EN
Who We Are
Our Mission
The mission of Ukandu is to provide joy, hope, and connection to communities impacted by childhood and adolescent cancer. We recognize that cancer impacts the entire family and we aim to provide parents and caregivers a respite from the physical, emotional and financial toll childhood cancer poses to families.
Hi, we're Ukandu
We recognize that a childhood cancer diagnosis impacts the entire family. This is why we aim to provide holistic support for patients, survivors, siblings, and caregivers from the moment of diagnosis, through treatment, and beyond.
We help families find respite while their children reclaim classic childhood experiences - all 100% free of charge.
What We Offer
Our Programs
.png)
 (4).png)
 (5).png)
 (1).png)
 (2).png)
 (3).png)
Our programs are 100% free of charge to the families we serve — something that can only be accomplished with the help of over 200+ volunteers who make our two week-long residential camps and other year-round programs possible.
What Our families Say
Explore the heartfelt testimonials from our camp participants and volunteers as they share their stories of hope, resilience, and the joy of being part of our community.
.jpg)
I think camp is important to parents... because we're fighting two battles. We're fighting for our kids' lives. But we're also fighting for their spirit. I was desperate for someone to put a smile on his face. I wanted help with that. Being able to release him to Camp Ukandu where we knew he was going to be taken care of medically - and we knew we were going to get help reviving his spirit was a huge blessing and a relief.
Ukandu Caregiver
For me, one of the joys of Ukandu is witnessing the families grow closer during the week. With each other and connecting with other families who can relate. Some of the little stressors of everyday life (what's for dinner?) are put on hold and they are able to live in the moment, with their family and just be.
Ukandu Participant & volunteer
.jpg)
That’s what was so great about [Ukandu]. Everyone knows. Everyone here is a part of the family that has had to do this. There’s nobody that understands like this community and these people that aren’t going to shy away from you.
Ukandu Participant
Our History
Explore our journey through the years.
Click on each year to expand and learn about our key achievements and milestones.
Planning for the first Camp Ukandu began in 1985 with a group of parents wanted to provide the joys of a summer camp experience to their sick kids. After careful planning, 48 campers brought the first ever Camp Ukandu to life in August of 1986! Shortly after, the Ukandu Board of Directors began a long standing history with the American Cancer Society in 1989.
With 16 years of camp experience, Camp Ukandu received an American Camping Association accreditation in 2002, a distinction Ukandu maintains today. In 2009, the first Teen Retreat was held at YMCA Camp Collins.
In 2014, Camp Ukandu was established as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and shortly after the organization's first Executive Director was hired in 2016. The expansion and growth of programs prompted a formal name change from Camp Ukandu to Ukandu in 2018 to better reflect the breadth of programs being offered.
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Camp Ukandu was not held for the first time since it’s inception. In its place, Virtual Camp Ukandu took place in the summer of 2020 and 2021. The success of virtual camp led Ukandu to maintain virtual programs as a permanent programmatic offering.
Ukandu continued to grow in 2022 introducing both Ukandu Corps and Ukandu Family Camp as well as growing to include 4 total paid staff.
In 2024, Ukandu announced their biggest expansion yet, The Ukandu Loft. This will be a permanent headquarters and welcoming hub for Ukandu participants, volunteers, and staff.
Get Involved
Join our community and make a difference!
There are several ways you can get involved and support our mission.
-3.jpg)
-1.jpg)
Transparency
At Ukandu we pride ourselves on being transparent with our community.
Below you can find previous annual reports, financials reports, and more.