The benefits gained at summer camp provide a child with
empathy, confidence, and friendships long after camp ends.

Until there's a cure, there's camp.

Candlelighters of West Texas & Southern New Mexico is dedicated to enriching the lives of children who have cancer. Our agency offers our programs completely free to any family fighting pediatric cancer. Our programs include emergency financial assistance, counseling, caregiver workshops, summer oncology camps, family retreats, local medical transportation, college scholarships, and many other services and activities for our children and their families.

In 2026, we are celebrating 47 years of Candlelighters Summer Camp! Camp is held in the Sacramento Mountains of New Mexico. Our residential summer camp, Camp Courageous, is provided free of charge to childhood cancer survivors, and a separate week-long camp, Camp Bravo, is provided for their siblings. Approximately 100 children attend camp each year to participate in a wide range of fun activities designed to promote wellness and build self-esteem in a supportive environment filled with learning and excitement. Children currently in active treatment are encouraged to attend and will receive care from our on-site medical staff. An all-volunteer staff of 20 helps keep overall costs down to ensure that our budget can include every child capable of attending.

Candlelighters also runs three smaller camp experiences for families:

Camp Little - for ages 2-5 years old, a day camp in El Paso to experience some local adventure

Staycation Camp - for ages 6-18 years, a multi-day day camp for kids not cleared to go to NM residential camp

Camp United - a 3-day retreat for families to enjoy the camp experience together

Lantern Luncheon 2026

Help us light the way to camp!