Programs for

BRASS Camp (BRothers And SiSters)

BRASS is designed specifically for the siblings of pediatric cancer patients, as well as bereaved siblings.

BRASS offers them a place for open, honest dialog with other campers and counselors to ensure they too are enveloped in a strong support system where they can put the family trauma of cancer away to spend time being a kid, In an environment where the focus is completely on them.
The importance BRASS plays in the siblings’ lives is significant; so much so that most camp counselors, as well as counselors-in-training, are former BRASS campers themselves.

Upcoming Programs for Siblings
Kids canoeing
Kids canoeing

Hope Fund Educational Scholarships

The Hope Fund Educational Scholarship was established in 2021 by Jodi DeOms McKay and Bryan DeOms, in loving memory of their parents Gary and Dianne DeOms. Both Gary and Diane (Mama D) were active and engaged supporters of Special Love programming. They took a particular interest in the brothers and sisters of children with cancer and their families. This scholarship program is designed to develop new talent in the fields of their personal professional experience.

The Hope Fund Educational Scholarship Fund for Siblings of Cancer Patients, provides educational scholarships to patient siblings, age 18 to 30, pursuing post-secondary education or training and who are or have participated in Special Love’s BRothers And Sisters (BRASS) programming. Each year, the fund makes grants based on available resources aimed at applicants who have demonstrated a financial need, academic potential and involvement with Special Love programming.

Scholarship awards are specifically for siblings of cancer patients at the collegiate level of undergraduate junior or above (to include graduate programs) whose degree interest is agriculture, science/medicine and/or non-profit management.

Awards are intended for to cover the student’s tuition and school fees only.

Grants range from $1,000 to $1,500, and are intended to cover the student’s tuition and school fees only.

Questions? Email scholarships@specialove.org, or call (888) 930-2707.

Application Process
Eligibility for a scholarship is restricted solely to applicants who are, or have been, participants of at least one BRASS camp-based program sponsored by Special Love, Inc., and are 18 to 30 years of age.
Scholarships are awarded based on the applications the Review Committee determines meets the following criteria:
• Academic Performance and Potential
• Financial Need
• Personal Need, and;
• The completeness of the application process.

Awarded scholarships will be sent directly to the post-secondary institution or training facility in which the student enrolls in two equal installments in July and December.
The completed application must be submitted in its entirety no later than Friday, April 15, 2022 to be considered. Awards will be announced the week of June 6, 2022.

NOTE: Incomplete applications will not be reviewed, or considered for scholarships.

Link to this year's application

Next Program

Summer Family Day

  • June 18
  • Smokey Glen Farm

All campers, past and present, and their immediate families are invited to join us to celebrate Special Love’s 40th anniversary. This will be a fun-packed day of reminiscing about the […]

Upcoming Programs

Jul 23 2023

BRASS Camp

  • July 23 - July 29
  • Camp Maria Retreat Center

Cancer siblings, you don’t want to miss BRASS camp. A week where you can come and just be yourself. We are so excited to be back at camp this year. […]


Oct 13 2023

Octoberfest Family Weekend

  • October 13 - October 15
  • TBA

A weekend filled with fall fun for the whole family. More information to come. All Special Love Program Participants are required to adhere to our COVID-19 Policy


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