Camp Bluebird offers weekend of rest, relaxation for cancer patients and survivors

HATTIESBURG, Miss. – (April 18, 2016) A weekend of laughter, games and songs around the campfire might all be common to any youth summer camp but for a special group of adult campers at Camp Bluebird, this usual summer fun also provides a chance to rest, relax, and gain renewed strength to fight the diagnosis of cancer that they live with daily.

Camp Bluebird, the first camp for adult cancer patients and survivors in Mississippi, celebrated its twenty-seventh year on April 15-17, 2016. This two and one-half day camp is held annually at Paul B. Johnson State Park and includes recreational activities, social events, devotional and educational opportunities designed to minister to the whole person with fun and fellowship. The purpose of the camp is to promote a sense of well-being among campers, teach them how to live with cancer and cancer treatments and to provide a time of rest and relaxation.

Forrest General, in partnership with the Telephone Pioneers, first sponsored Camp Bluebird in 1989. Forrest General continues to sponsor the camp today. The camp is patterned from the original Camp Bluebird established by St. Vincent’s Foundation in Birmingham, Alabama. The name “Camp Bluebird” originated from the Pioneers’ project of preserving bluebirds by building and placing birdhouses throughout the southeast. The bluebird is known as a brilliant blue, happy songbird – the perfect symbol to represent the celebration of joy, hope, and determination shared by each cancer patient.

Forrest General Cancer Center 

Forrest General Hospital's Cancer Center ranks among the largest and most sophisticated regional cancer treatment centers in South Mississippi and offers a place where patients can receive advanced care in a beautiful, compassionate environment close to home. 

Learn More