Tenise Newberg: A survivor uses her experience to empower families
By Jennifer Colosimo
In 1987, Tenise Newberg was diagnosed with cancer and was too sick to attend Camp Sunshine, a weeklong camp for children and teens facing the exact same thing. When she was finally able to come as a Counselor in Training (C.I.T.), it lived up to everything she had heard. When she returned in 1993 as a volunteer, it was the beginning of a very long stint returning year after year to help out at a place she had grown to love. For nearly three decades, she’s served in various roles at the camp—now, as executive director—and continues to fuel her passion caring for families facing cancer battles.
What drives you in your role at Camp Sunshine?
Tenise Newberg: Seeing the impact Camp Sunshine has on the entire family of a child with cancer is so powerful. It provides children the opportunity to be kids again and gives families hope and a community of support. I am motivated by the resilience of the campers, the dedication of our volunteers and the continued support from our donors.
What is one story that continues to inspire you?
TN: Years ago, a teen camper arrived and really didn’t want to be there. He mentioned everyday he was ready to go home, but I watched him slowly open up, make friends and by the final day he was leading songs and encouraging others. He even learned to swim! The transformation was remarkable, and it wasn’t just about having fun. It was about confidence, healing and belonging. That is the heart of Camp Sunshine—kids and teenagers becoming themselves again.
What is your favorite aspect of Camp Sunshine?
TN: Camp gives back a community of support, a place to feel safe and a place of joy to families. Campers instantly find a bond over their diagnosis or medications. The parents sit together at a house program and realize the person next to them truly understands what it’s like to navigate a childhood cancer diagnosis. At camp, kids are out on the ropes course or in arts and crafts laughing and connecting with others who have been on the same journey. Even siblings, who are so often overlooked, get special programming designed just for them, and they form bonds with other kids who “just get it.”
What do you wish more people knew about camp?
TN: Camp Sunshine is more than a camp. It is year-round programming providing support, recreation and education for the entire family and it is all at no cost to families. Everyone is connected to each other through cancer, but it is not just about cancer—it is about belonging. They no longer feel alone, because they are part of a new family—the Camp Sunshine family.
