What you need to know
Who is RCD for?
Guests
- Teens with cancer ages 13 to 19
- Currently on treatment or off no more than a year
- Extra consideration for teens who have been homebound or faced relapse
- Defer to hospital for who would most benefit
Candidates are selected through local hospitals and social workers.
Hosts
Teen volunteers who want to help make sure their peers are comfortable and having fun.
HoP chaperones
Assigned to each hospital group. They fly with the groups and serve as an adult touch-point for guests and parents.
HoP medical staff
Supervise health and well-being of guests for the week, checking with doctors and parents for special needs, and staffing the “chill” room.
Hospital chaperones
Hospital staff who volunteer to be a familiar adult face for their group. One chaperone from each hospital is preferred, but no longer required.
RCD in a nutshell
From pickup to send-off, it’s covered
From the minute you start your trip until the minute your parents pick you up, HoP covers every meal, activity, hotel room, and surprise.
Hospital groups close to the host city are picked up by motorcoach at their hospitals. All other hospital groups meet Heart of Passion volunteers at their nearest airport and are picked up at the airport at the end of the retreat.
Next Red Carpet Day
Dates, city, theme and hotel need HoP's confirmation.
Retreat guide
Before you pack
Packing list
- Comfortable shoes
- Three comfortable outfits (for walking around and for the heat!)
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Your best threads for the themed dance
- Undergarments
- Toiletries (deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste)
- Medications in original bottles
- Phone chargers
- Optional: spending money
How are sleeping arrangements?
Two guests to a hotel room, everyone has their own bed.
When is lights out?
Lights out is 2am the first two nights, with no lights out on the last night. Planned activities usually end by 10pm each night, after which guests can hang out in the hangout room or relax in their own hotel room.
What if I don’t feel well at RCD?
We have a “chill suite” where our volunteer medical staff can make sure you’re healthy and comfortable. You are always welcome to skip activities to rest.
How much money do I need to bring?
None! From the minute you start your trip until the minute your parents pick you up, HoP covers every meal, activity, hotel room, and surprise. That said, we know some people love to shop, so feel free to bring spending money if that’s your joy!
Do families participate?
We know family support is crucial, but this retreat is designed just for the teens to socialize with people their own age. For this purpose and for our background safety requirements, we do not invite parents or siblings to participate in RCD.
Why should we trust HoP?
HoP has hosted Red Carpet Day in Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas, and New Orleans, and has operated in New Orleans since 2011. HoP is a member of the American Camp Association and the Children’s Oncology Camp Association-International.
Registration
Sign up for Red Carpet Day
Guests register through a password-protected form supplied by their hospital or nurse. For questions, contact HoP.
Hang Time with HoP
Virtual time together
Monthly virtual sessions hosted by HoP high school and college students, including movie nights and games.