COMMUNITY & CONNECTION
CONNECTION
Cancer treatment and survivorship can feel very isolating for everyone in the family. Social connection with others who understand the unique challenges along the cancer journey is helpful for the whole family. Our goal is to build opportunities for community and connection among ASK kids, siblings, parents and caregivers.
Keep scrolling to learn about our most popular opportunities for community & connection, or visit the Program Events page to learn about all the different types of events we offer throughout the year!
Summer Camp
Every summer we host Summer Camp in Richmond and Fredericksburg. ASK’s Summer Camp is a day-camp experience for ASK kids and their siblings. We understand and accommodate the range of emotional, physical, and developmental challenges that can follow cancer treatment.
We do crafts, play games, tell stories, and we talk openly and confidently about our cancer experience. We also welcome guests from around our community for interactive activities and learning opportunities.
Younger kids can meet older kids who are survivors, too. Best of all, they make friends.
Retreats
ASK holds retreats throughout the year; two for middle school and high school survivors and one for young adult cancer survivors (YACS).
Held at local camps and conference centers, the retreats include team-building activities, games, wellness topics and connection with peers.
Holiday Cheer
Our Annual Holiday Party is a tradition that every ASK family loves. Families come out to celebrate the season, meet up with their ASK friends, and remember all of the fun events we have enjoyed throughout the year.
Everyone loves stopping for a photo with Santa, eating snacks, dancing to music, and leaving with a special present to start the holiday season off right!
For families with children in active treatment who cannot attend our Holiday Party, we provide private 1-on-1 visits with Santa at the ASK Family Center for maximum safety and comfort.
Parent & Caregiver Socials
We hold quarterly Parent & Caregiver Socials in our ASK Family Center. These events provide a chance for parents to connect in a safe space, share experiences, and lend a listening ear!
Each social includes a fun activity to enjoy as they meet other parents navigating life after a cancer diagnosis. We also provide quarterly Parent Night Out events to allow parents a chance to get out and enjoy a night to themselves.
Sibling Socials
Often when one child in a family has a complex medical diagnosis siblings feel left out. We offer special events just for siblings to come together and play laser tag, go horseback riding, or enjoy a glow party!
These events make the sibling the focus of attention and bring them together with other kids in their same situation, cancer affects all members of a family.
ASK Family Center
Opened in May 2021, the Family Center is ASK’s colorful, kid-friendly “home base.” It’s a meeting place for fun events. It’s a safe space for parents and caregivers to gather to tell their stories.
It’s a big, open room with movable furniture for kids to play after their homework is done. It’s where we want you to gather and feel at home. It’s where we work, learn, and play!