Camp Hazelnut 2020
Oct 2 - 4
Beyond boundless fun, Camp Hazelnut provides families of children diagnosed with cancer with fellowship, relaxation, and distraction from the battles at home. Children and families are provided a safe space to spend time with others who are traveling down similar journeys and share their life experiences, which serves as a reminder that you are not alone. The event hosts about 150 of these area kids and families. Very special thanks to Wyc Grousbeck — CEO and co-owner of the Boston Celtics — and the entire Celtics organization for sponsoring the Camp again this year and partnering with us to make the event even more special!
Think you might want to join us in October? Here are the details ...
Camp Hazelnut 2019 schedule (2020 Schedule TBD)
Friday, Oct 18
Saturday, Oct 19*
3 pm
3 pm - 6 pm
4:30 pm - 5:30 pm
6 pm - 7:30 pm
7:30 pm - 7:45 pm
7:45 pm - 8:00 pm
8:00 pm - 8:30 pm
8:30 pm - 9:15 pm
9:15 pm - midnight
Gates open
Move-in & orientation tours
"Hanging" w/ the band @ Volleyball, 4 Square, Gaga Ball, Arts & Crafts, Music
Dinner @ Dining Hall
Welcome! @ Dining Hall (wear your jammies for the Pajama Jam Ball!)
Group procession to Rec Hall for the Pajama Jam Ball!
Pajama Jam Ball! Kicks Off w/ Sister Hazel
Special Guest Bears and Lions (don't miss this!)
S'mores at campfire
8 am - 9:30 am
9:30 am - 10 am
10 am - 11:30 am
11:30 am - 12:30pm
1 pm - 2:30 pm
3 pm - 4:30 pm
4:30 pm - 6 pm
6 pm - 7 pm
7 pm
8:30 pm
Breakfast
Camp Gathering (everyone please attend!) @ Dining Hall
Group Activity 1
Lunch
Group Activity 2
Group Activity 3
Happy Fun Drum Time ** / free time / individual activity choice
Lyrics For Life Luau on the Beach
Sister Hazel "Sunset Acoustic" on the Beach
Hayrides / Dance @ Rec Hall
Sunday, Oct 20
8 am - 9:30 am
8:45 am - 9:15 am
9:45 am - 11:30 am
Noon - 12:30 pm
12:30 pm - 2 pm
Breakfast
Photos with Sister Hazel @ Dining Hall porch
Water Carnival w/ band (wear your bathing suit!)
Closing ceremonies
Packing time and lunch
* Saturday, campers will be assigned a group to participate in three activities: high ropes, archery, and waterfront. Band members will help guide and participate in the excitement of each of the three activity areas. Campers can opt out of any of these activities and, instead, go for a walk on the trails, make a masterpiece in the arts and crafts room, go for a dip in the swim area, or any of the fun options the camp has to offer.
** Join our Happy Fun Drum Time to learn the fun and healing powers of playing hand-drums with a group. Design your own personal "cajon" hand-drum to play and take home. Very cool! Click here to view flier.
Activities
In addition to the concerts and campfire music with Sister Hazel, the songwriting workshops, Happy Fun Drum Time, the camp ceremonies and hiking trails and arts and crafts and breakfasts and lunches and dinners and s'mores and more ... on Saturday, campers will be assigned a group to participate in three activities (if they like): high ropes, archery, and waterfront. Band members will help guide and participate in the excitement of each of the three activity areas.
HIGH ROPES
Conquer the course at the challenge village by climbing to the top of the Alpine Tower or the Carolina Rock Wall. Whether you're new to climbing or a seasoned pro, there's a climb that you will love. Camp counselors will belay you to the top and ensure your safety while Sister Hazel ensures the fun and entertainment. If heights aren't for uoi, there are plenty of low ropes challenges to participate in at the ropes course. Get ready for a great time.
ARCHERY
Knock an arrow and fire when ready at the archery range. Learn to shoot a bow and arrow for the first time or perfect your skills during this fun-filled activity. Sister Hazel will be hanging out at the archery range as well, ready to celebrate with you when you hit the bull's eye.
