Welcome to Camp Breastie, an Adult Summer Camp Where Joy and Cancer Coexist
Our take
The concept of “Camp Breastie” – a four-day summer camp-style summit for those navigating breast and gynecologic cancer – is profoundly moving, and speaks to a growing understanding of the holistic needs of individuals facing serious illness. It's a beautiful counterpoint to the often clinical and isolating experience of cancer treatment. The article rightly highlights that it’s a club no one actively seeks to join, yet the intentionality with which its members are reclaiming joy and forging connections is deeply inspiring. We’ve long discussed the importance of finding direction and purpose, even amidst challenging circumstances, as seen in our piece Possibly burnt out and need advice on direction, and Camp Breastie embodies this principle with remarkable clarity. The desire for community and shared experience is a foundational human need, and this initiative provides a safe and supportive space to meet that need in a uniquely powerful way. It’s also a compelling demonstration of how the principles of experiential learning and intentional community building – often associated with wellness retreats or personal development programs – can be adapted and applied to address the specific needs of a vulnerable population.
The beauty of Camp Breastie lies not just in the activities offered, but in the underlying philosophy. It’s a rejection of the narrative that cancer defines a person's existence. Instead, it’s an affirmation of their resilience, their capacity for joy, and their inherent worth. This aligns with the broader conversation around self-care and mental wellbeing that we frequently explore, including the simple act of finding beauty in the everyday, like choosing a chic nail color for a transition season Not Quite Summer, Not Quite Autumn—These Are September's 6 Chicest Nail Colours to Try. While seemingly disparate, both exemplify a conscious effort to cultivate a sense of agency and optimism, even amidst uncertainty. The article's description evokes a sense of intentionality and mindful presence, characteristics we consistently champion in our community, where members often seek solace and connection in open forums General Discussion - September 01, 2026. This kind of community support is invaluable, fostering a sense of belonging and shared understanding that can be profoundly healing.
The rise of initiatives like Camp Breastie reflects a broader shift in how we approach serious illness. Historically, the focus has been primarily on medical treatment; however, there’s a growing recognition of the crucial role that emotional, social, and spiritual wellbeing play in the healing process. This is not about minimizing the seriousness of cancer, but rather about empowering individuals to navigate their journey with greater resilience and hope. The camp's emphasis on rekindling joy and forging lifelong connections highlights the importance of human connection and shared experience, demonstrating that even in the face of adversity, there is room for laughter, friendship, and celebration. It’s a powerful reminder that healing is not solely a physical process, but a holistic one that encompasses the mind, body, and spirit.
Looking ahead, it will be fascinating to observe the evolution of these types of community-based support systems. Will we see more specialized camps emerging to address the unique needs of different cancer communities? How can these initiatives be scaled to reach a wider audience, particularly those who may face barriers to access? And perhaps most importantly, how can we continue to dismantle the stigma surrounding cancer and create a culture that embraces vulnerability, resilience, and the unwavering pursuit of joy, even in the face of life’s greatest challenges? The quiet strength and intentionality of Camp Breastie offer a compelling model for a more compassionate and holistic approach to cancer care.
It's not the kind of club you want to join, but its members are certainly making the most of it. Picture a four-day summer camp style-summit where people from all walks of the breast and gynecologic cancer community come to rekindle their joy and forge lifelong connections. Participants travel across the country, sleep in cabins, and celebrate all weekend long at an event that sold out in less than 24 hours. It's a total vibe and also totally unique, helping survivors, pre-vivors, and caregivers alike find some much needed community. This is Camp Breastie.
It all started in 2017 when Paige More learned she carried the BRCA1 gene mutation. She debated whether to undergo a preventative double mastectomy, scouring the internet for support. "I was very scared and searching online for resources — or at least other people that had gone through this," More says. "I desperately needed somebody that I could look to." Unfortunately, she kept coming up short.
When More finally decided to go through with the surgery, she made a conscious choice to post about it on social media. At first, she just wanted to be someone people could look to — especially her younger sister, who had yet to do any genetic testing. But her videos quickly gained steam within the breast cancer community.
"When I started sharing my story, I ended up connecting with tens, then hundreds, then thousands of other people going through this. And it wasn't just pre-vivors like me — someone who had a preventative mastectomy — but [also] survivors and those with Stage 4 and caregivers," More says. Among the people she connected with were eventual Camp Breastie cofounders Allie Brumel, Trish Michelle, and Bri Majsiak.
Image Source: Courtesy of @fotobdy
"It was all very serendipitous how we all got connected. It was this domino effect," Majsiak says. The four saw how badly the community wanted to connect, and decided to create a space for that to happen. "Paige started organizing these events in New York, and so many people were resonating and coming [to the point] where we were constantly staying well past our allotted time," Majsiak says.
