Camp Sunshine History

Camp Sunshine was founded in 1982 by Dorothy Jordan, a pediatric nurse with a heartfelt vision to create a camp where kids with cancer could be kids again. We have grown by leaps and bounds since that first camp with 44 campers. Today, over 400 campers and 225 volunteers participate in summer camp, which takes place over two separate weeks for children and teens. In addition, our year-round programs throughout Georgia highlight everything from recreational programs to trips and outings, as well as educational and support programs for the entire family. All programs are at no cost to the family.

  • 1983

    First summer camp is held at Camp High Harbor: about 44 campers attended.

  • 1987

    First Family Camp is held. First teen Trip to Washington, D.C.

  • 1989

    First excursion to Outward Bound is held.

  • 1993

    First year Camp Twin Lakes opens and Camp Sunshine is held at new camp in Rutledge.

  • 1995

    First Teen Retreat Weekend takes place.

  • 1996

    First Sibling Camp takes place.

  • 1997

    First programs for preschool children are offered.

  • 1999

    First Hit a Home Run event if held.

  • 2001

    Inaugural Keencheefoonee Road Race takes off. Camp Sunshine kicks off campaign to build Camp Sunshine House.

  • 2003

    Camp Sunshine House opens, providing year-round programming. Teen Group and Family Night begin.

  • 2004

    First “Remember the Sunshine” weekend is held.

  • 2005

    First Camp Sunshine Day at Big Apple Circus takes place.

  • 2007

    First Young Adult Retreat is offered. Regional programs are expanded throughout the state. Sally J. Hale Center and Billy Schultz Pavilion are dedicated.

  • 2008

    Summer Camp participants exceed 400 for first time. In-hospital program, Sunshine 2 U, expands to monthly offerings.

  • 2010

    RaceTrac begins “Coffee for a Cause” fundraising program. Keencheefoonee Road Race celebrates 10th year with over 1.2 million raised to that date.

  • 2011

    140 programs are held over 157 days with 6,564 participants during the year.

  • 2012

    Camp Sunshine celebrates 30 years.

  • 2013

    Celebrates the 10th anniversary of Camp Sunshine House.

  • 2014

    First Winter Sibling Camp, expanding to offer 2 Sibling Camps a year.

  • 2016

    Full-time program staff added to the Savannah area.

  • 2017 and Beyond

    Camp Sunshine continues to be a ray of hope for families and kids across Georgia.