We believe every child deserves joy, adventure, and the freedom to simply be a kid, even more so when facing a life-limiting illness. That’s why we bring the magic of camp to those who need it most: creating unforgettable moments of laughter, connection and hope.
Our beneficiaries come from marginalised communities and households where financial resources have been strained by medical costs and treatment, families for whom affording a holiday is simply impossible. But Camp Footprints camps offer something even greater than a holiday. We create a transformative space where children, who often hear “you cannot; it’s impossible for you”, learn that nothing is impossible. For a few priceless days they lay aside their burdens, step out of their shells and rediscover the power of play, friendship and self-confidence.
Who We Serve:
We have identified six groups of beneficiaries:
- Children diagnosed with cancer and life-threatening blood disorders;
- Children infected with or affected by HIV, including orphans and vulnerable children
- Children with chronic illnesses
- Children whose siblings have been diagnosed with a life-threatening illness
- Grieving children who have lost a sibling and grieving parents or primary caregivers
- Children with disabilities and their siblings
Each child we welcome has a unique story; but they all share a common need, the opportunity to experience childhood beyond limitations. Through our camps they play, learn and evolve into confident beings proving that the magic of camp isn’t just in the activities—it’s in the way it transforms lives and ignites possibility.
AREAS IN SOUTH AFRICA IN WHICH WE CURRENTLY OPERATE
Gauteng, North West, Limpopo and Mpumalanga (state hospitals in Gauteng draw children from all these provinces); Western and Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. We are looking at expanding our camp footprint to the Free State, which includes children from the Northern Cape, Namaqua regions, as well as Lesotho, due to oncology units in these specific areas having limited resources.
Childhood & Teen Cancer
HIV / Aids
Chronic illnesses
Children & Youth with Disabilities
Orphans & Vulnerable Children
Our Camp Experience
Where Courage, Connection, and Joy Come to Life
Camp Footprints offers transformative 3 and 5 day experiences for 50 children and teens, supported by 25 trained volunteer crew members. Every detail is thoughtfully planned to ensure safety and meaningful engagement while allowing children with serious illnesses, disabilities and life challenges to step into a world of possibility.
Each camp experience provides:
- Safe, comfortable accommodation for all campers and crew
- Three wholesome meals daily, approved by our camp dietician to meet diverse nutritional needs
- Vetted transport to and from camp for children and crew, ensuring peace of mind for families
- Branded camper gear, creating a sense of pride and belonging
- A purposeful camp programme packed with fun, educational and culturally enriching activities
- Volunteer camp crew training, equipping our team to provide compassionate, inclusive support to our campers
From sunrise games to evening campfires, every moment is designed to foster resilience, build friendships, and celebrate each child’s unique journey. Camp Footprints is more than a getaway — it’s a place where healing begins, laughter echoes, and memories are made.
Camp and A Culture of Care
At JFF, the magic of camp is not just in the children experience games, songs, or adventures — it’s in the deep commitment of our medical and facilitation teams working together to ensure every child can step into possibility. Our camps are places where children are not defined by their diagnoses, but empowered by their courage, surrounded by care, and free to simply be.
