For more than four decades, the Kids ‘n’ Cancer Camp Agape Ministry led by the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco Philoptochos, has offered children battling cancer and their families something truly priceless: love, hope, and quality time together. Nearly 300 people gathered at four different Camp Agape locations throughout the Metropolis of San Francisco during the summer of 2025, along with over 90 dedicated Philoptochos volunteers who went the extra mile – and then some – to make sure each person was surrounded by love, support and friendship.
Rooted in Christ’s unconditional love, Camp Agape provides a refuge from hospital rooms, appointments, and the stress of medical treatments. It is a place where families can laugh, play, and heal together, supported by new friends who understand and have personally experienced the same journey of childhood cancer.
This year’s camps embraced a special theme: Mission Agape: Spreading Love Through the Galaxy. Across the Metropolis, families came together in four different locations to share stories, make memories, and find joy in simple moments.
At each camp, Opening Ceremonies invited families to introduce themselves, share their family posters, and bravely tell their cancer journeys. From that very first moment, bonds were formed, and ties we established that will undoubtedly last well beyond the few days they shared at camp.
The high desert of Arizona welcomed Camp Agape to The Orme School in Orme, Arizona from June 5 – 8, 2025 where families were welcomed to the wide-open spaces of the wild west. Days were filled with horseback rides, swimming, a reptile show, and arts and crafts. Each family shared their personal story during Opening Ceremonies, and their weekend today culminated in joy at the camp’s Galaxy Ball.
The Oaks Retreat Center in Ramona, California brought more families together near the hills and beaches of San Diego over the weekend of July 24 – 27, 2025. They enjoyed hayrides, swimming, water fights, and even some playful shaving cream fun! Parents relaxed with spa massages, and one evening, the children marveled as the International Space Station made a surprise pass overhead.
The beautiful pacific northwest hosts Camp Agape annually at Camp Angelos just outside of Portland, Oregon where families relaxed in a beautiful rustic setting from August 2 – 7, 2025. Fishing, swimming, and rock climbing offered excitement, while crafts gave children and parents a chance to create keepsakes, including personalized doormats. Mothers were honored with a special afternoon tea, complete with creative projects and fellowship.
Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center in Dunlap, California is the original home of Camp Agape. The families that gathered from August 7 – 10, 2025 at the Ranch always enjoy this cornerstone ministry of the Metropolis of San Francisco. Camp activities included swimming, tie-dying t-shirts, campfires, and waterslides. Families also visited the Monastery of the Theotokos the Life-Giving Spring which provided an atmosphere of peace and prayer.
Each camp closed with a prayer service and tree planting, where families painted rocks as symbols of remembrance and placed them lovingly at the base of the tree before bringing them home.
While Camp Agape each summer is the heart of this ministry, the love continues all year long. Families gather for joyful Christmas celebrations and reunions across the Metropolis, and the ministry provides financial assistance during times of ongoing need as children face recurring illness.
For the children and parents who attend Camp Agape, they quickly learn it is more than just a few days away, it is a reminder that they are not alone. They are surrounded by a community of love, faith, and hope.
As one parent shared, “I can say that I now feel that I have a new family within Camp Agape and I will forever be thankful for that…we were welcomed by strangers with open arms and by the end of our stay felt comforted by a new family.”
The Kids ‘n’ Cancer Camp Agape Ministry thrives through the kindness of volunteers and the generosity of donors. Every gift helps provide these life-changing experiences, ensuring that children battling cancer and their families know they are cherished and never forgotten.
Together, the Metropolis Philoptochos can continue to spread love through the galaxy – one family, one memory, and one act of compassion at a time. For more information on the Kids ‘n’ Cancer ministry or to offer your support for this program, please visit: www.sfphiloptochos.org.