Family Retreat

FAGroupCamp Kids, teens & adults with FA at the 2018 Family Meeting

2023 Event Update

We are thrilled to announce that we will be returning to Camp Sunshine for the annual FA Family Retreat, June 26 - 30, 2023!

What is the Family Retreat?

The Family Retreat is a unique event that allows families registered with FARF to attend presentations by researchers and physicians who are active in the research and treatment of Fanconi anemia (FA), to attend support groups for help in coping with the disease, to voluntarily participate in FA research projects, and to connect with other families affected by FA. Camp Sunshine volunteers provide a fun-filled program for children with FA and their siblings.

What is Camp Sunshine?

Camp Sunshine provides retreats combining respite, recreation, and support, while enabling hope and promoting joy, for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families through the various stages of a child’s illness. The program is free of charge to families and includes on-site medical and psychosocial support. Bereavement sessions are also offered for families who have experienced the death of a child. Learn more at [url=http://www.campsunshine.org]http://www.campsunshine.org[/url].

Who can go?

Anyone with FA, 18 years old or younger, and their family are welcome and invited to apply. We will work with Camp to prioritize newly diagnosed families and those who have never been to Camp before. People from all countries are welcome. Newly diagnosed families are especially encouraged to apply. There is no cost to attend other than travel expenses. Travel scholarships are available through FARF to assist with these expenses (see our website for more info).

Note: adults with FA (19+) are welcome to apply to Camp as volunteers here. This process is managed by Camp Sunshine. Adults with FA and their guests are invited to their own annual retreat.

How do I apply?

Applications are now open on the Camp Sunshine website.

  • March 29: Fully completed applications are due to Camp Sunshine (including signed medical and family pages) by 5pm EST
  • April 26: Notification of acceptance or waiting list status for those whose applications were complete by the March 29 deadline
  • May 31: Notification of additional acceptances (if space is available)

Travel Scholarships

FARF offers scholarships to assist with travel expenses to the Family Retreat. Families must apply here to be considered. Please note that this is separate from the Camp Sunshine application but will follow the same deadlines. Full details about travel scholarships can be found on the application.

  • January 30: Travel scholarship applications open
  • March 29: First deadline for travel scholarship applications
  • April 26: The scholarship committee will review the first pool of applications and shortly after applications have been reviewed, applicants will receive notification about the award decision
  • May 31: Notification of additional acceptances (if space is available)
  • June 26-30: FA Family Retreat at Camp Sunshine

Links/downloads: