• Courtesy of Camp Ta-Kum-Ta
• Camp Ta-Kum-Ta

Camp Ta-Kum-Ta — If you stumbled upon Camp Ta-Kum-Ta, nestled a mile down a dirt road along the shores of Lake Champlain, you might hear the shrieks of zip-lining kids or the thunderous applause of an audience that’s just been treated to a karaoke rendition of “Don’t Stop Believin’.” The one thing you probably won’t hear: the word “cancer.” Since 1984, the camp has provided — at no cost to families — a weeklong summer refuge from the physical and emotional challenges of illness for children and adolescents at any stage of the treatment process who either reside or receive medical care in Vermont. Kids and teens — as well as parents and siblings — can also attend weekend retreats at the camp, held throughout the year. Anyone who’s ever set foot on Ta-Kum-Ta’s bosky grounds will tell you that it’s a magical place, impervious to both negativity and cell service, where everyone treats each other with exuberant, genuine kindness.

Other Finalists

• Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity
• Humane Society of Chittenden County
• Ronald McDonald House Charities of Burlington
• Spectrum Youth & Family Services