When kids are ill, or have a parent or sibling who is, a summer camp experience may be wishful thinking.

But for youngsters both inside and outside of our area who are either dealing with their own illnesses, or illness in their families, wishes can come true, thanks to many volunteers — including our doctors, nurses and local residents — who help staff a range of special camps every year. Here are some examples.

For children dealing with an illness, summer camp can bring hope and happiness. Some also supply medical education and support in a fun and friendly environment.

For teenagers with Multiple Sclerosis, there’s the Teen Adventure Program, the only camp of its kind in the United States, which offers campers wellness activities such as kayaking, yoga, a high ropes course, meditation, sailing and much more.

Children, ages 5 to 11 with diabetes, can attend the Robert K. Sweeney Summer Fun Days Camp, which gives them opportunities to develop new friendships, learn about diabetes and participate in fun activities.

For children with cancer and their siblings, Kids Need MoRE, (Motivational Recovery Environments, Inc.) offers Camp Adventure, a free, one-week-long sleep-away program.

A day camp option is Sunrise Camp, also for kids with cancer and their siblings. And for children, ages 6 to 16, who have a parent with cancer, Camp Kesem at Stony Brook University, supports them with a week-long summer camp experience and year-long peer support.

Learn more about Stony Brook Children’s Hospital: https://www.stonybrookchildrens.org/