Camp Sunshine

What Camp Sunshine does

Camp Sunshine is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization (tax ID 22-2582877) founded in 1984 and headquartered at 35 Acadia Road, Casco, Maine, where it operates a year-round retreat campus on Sebago Lake. The organization serves children diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses — including oncology, hematology, and other serious medical conditions — together with their parents and siblings, providing free, medically supported retreat programming accredited by the American Camp Association. Programs are offered at no cost to families, who apply and are sponsored through family-sponsorship funds; the organization employs 11-50 staff and operates from a single site with no subsidiaries or parent-company relationship.

The revenue model is donation-driven and multi-channel. Primary inflow is individual contributions and corporate partnerships, supplemented by a recurring monthly giving program (minimum $10/month), tribute and memorial gifts, planned giving/bequests, IRA charitable rollovers up to $111,000 for donors aged 70½+, donor-advised funds, charitable remainder trusts, and gifts of securities. A secondary revenue stream runs through an online merchandise store (adult and youth apparel, drinkware, blankets, accessories, and engraved commemorative bricks priced $100-$2,500) and event-driven fundraising at the Pumpkin Festival, Watermelon Festival, SEALs for Sunshine Gala, Maine Suitcase Party, Golf Tournament, and Polar Dip. Pricing to beneficiary families is zero; all revenue is generated upstream from donors and supporters rather than from service recipients.

Camp Sunshine has cultivated a deep network of long-tenured flagship corporate partners — most notably Tropical Smoothie Café (partner since 2007, $7.5M+ raised cumulatively through National Flip Flop Day, plus underwriting of the 2018 Sports Center), New Balance Foundation (since 2000, including $250K and $300K matching campaigns), TD Bank (since 1996, including the construction loan that enabled the permanent campus in 1999), L.L.Bean (Pumpkin Festival host since 2013), Migis Lodge on Sebago Lake (founding-era sponsor since 1984, $1M+ raised), Texas Roadhouse (since 2012), and Dunkin'/Dunkin' Joy in Childhood Foundation (since 2015/2016). Governance is provided by a Board of Directors with no equity holders, and the organization carries Charity Navigator's 4-star rating (highest possible) and Candid's Gold Seal of transparency.

Name

Camp Sunshine

Legal name

Camp Sunshine

Website

https://campsunshine.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1984

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Camp Sunshine is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1984 that operates a year-round retreat campus on Sebago Lake in Casco, Maine, providing free programs to children with life-threatening illnesses and their families, funded by donations and corporate partnerships.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Nonprofit Pediatric Family Retreat Services

NAICS

Recreational and Vacation Camps (except Campgrounds) (721214)

SIC

Hotels, Rooming Houses, Camps & Other Lodging Places (7000)

akta.pro primary industry

Family & Recreation Campgrounds (Amenities/Activities Focus) (THAMAJAJ)

akta.pro secondary industries

Campgrounds & RV Parks (Developed Sites) (THAGAOAA), Cabin & Cottage Campgrounds (THAGAOAD)

Keywords

• Pediatric illness retreats
• Family respite programs
• Nonprofit camp services
• Charitable giving programs
• Branded merchandise fundraising

Headquarters

HQ city

Casco

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Contributions: Primary revenue source through individual donations, corporate partnerships, and fundraising campaigns. Includes general operating support, capital project contributions, and family sponsorship funds.
2. Merchandise Sales: Online store selling branded merchandise including clothing, accessories, drinkware, blankets, and commemorative bricks to supporters.
3. Monthly Giving Program: Recurring monthly donations from sustaining members with minimum $10 monthly commitment, providing predictable revenue stream.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Camp Sunshine provides year-round, free-of-charge residential retreat programs at its Sebago Lake campus in Casco, Maine for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. Programs span multiple disease groups simultaneously with on-site medical support, recreational activities, and peer support, and include parents and siblings in the retreat experience. Complementary revenue-generating offerings include a branded online merchandise store, engraved commemorative brick walkways, monthly giving, and named sponsorship programs such as Love Cups and benches.

