Kids forget their cancer, have fun at Camp Fantastic

For many children, summer camp is a rite of passage.

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This week, the National Institutes of Health is sponsoring a special camp in Front Royal for kids with cancer.

It's called Camp Fantastic.

Kids from 7-17 who are currently being treated or have undergone treatment within the last three years are eligible.

And they get to take their minds off cancer and have fun with each other in a variety of activities--classes, recreation, theme parties, campfires, and some quirky games.

Kids get checked four times per day by a full medical staff from NIH, who are on-site to distribute medication and provide necessary treatment.

Some kids are even on chemo during the week. And they have a fully equipped emergency room.

"We have a handful of kids who literally got out a hospital bed, got on a bus, and came here to camp," said Dr. Stephen Chanock, the camp's medical director.

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