • August 27 @ Camp Arroyo (Livermore, CA)

*Fall Sacramento date and location TBA

COVID-19 (Updated 04/05/2023)

Our medical team works hard every year to make camp as safe as possible for all our campers and our volunteers. They will continue to monitor current public health issues and we will update our safety protocols as is appropriate. At this time, Okizu is requiring all individuals attending an in-person session of camp be vaccinated against COVID-19, which includes an original two-dose series and a bi-valent booster.

If you would like more information, please call the Okizu office or email heather@okizu.org. You can also visit the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/specific-groups.html

Testing for COVID-19 will be expected to attend an in-person overnight program. At this time, our Medical Advisory Committee has stated it is too far in advance to determine the testing algorithm based on current infection rate. We will provide more information on testing requirements as we get closer to the in-person camp sessions.

Masks will be required for all campers and volunteer staff attending in-person programs while indoors, and when in close proximity.

**** All information presented above is subject to change with advice from our Medical Advisory Committee as the climate of COVID-19 is constantly changing. Okizu always prioritizes the safety of our campers and staff and we will continue to do so moving forward.*****

If you would like to receive additional information about Okizu, please call the office at 415.382.9083, or email enrollment@okizu.org.