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

Held June 22-26, the day camps provided local kids battling cancer and their siblings, along with children who have lost a sibling to cancer, a chance to play games, meet the popular Lehigh Valley Therapy Dogs and participate in theater activities. Attendees were aged 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 theme of “Under the Sea,” That Foam Party Guy owner Mark Krokos, assisted by his 14-year-old daughter Ella, filled the air with bubbles and blew in waves of “ocean” foam for the campers to frolic in. The Plains Township-based outfit has been in business for five years.

Other activities that week reflecting a nautical theme included swimming, a visit by Ariel from “The Little Mermaid” from A Storybook Party as well as enjoying ocean life-themed arts and crafts.

“I had a really good time here,” Robert DiGiacomo Jr. said about the time he was a young PCFLV camper.

Diagnosed with leukemia at age 5, he has been cancer free for around eight years. Encouraged by his mom, the 17-year-old is in his second year as a volunteer counselor.

“I loved it so much,” his 15-year-old sister Maddy DiGiacomo said about her camp experience as a sibling attendee.

She volunteered 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. It (Camp Smile) brings a sense of comfort and joy, even during a hard time.”

Robert is a senior this year at Northwestern Lehigh High School. Maddy has started her sophomore year there.

“It’s fun,” 15-year-old Sarabeth Mesko said.

Still battling thyroid cancer since 2023, the Lower Macungie Township cancer warrior has been a camper since 2024, along with her sisters, 13-year-old Sidney and 14-year-old Sophia. The two older siblings attend Emmaus High School, and the youngest goes to Lower Macungie Middle School.

“This camp is what made me want to go into nursing,” said their assigned camp counselor Samantha Turner.

The Parkland High School graduate volunteered 10 years ago, graduated as an oncology nurse and returned to volunteer again. Her mom is Stephanie Buck, programming and fundraising coordinator.

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

PCFLV provides free programming and services to local children with cancer and their families. It is located at 4501 Crackersport Road, Allentown. For more information, call 484-221-9294 or visit pcflv.org.