Product overview

Camp Sunshine is a non-profit charitable organization offering year-round programs for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. The organization's offerings include: (1) Core camp programs at its Casco, Maine campus providing respite and community; (2) An online merchandise store selling branded apparel (adult and youth clothing), drinkware, blankets, accessories, and commemorative bricks; (3) Donation programs including one-time and monthly giving, bequests, IRA charitable rollovers, and donor advised funds; (4) Sponsorship programs for Love Cups and benches. The merchandise store, powered by Wix, sells products ranging from $10 face masks to $2,500 engraved bricks. Corporate partners including Tropical Smoothie Café, Texas Roadhouse, New Balance Foundation, and L.L.Bean support the organization through fundraising and event sponsorship.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Camp Sunshine Family Retreat Programs Year-round, free-of-charge residential retreat programs at the Sebago Lake campus in Casco, Maine, providing on-site medical support, recreational activities, peer support, and family-wide inclusion (child, parents, and siblings) for families impacted by life-threatening pediatric illness such as oncology, hematology, and other serious conditions; transportation assistance is provided to qualifying families.
• Camp Sunshine Online Merchandise Store E-commerce storefront at store.campsunshine.org selling branded apparel (adult and youth clothing such as sweatshirts, hoodies, polos, t-shirts, fleeces), drinkware (insulated bottles and tumblers including Freesip, Avex, and Tervis), blankets, accessories (hats, scarves, face masks, tote bags), and commemorative bricks; merchandise is shipped nationally and revenue supports camp funding.
• Commemorative Brick Walkway Donations Donation program selling engraved bricks installed on the Angel Walkway or Pathway to the Future Walkway at the Casco campus, with prices ranging from $100 (4x8 Pathway brick) to $2,500 (8x8 Angel Walkway brick); funds support the camp endowment.
• Monthly Giving Program Sustaining donor program with a $10 minimum recurring monthly donation charged to credit card on the first of each month, providing a predictable revenue stream that supports year-round programs.
• Planned Giving and Securities Donation Program Multi-vehicle giving program accepting bequests, IRA charitable rollovers (up to $111,000 for those 70½+), donor-advised funds, charitable remainder trusts, and gifts of securities; administered through the VP of Development.
• Love Cup Sponsorship $25 per Love Cup trophy sponsorship with optional personalized messages printed on trophies awarded during camp sessions, providing a tangible donor recognition product.
• Bench Sponsorship Program Sponsorship program to name a composite bench in the amphitheater or volleyball court area of the Sebago Lake campus to celebrate, memorialize, or commemorate a person or event.

Quantifiable outcome

• More than $7.5 million raised through Tropical Smoothie Café partnership alone
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

23 partnerships are on record, tiered secondary, minor, core and flagship.

