Welcome to Camp Quality Arkansas

In the summer of 1985 I was diagnosed with AML. My family and I went through many ups and downs as I went back and forth between remission and relapse.  Two years later, after a bone marrow transplant from my one-year old brother, I got to come home to be a normal little girl again. After another two years, a malignant tumor was found but successfully removed.

As I look back I recognize the importance of my special time at Camp Quality Arkansas; getting together with other kids like me and making friends. At the time it just seemed like fun. I spent the year wondering what the theme of camp was going to be, what I was going to bring to camp, and what I was going to wear to the dance on the last night of camp. Now, I realize it was a suitable form of therapy and I cannot imagine where I would be without it. I give thanks to God, doctors, nurses, social workers, pastoral care, and cancer camps like Camp Quality Arkansas!

--Former Camper turned Companion & COC Member Chrissy

With a Dose of Smile Therapy. . .

Camp Quality is a summer camping experience and year-round support program for children with cancer. Many difficult physical and emotional challenges face a child, and his or her family, when battling cancer. At our summer camps we have developed an important type of “therapy” . . . we like to call it Smile Therapy! With a laugh in their hearts and smiles on their faces, Camp Q. Kids find themselves capable of more than they may have dreamed possible.

We Laugh, Love, Lift-up . . .

Camp Quality has built its reputation on personalized care. Every camper is paired with a companion who is dedicated completely to his or her care. Companions are the life-blood of Camp Q; they are fun to be with, adventuresome, great listeners and are always sharing their love for life. Their primary responsibility is to make sure their camper has the most enjoyable, safe, relaxing and restoring experience possible. This relationship creates a beautiful bond that continues long after camp is over, and oftentimes for years to come.

Normal Kids with Extraordinary Lives . . .

Surrounded by new friends that can relate, loving volunteers who care, and loads of fun experiences, Camp Quality campers find joy, new courage and renewed hope for the future. They are free to be themselves . . . free to be kids again.