BRASS Camp 2025
BRothers And SiSters (BRASS) Camp is Special Love’s week-long summer camp for siblings of children with cancer. For over 30 years, BRASS Camp has welcomed generations of cancer siblings to a vibrant community of encouragement, inclusivity, and camaraderie. This year’s theme, BRASS from the Past, transported more than 90 campers throughout the ages. Our travels spanned from the Stone Age to the French Revolution, and each day presented new adventures from these iconic epochs.
Two of our very own Special Love team members, James Bell and Alaina Conaway, got to experience the full week of BRASS Camp for the first time. “Going into the week, I was nervous that I wouldn’t be included in a group of peers who had known each other for so long—but within the first hour on campus, all my fears disappeared. The staff made me feel so welcome, and it felt like I had been coming for years,” James noted.
“I was greeted with open arms—quite literally. I think I hugged just about everyone I came across!” Alaina added. “The warmth and kindness our counselors and volunteers offered upon meeting was unlike anything I’d ever experienced.”
As buses rolled in Sunday afternoon, counselors lined the way for camper check-in, greeting each child with excited smiles. Once all had arrived, everybody congregated for a brief welcome assembly. Just before heading to dinner, our Stone Age visitors made an appearance, signaling BRASS Camp’s first successful journey through time. After a teambuilding activity amongst cabinmates and our first campfire of the week, campers and counselors were off to bed to prepare for the journey ahead.
Morning classes kicked off each day of BRASS Camp. Staples, such as crabbing & fishing, canoeing, arts & crafts, STEM, woodworking, and sports, reappeared, along with some new and old favorites like Improv and Legos. Between lunch and open rec time, campers returned to their cabins for rest and chat period. This time not only allowed them to refuel their energy for the afternoon but also bond with their cabinmates and counselors.
Each night, campers and counselors transitioned into themed team activities. From obstacle course-style relay races to scavenger hunts and jousting, campers worked with their peers to complete every challenge. Evening campfire closed out the day with stories, songs, and the occasional s’more.
Along with our regularly scheduled activities, we had a few surprises for our time travelers. On Wednesday, campers were whisked away to a nearby theater to see Lilo & Stitch, but the adventure didn’t end there. After the movie, our crew was transported to Cove Point Pool for a fun and refreshing afternoon swim. Friday evening’s campfire gave every camper, volunteer, and staff member a moment to reflect on the week, express their gratitude, and rejoice with the BRASS Camp family. The Dock Ceremony, a profound tradition to honor the week, followed with warm embraces and full hearts.
In addition to good old-fashion summer camp fun, BRASS Camp facilitates a unique community of peer support for siblings of children with cancer. One of the most meaningful aspects of BRASS is B-Chat, a chat group exclusively for bereaved campers. During rest and chat time, B-Chat is run by counselors and volunteers who have lost a sibling to cancer. B-Chat provides a safe, supportive environment for our bereaved campers to discuss their experiences amongst those who understand them on a deeper level.
Special Love’s Program Coordinator, James, is a bereaved cancer sibling himself. After camp, he shared that B-Chat was the most meaningful part of camp to him. “It was incredibly powerful to be part of a supportive group united by such a profound shared experience,” James reflected, “B-Chat truly felt like a second family. We may have lost a sibling, but through B-Chat, we gained 30 more.”
BRASS Camp would not be made possible without our remarkably kind and devoted volunteers. Over 75% of our BRASS volunteers are former campers themselves, and we are deeply grateful for their time, commitment, and energy. Because of them, our BRASS family is a caring and vibrant community.
Additionally, Special Love would like to acknowledge The Gwen Laulhere Foundation for their decades-long support of BRASS Camp! We are so thankful for their partnership, and we look forward to continuing our work in years to come. We’d also like to thank the Amey Family and James K. Wright for their gracious support, as well as Abby’s Legacy Foundation, Team Mathias, and the Fantastic Cancer Camp Fund.
Finally, thank you to our families for allowing us to provide your children with a memorable week filled with adventure, excitement, and friendship. We enjoyed every moment with them, and we look forward to welcoming them back next year.