• Vertex FoundationsecondaryGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2018Began contributing by providing matching donations for employees participating in Braveheart Bike Ride & Family Day in Harvard, MA in 2018. Most recently provided support for Camp Sunshine Virtual programs during the pandemic.
• Johnson & JordanminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2017Began support as sponsor of Maine Suitcase Party in 2017. Introduced by lead sponsor Kevin French. Continued annual support and assisted in launching inaugural Camp Sunshine Ride in 2020.
• Cross InsuranceminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2017Major corporate sponsor of Maine Suitcase Party since 2017. When event was cancelled in 2020, did not waver in continuing support and became sponsor of inaugural Camp Sunshine Poker Ride.
• Dunkin' Joy in Childhood FoundationcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2015Partnership strengthened in 2016 when Foundation began supporting Camp. Foundation grants enabled purchase of AED machine, wheelchair ramp repairs, handicap-accessible playground equipment, and beach wheelchair for water access. Local franchisees donate all coffee, cups, and lids for the season. Sponsored 16 families 2017-2019.
• Martignetti Companies of NNEsecondaryGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2015Facilitated by Executive Vice President Dean Williams. First began supporting Camp Sunshine's annual SEALs for Sunshine event in 2015 with help from dedicated suppliers. Continues to sponsor several fundraising events each year including the Maine Suitcase Party.
• Landry/French ConstructionsecondaryGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2015Partnership began in 2015. Support Camp Sunshine's Maine Suitcase Party and SEALs for Sunshine events. Executive Vice President Kevin French is key member of Maine Suitcase Party planning committee and organization has been lead sponsor for several years.
• Texas RoadhousecoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2012Corporate partner since 2012 when Market Partner Michael Halpern brought employees to volunteer. Texas Roadhouse Team New England raised $202,600 in 2026 and employees regularly volunteer at camp sessions. Hosts fundraising events at Scarborough location.
• Tropical Smoothie CaféflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2007Camp Sunshine's largest corporate partner since 2007. Partnership has raised more than $7.5 million through National Flip Flop Day events and other fundraising campaigns. Tropical Smoothie Café also funded the Tropical Smoothie Café Sports Center at camp and sponsors two oncology sessions annually.
• NAPAsecondaryGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2007NAPA's support began in 2007. Over the years, NAPA and NAPA Auto Care Centers have sold paper 'sunnies' and pumpkins. NAPA has hosted golf outings and organized the NAPA Egg Ride event. Continues to support through NAPA Installer Rewards program.
• RenyssecondaryGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2003Maine-based department store has rallied since 2003 selling and displaying hundreds of paper pumpkins in stores each October to benefit Camp Sunshine. Locations compete to send more families to Camp. Nearly two decades of October campaigns.
• KOA (Kampgrounds of America) Care CampssecondaryGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2002Care Camps is a nonprofit supporting children's oncology camps throughout North America. Has been providing funding to support Camp Sunshine's mission since 2002. Helps families attend Camp and has provided grants for campus capital projects.
• New Balance FoundationflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2000One of Camp Sunshine's longest-standing corporate partners since 2000. Provided $250,000 matching challenge for Brick Walkway Campaign and $300,000 'Go the Distance' matching campaign for Camp Sunshine's 30th anniversary. The New Balance Foundation Brick Walkway is named in their honor.
• Shaw Brothers ConstructionsecondaryGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 1999Partnership dates back to 1999 community fundraiser. Shaw Brothers has supported through in-kind services, special event sponsorship, and capital project funding. Owner and Co-Founder Dan Shaw has been Board Member since 2005.
• Silverang Rosenzweig & HaltzmansecondaryGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 1997Since 1997, Principal Kevin Silverang and wife Claudia have supported Camp. Initial gifts at request of founding volunteer Joe Pappalardo. Kevin hosts annual Peptones Rock and Soul Music event benefiting Camp. Kevin became Board Member in 2016.
• TD BankcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 1996One of Camp Sunshine's longest corporate partners since 1996. Provided construction loan enabling start of Camp's permanent home in 1999. TD Beach to Beacon 10K Road Race benefits Camp. TD Banknorth Charitable Foundation established Family Sponsorship Fund supporting 8 families annually. Entrance to main building named for TD Bank.
• Hancock LumbersecondaryGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 1993History of giving began in 1993 with donation by Carol and David Hancock. David Hancock served as chairman of Executive Committee until 1997. Carol served as volunteer and then Board Member. Hancock Lumber and family have contributed to capital projects, golf tournaments, and Pumpkin Festival.
• Migis Lodge on Sebago LakecoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 1984Since Camp Sunshine's inception in 1984, Migis Lodge has supported through catering events, hosting board meetings, and introducing guests to Camp. Migis guests have raised in excess of $1,000,000, most notably during 2016 centennial campaign. Owner Tim Porta served on Board since 2001, Jed Porta currently serves.
• L.L.BeancoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership began in 2013 hosting Camp Sunshine's annual Pumpkin Festival at L.L.Bean's Flagship Campus in Freeport, Maine. Partnership expanded to include Watermelon Festival in 2017. L.L.Bean provides employee volunteers and Bootmobile visits to camp. Collectively these events attract more than 50,000 attendees annually.
• MAC Air GroupsecondaryGTM or Marketing PartnerOwners Allyn and Alysan Caruso provided airplane hangar, jet, and pilots for first Maine Suitcase Party in 2013 and have continued as gracious hosts for the event.
• Spectrum Healthcare PartnerssecondaryGTM or Marketing PartnerSupport began helping families attend Camp in 2010. Became sponsor of fall Pumpkin Festival in 2011 and continued annually. In 2019 additionally became lead sponsor of annual Watermelon Festival.
• Capital GroupsecondaryGTM or Marketing PartnerProviding support for various fundraising events and operational initiatives. Partnership made possible by Ralph Heckert, Senior Vice President and Shareholder, who has served on Camp Sunshine's Board of Directors since 2017.
• Academy MortgagesecondaryGTM or Marketing PartnerNurtured by Branch Manager Tamika Donahue. Major sponsor of Camp Sunshine's Maine Suitcase Party and Freezin' for a Reason Portland Polar Dip. Tamika has been member of Maine Suitcase Party planning committee since 2013.
• Maine Army National Guard - 133rd Engineering BattalionsecondaryGTM or Marketing PartnerAssisted with campus construction and upgrades valued at more than $150,000 since Camp Sunshine's inception in 1984.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp: Founded by Paul Newman in Connecticut, this residential camp provides year-round retreats for children with serious illnesses and their families — directly analogous to Camp Sunshine in mission, year-round programming, and family-inclusive approach.
• Double H Ranch: Co-founded by Paul Newman and Charles Baudch in Lake Luzerne, NY, this residential camp serves children with life-threatening illnesses year-round, directly comparable in operational model, family-inclusive programming, and medical-support staffing.
• Camp Quality USA: National network of summer camps serving children with cancer and their families with year-round programming; directly comparable in nonprofit camp model, residential programming, and family-inclusive approach.
• Victory Junction: North Carolina-based camp founded by Kyle and Pattie Petty serving children with chronic medical conditions; directly comparable in residential camp operations, medically-supported programming, and donor-funded model for seriously ill children.
• Camp Mak-A-Dream: Montana-based nonprofit camp serving children, young adults, and families affected by cancer; directly comparable in mission focus on oncology, residential programming, and partnership-driven fundraising model.
• Sunrise Day Camp: New York-area summer and year-round programs serving children with cancer and their siblings; directly comparable in family-inclusive pediatric oncology programming and free-of-charge residential model.
• Camp Kesem: National nonprofit supporting college-student-led free summer camps for children affected by a parent's cancer; comparable in mission of supporting children impacted by serious illness via free residential camp programming.
• Special Love / Camp Fantastic: Virginia-based nonprofit providing camps and year-round programs for children with cancer and their families, directly comparable in residential programming, year-round family support, and donor-funded model.

Broad incumbents

• SeriousFun Children's Network: Global umbrella network founded by Paul Newman supporting 30+ member camps worldwide serving children with serious illnesses; comparable as the broader industry body governing programs like Camp Sunshine's and channeling funds to member camps.

Regional players

• Camp Oochigeas: Ontario, Canada-based residential camp serving children with cancer and their families; comparable in programming model but operates in Canada rather than the U.S. Northeast where Camp Sunshine serves.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/CampSunshine1984
• Facebookfacebook.com/campsunshine1984
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/camp-sunshine-at-sebago-lake-inc-
• Instagraminstagram.com/gocampsunshine
• Xx.com/GoCampSunshine

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Camp Sunshine