After seeing how successful these local meetups were, the group planned their first retreat: a weekend in the Poconos. At first it was just 10 pre-vivors (like More and Majsiak) and 10 survivors (like Brumel and Michelle). "We got ski tickets donated, and we just had the best time," Brumel says. "When we came home, there were just so many messages from other Breasties being like, 'When's the next retreat? How can I come?'"
"Hey, what if we rented out a summer camp?"
Realizing they had already outgrown their one-off ski retreat, the group decided to think bigger. They applied for nonprofit status in 2018 and did five retreats their first year . . . then 10 the next. Still, the waitlist continued to grow. "We were like, 'Hey, what if we rented out a summer camp?' — 500 people will fit," Brumel says. And just like that, Camp Breastie was born.
Back in 2019, Camp Breastie took a few weeks to sell out. This year, it reached full capacity in less than two hours. So what is it about this retreat in particular that feels so special? And if you're planning on attending, what can you expect from a weekend at Camp Breastie? Here's what to know.
Image Source: Courtesy of @fotobdy
What to Expect From Camp Breastie
With almost 200 programs to choose from, it's hard to describe a "typical weekend" at Camp Breastie. More calls it a "pick your own adventure." After you get off the bus and find your designated cabin, you can choose to attend discussion panels (hosted by breast cancer researchers and members of the community). Or maybe you'll start the morning off with a cold plunge, a swim in the lake, or some movement in the form of mobility training, pickleball, or even a Beyoncé-themed dance class.
"There are so many needs in our community," Michelle explains. "There are some folks that have just finished grueling treatment. They haven't been able to connect with their people, they don't look like they used to. They're a little self-conscious about their bodies, and they just need to connect and rest. And so the experience for them is maybe just coming to camp and sitting on an Adirondack chair by the lake and just having cool vibes and conversations with people."
"All of a sudden, people are embracing their scars."
Depending on your goals for the weekend (camp starts on Thursday and ends Sunday), some may find themselves among Stage 4 survivors and thrivers, jotting down notes about recent innovations, surgical interventions, and treatment options. Others might trade friendship bracelets, take an art class, or work quietly on a crochet project. The most important thing is that Camp Breastie will always meet you where you're at.
As with any large gathering, Brumel knows some might be worried about making friends or being the odd one out. "Some Breasties have never met another Breastie before, and there's this buildup and hype," she says. "You might worry, 'Oh, there might be cliques and people who know each other and have done this before,' but when you step off the bus, it's literally just a line of people hugging," Brumel says.
At the end of the weekend, Camp Breastie hosts a "Breastival" featuring a DJ, food trucks, multiple activations, and a pride parade (seeing as camp takes place in June). The Breastival has a different theme every year, and the Breasties come dressed accordingly. "All of a sudden, people are embracing their scars," Brumel says. The difference between how people arrive at Camp Breastie versus how they depart is staggering.
Camp Breastie Tips
If you're planning on attending Camp Breastie yourself, there are a few pro tips to keep in mind. "I experienced great, wonderful communities in my life, but Camp Breastie takes it to a whole new level," one Breastie wrote in the r/BreastCancerSurvivors Reddit thread. Their advice? Pack a few extra blankets and pillows if you have trouble sleeping.
"The beds are legit camp cabin beds, for kids," the commenter said. "And it was June, but it's in the mountains, so it gets pretty cold at night." If you're particular about your iced latte, you might also want to download a delivery app just in case. (Camp Breastie supplies food and coffee, but everyone has their specific preferences.)
A typical ticket to Camp Breastie costs $350, but the founders award 250 scholarship tickets to Breasties that identify as BIPOC, LGBTQ+, Stage 4, or in financial need. "Our dream is to one day have camp free for everyone, and multiple camps," Majsiak says.
What Do People Get From Camp Breastie?
Connection and joy are powerful, but so is learning how to navigate a complex medical journey. Michelle says that many Breasties tend to share information about their own healthcare experiences, including specific treatment regimens, medications, and doctor appointments, all of which can help other Breasties become better advocates. "So much of Camp is becoming an advocate, becoming a self-advocate, advocating for your own best care, [and] advocating for greater care for the entire community," Brumel says.
That said, the full impact of Camp Breastie goes far beyond concrete medical care. "What starts at Camp Breastie truly transcends into so many other parts of their lives," More says. After a stay at Camp Breastie, the change is visible. "People say in their post-event surveys that their friends or families or partners have told them, 'Oh my gosh, I got my partner back,' or 'I got my friend back,' or 'I got my sister back,' or 'I've seen a new side of you that I've never seen before,'" More says.
"It's not just about one weekend, it's not just in this space. It truly changes you as a person."
49464799
Chandler Plante (she/her) is a staff writer and PS Fit Producer. She has over six years of industry experience, previously working as an editorial assistant for People magazine, a social media manager for Millie magazine, and a contributor for Bustle Digital Group. She has a degree in magazine journalism from Syracuse University and is based in Los Angeles.Read on the original site
Open the publisher's page for the full experience