Something that has been vital for our organization is the networking and connections made through COCA. The ability to easily find, talk to, collaborate with, and share ideas with other COCA camps in our areas is such an asset. This has supported program growth, community engagement, and so much more. The relationships built are key to overall mission of reaching more families who need the type of community and programming COCA Camps provide. The annual COCAcon gathering is a major benefit as well. Our staff and volunteers always come away with new ideas and connections that energize them for the year ahead. We have staff and volunteers who also love the education and learning opportunities outside of COCAcon, and this is a definite plus of being a member. As a member camp organization, the Gold Ribbon Accreditation program has helped us solidify and expand our guidelines and standards that have improved programming, staff training, risk management strategies and medical policies. The annual review and accreditation process has helped us grow and become stronger in creating safe overall camp experiences for kids with cancer and their families.

Membership with the Children's Oncology Camping Association (COCA) strengthens Camp Braveways by connecting us to a trusted network of peer camps, shared best practices, and expert resources focused specifically on pediatric oncology camping. Through COCA, we gain access to professional development, health and safety guidance, research-based standards, and a collaborative community that helps us continually improve our programs and better serve children and families affected by cancer. In 2026, we hope to further leverage our COCA membership by deepening collaboration with peer camps, expanding access to training and emerging best practices, and utilizing shared resources to strengthen program quality, safety, and innovation. We also aim to contribute more actively to the COCA community by sharing our own expertise and learning alongside others to better support children and families affected by childhood cancer.

We are seeking to deepen our connection to the broader COCA community in 2026. As we continue to grow and enhance the experience we provide to children and families affected by childhood cancer, we hope our COCA membership will offer: • Access to best practices and innovative programming that help us elevate safety, accessibility, and camper engagement across all activities. • Professional development and training opportunities for our staff, volunteers, and LIT/CIT participants, ensuring we deliver the highest‑quality, trauma‑informed, and developmentally appropriate camp experience. • Networking and collaboration with other oncology camps to exchange ideas, troubleshoot challenges, and learn from organizations facing similar needs. • Resources that support operational excellence, including guidance on medical protocols, risk management, and inclusive programming. • A sense of community and shared purpose, reinforcing that we are part of a national movement providing joy, resilience, and connection to children navigating cancer. Ultimately, we hope our 2026 COCA membership strengthens our ability to make Camp iHope truly live up to its theme: #bestweekoftheyear for every camper, sibling, and volunteer who joins us.

Our camp most definitely feels that we got what we had hoped for from our COCA membership. Our experience is that COCA is well organized, and expectations on how to be successful are very clearly outlined. It is clear that leadership values integrity and care deeply about the wellness and success of our camp, which in turn has helped us build a well rounded and supportive experience for our participants. We have so valued the support provided from our COCA Membership and look forward another year of access to educational opportunities as a part of our participation in the annual conference, collaboration and connection to other camp communities, financial support for our foundation and lastly continued opportunities to build and maintain our Gold Ribbon Accreditation status with COCA.

Throughout the year, we benefited from access to educational resources, best practices, and peer connections that helped strengthen our programming and internal operations. The opportunity to engage with other pediatric oncology camps provided valuable insight, support, and shared learning, reinforcing that we are part of a strong and collaborative community. Overall, our 2025 COCA membership supported our mission, contributed to continuous improvement, and helped position Camp Firefly for ongoing growth and success. We value the opportunity to connect and collaborate with peer camps nationwide, building a supportive network to share ideas and solutions. (In 2026) Participation in COCA's Gold Ribbon Accreditation Program will help guide our continued growth and commitment to excellence in medical care, safety, and program delivery. Additionally, access to member-exclusive funding opportunities will support program sustainability and enhancement. Finally, COCA's staff development and leadership resources will allow us to invest in our team, ensuring we continue to provide meaningful, high-quality experiences for campers and families affected by childhood cancer.

I don't think we are fully taking advantage of the great resource you have made, COCA. I have been a member of COCA for many years, and I appreciate that you continue to refine this organization. When I started it was a group of fun people getting together and sharing knowledge. Now it is an amazing group of people that care about each other, getting together to support one another, share resources, and provide expertise that helps each member camp build high-quality programs for the benefit and safety of extremely vulnerable campers and their families.