Camp Smile brought a week of joy to campers during the annual event hosted by the Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley at Muhlenberg College’s Moyer Hall.

Held in June the day camp gave local children battling cancer, their siblings and children who have lost a sibling to cancer an opportunity to play games, meet the Lehigh Valley Therapy Dogs and participate in theater activities. Campers ranged in age from 4 to 15.

“Camp Smile is more than just a week of laughter and fun,” Camp Smile Director Kristine Buss said. “It’s where our campers build friendships, find a sense of normalcy, gain confidence and simply get to be kids. For many of them, it’s the highlight of their summer and something they count down to all year long.”

In keeping with this year’s “Under the Sea” theme, Mark Krokos, owner of That Foam Party Guy, and his 14-year-old daughter, Ella, filled the air with bubbles and waves of ocean-like foam for campers to enjoy. The Plains Township-based business has operated for five years.

Other sea-themed activities included swimming, a visit from Ariel from A Storybook Party and ocean-themed arts and crafts.

“I had a really good time here,” said Robert DiGiacomo Jr., recalling his years as a PCFLV camper. Diagnosed with leukemia at age 5, he has been cancer-free for about eight years. Encouraged by his mother, the 17-year-old is serving his second year as a volunteer counselor.

“I loved it so much,” said his sister, Maddy DiGiacomo, 15, of her experience attending camp as a sibling. She became a volunteer last year when her brother signed up to help.

“I always knew I would be a camp counselor,” Maddy said. “Cancer is obviously a hard thing for someone who is battling it, and the whole family is affected by it. Camp Smile brings a sense of comfort and joy, even during a hard time.”

Robert will enter his senior year at Northwestern Lehigh High School this fall. Maddy will begin her sophomore year.

“It’s fun,” said 15-year-old Sarabeth Mesko. Diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2023, the Lower Macungie Township resident has attended Camp Smile since 2024, along with her sisters, Sophia, 14, and Sidney, 13. Sophia and Sarabeth attend Emmaus High School, while Sidney attends Lower Macungie Middle School.

“This camp is what made me want to go into nursing,” said Samantha Turner, the sisters’ counselor. Turner, a Parkland High School graduate, volunteered at Camp Smile 10 years ago, later became an oncology nurse and returned to volunteer. Her mother is Stephanie Buck, PCFLV’s programming and fundraising coordinator.

Funding for Camp Smile is provided through corporate sponsors, grants and donations.

The Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley provides free programs and services to local children with cancer and their families.

The organization is located at 4501 Crackersport Rd. in South Whitehall Township. For information, call 484-221-9294 or visit www.pcflv.org.