WATERFRONT
Venture down to Little Crystal Lake to paddle a canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddle board with a friend (or member of the band!). Experienced paddlers and newbies will have fun crossing the lake in their boat to make it all the way to a classic camp spot, Pebble Beach. Grab a paddle, a lifejacket, and some sunshine, and enjoy your time on the lake.
pricing
The all-inclusive weekend experience is free of charge for families of children diagnosed with cancer and includes living accommodations for two nights, three days of camp activities, all meals, lots of live music from Sister Hazel, and your very own Camp Hazelnut gift.
Accommodations
CABINS
Each of the camp's ten traditional cabins has eight sets of bunk beds and three twin beds for a total of about 20 campers. Each cabin has two bathrooms with at least two showers with hot water. The cabins are not air-conditioned, but they do get a cool breeze off the lake at night.
Cabins will be assigned to each nonprofit organization invited to participate. Cabins will be same sex, and not be co-ed, unless the organization chooses to include both male and female family members in the same cabin.
Packing List
Bathing suit
Bedding (sheets, pillow, blanket)
Bug spray
Clothing for 3 days
Clip-on fan
Close-toed shoes
Extension cord
Flashlight / headlamp
Laundry bag
Rain jacket / poncho
Sandals
Sunscreen
Toiletries
Towel
Please do not bring alcohol, tobacco, or firearms
faqs
WHERE IS CAMP HAZELNUT LOCATED?
Camp Crystal Lake is located outside Gainesville, FL at 6724 Camp Crystal Road, Starke, FL 32091.
WILL THERE BE MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS AT CAMP?
Basic first aid will be available but there will not be a nurse or doctor on staff during Camp Hazelnut.
HOW FAR IS THE NEAREST HOSPITAL?
Shands Starke Regional Medical Center is 9.4 miles (13 minutes) away.
Shands Children’s Hospital in Gainesville is 28.2 miles (41 minutes) away.
WHO WILL BE AT CAMP HAZELNUT?
Several charities serving children diagnosed with cancer from across the state of Florida are invited to attend Camp Hazelnut. In addition, Sister Hazel will be there with their families, along with camp counselors to oversee dining and activities.
CAN I BRING MY OTHER CHILDREN THAT WEREN’T DIAGNOSED WITH CANCER?
Absolutely. Sister Hazel and Camp Hazelnut fully recognize that when a child is diagnosed with cancer, the entire family is affected. This camp supports the need for entire families, including siblings, to build meaningful memories together.
ARE THERE AGE RESTRICTIONS FOR CAMPERS?
Yes, due to the activities provided, camp is best suited for children 5 years of age and older.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING?
Please review the packing list (above) when deciding what to bring for the weekend. Please do not bring alcohol, tobacco, or firearms.
DOES CAMP HAZELNUT PROVIDE TRANSPORTATION?
Transportation is up to the individual families and is not currently provided by Camp Hazelnut. However, if an organization needs transportation for some of their families, please reach out to Camp Hazelnut Family Advocate, Danielle Martin, at Danielle@lyricsforlife.org.
CAN MY CHILD ATTEND WITHOUT A PARENT?
No, Camp Hazelnut is intended as much for the parents’ benefits as it is for the children. The camp’s mission is to benefit families. Supervision is provided during activities but at no point should a child be unattended at Camp Hazelnut. Parental supervision is required.
DOES MY CHILD HAVE TO BE ON TREATMENT TO ATTEND?
No, families of children diagnosed with cancer that are currently on treatment as well as in survivorship are encouraged to attend. If a family has previously lost a child to cancer but has other surviving siblings that would like to attend, they are more than welcome, too.
WILL THERE BE ALCOHOL OR TOBACCO AT CAMP?
No, Camp Hazelnut is a drug, alcohol, and tobacco-free program.
WHAT FOOD WILL BE PROVIDED AT CAMP?
There are three full meals served every day and plenty of snacks. If you have allergies or cannot eat certain foods because of diet or religious reasons, make sure to let us know ahead of time so appropriate accommodations can be made.
WHO SHOULD I CONTACT FOR MORE DETAILS?
Camp Hazelnut Family Advocate, Danielle Martin, Danielle@Lyricsforlife.org.