On Belay's Outdoor Adventure Programs
- Jill McMahon
- Aug 4
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 5
If your family has been impacted by cancer, you'll want to know about this.
I learned about this incredible organization when a mutual friend connected me with Madeline Brooks, the Executive Director of On Belay. After hearing Madeline share the origin story and the diverse range of FREE outdoor programs they offer for kids impacted by a loved one's cancer, I felt compelled to help spread the word.
I knew about another organization supporting children through a parent’s cancer, called Camp Kesem, because my friend’s daughter attended and had a great experience. When I mentioned this to Madeline, I was happy to learn that On Belay collaborates with Camp Kesem, bridging the gap during the school year when the supportive summer camp community can feel distant.
I hope this can serve as a resource for any child you know who has a parent, sibling, friend, or other family member with cancer. Here are the details:
Mission: On Belay builds connection and community among youth who have or have had a loved one with cancer using adventure programs that encourage participants to uncover their inner resilience.
Program Descriptions: On Belay provides free year round adventure programs for youth, ages 8-18, impacted by a loved one’s cancer diagnosis. On Belay’s programs are intentionally designed to utilize adventures as a vehicle to provide a supportive community of peers who get it, uncover inner resilience, and to have fun. On Belay’s programs take place in NH, MA, and ME and serve kids from every state in New England. We serve kids who’s loved one’s are parents, grandparents, siblings, and anyone else in their life whose cancer diagnosis has impacted their life. Programs range from rock climbing, cross country skiing, surfing, and much more!
Quick Facts:
On Belay was founded in 2004.
Programs take place in NH, MA, and ME, serving kids from every state in New England.
In 2025 On Belay will offer 20 day and overnight programs.
They serve kids with “loved one’s” with cancer – parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles who all have or have had cancer.
Love one’s can be in treatment, remission, or have passed away.
Here are testimonials showing the impact On Belay's had on its participants:
“Cancer disrupted my son’s childhood after months of worry and treatment and hospital it literally “interrupted” magical moments that should have taken place, like birthdays and play dates and parent’s day. Looking back through the pictures taken of the kids that participate in the On Belay activities, I see my son experiencing pure joy, glee, and happiness. The support of the On Belay community, the persistent upbeat positivity brought the sparkle back into my son’s face. And now it has been 8 years and my son is still excited about participating in the program. It has changed the direction of his self confidence and given me a sense of relief.”
“My family has been twice impacted by cancer. First with myself in 2016, then with my son in 2023. We found out about On Belay when my son was diagnosed and his two older brothers began participating in the program shortly after. This program has given them both opportunities to try new things and be active around other kids who are dealing with similar challenges. They have a chance to escape from the struggles at home and enjoy themselves, challenge themselves, and use their energy in a positive way instead of feeling alone and lonely at home. That this program uses the outdoors so much in the activities is especially healing and has helped my boys to connect more with nature and the world in a positive way, far from all the reminders of cancer that they see around the house every day. This program has been a real life saver for my family and we are so thankful to have this opportunity for our kids.”
Please share this information with anyone you know who could benefit from these programs!
For more info:
@onbelaynh
