TOPSHAM — Cancer doesn’t have to be a reason for a child to miss the fun and excitement of camp. Children affected by cancer, ages 4 through high school, are invited to attend the American Cancer Society’s Camp Rainbow, celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2012 from June 24-30.

Camp Rainbow has been in operation since 1987 and is a special place where kids with cancer can simply smile, laugh and play; a place where they are not treated as “different” or “sick;” a place where they can just be happy, fun-loving kids again. This weeklong camping experience helps meet the physical, psychological and emotional needs of hundreds of young cancer patients and their families. Attendees participate in fun activities such as swimming, kayaking, volleyball, arts and crafts, singing and more. The camp operates at Camp Jordan on Branch Lake in Ellsworth, a facility of more than 200 acres with a well-developed waterfront, spacious dining hall, ropes course, various athletic areas, a theater stage and an arts and crafts building.

While both counselors and campers do talk about their experiences with cancer and what they’ve been through, they are really there to have fun. Days filled with activities like swimming, arts and crafts, singing and just having a good time with others like them.

Children currently in treatment for cancer as well as those who are up to 10 years post-treatment are eligible to attend. Children ages 4 to 6 may attend with a parent or guardian; those 7 and older may attend alone. Attendance is subject to the approval of the medical director. Maine children are given preference but out-of-state children are also encouraged to apply.

Campers (including parents) are assigned to age- and gender-matched cabins. Meals are served in the dining hall. There is generally a ratio of eight campers to one cabin counselor, with two staff members in each cabin overnight.

For more information and an application, contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.