After a day’s worth of camp activities, this tired young man – with a very rare genetic disorder - gets a respiratory treatment that allows him to safely sleep through the night.

This young man demonstrates that campers are encouraged to try out new identities and explore beyond the usual boundaries of their carefully controlled lives.

A camper delights in playing “52 Pick Up,” which involves dumping cards all over the playground. His counselor mocks stern disapproval, serving to encourage his game.

During the Double H Silly Olympics, campers compete in events that emphasize team participation and creative ridiculousness. Having survived a few food fights and a rough game of sock ball, this Olympian claims his victory.

At the Silly Olympics, Racoon campers have covered their counselor Justin (back row) in marshmallow fluff.

Becky dances unselfconsciously with her counselors. This physically integrative experience allows campers to attend a peer dance for perhaps the first time in their lives.

Harry Potter wields his magical powers at the dance. For some young cancer patients camp is the only place where they feel safe enough to remove their hats and just be.

Everything at camp is laden with youthful energy, even trips to the “Body Shop” (the on-site camp medical center). This camper and counselor enjoy blowing up surgical gloves as they wait for a nurse.

On the last day of camp Anthony and Eddie, twin brothers with cerebral palsy, proudly pose with their favorite counselor Scott.

Holly, an adolescent camper with Vater’s Syndrome, shows off her painted tattoo at the carnival. She feels that she “looks normal with clothes on”; however, underneath her clothes - pumps, tubes and scars give away the reality of her condition.

During Halloween in July, this motley crew has raided the drama room and parades around camp. Taking part in mischief is a freeing experience for many youth whose lives are dictated by doctor’s appointments, hospital treatments and the watchful eye of protective parents.

The last night of camp is filled with sacred rituals. This adolescent takes a breather from pizza, pool and ping-pong, during his mock fraternity “toga” party.

During spa night this young woman carefully peels off a facial mask. For some campers, their medical conditions prevent slumber parties and this rite-of-passage experience is impossible without camp.

This Chipmunk camper strikes a pose during her cabin fashion show. “The paparazzi” arrived just in time to capture their individual fashion statements.

These honorary light bearers guide campers to the Wish Boat Ceremony. This evocative musical ceremony helps to prepare campers for their return to the “real world.” The ceremony ends when boats filled with candles representing the campers’ hopes and dreams are released into the water.