Work in progress – Programs for 2025 have not been finalized. Please follow this page or our social media for updates
WHAT IS WAY UP
Way Up is an 7 day adventure for adults aged 18-45 who have been diagnosed with cancer after the age of 15. The program is open to people that are in complete remission or who are still undergoing treatment for an oncological condition.
The program is an opportunity for people who have or have had cancer to (re)discover their physical abilities and autonomy whilst connecting with peers in a beautiful and intimate enviornment. On a wider scale, Way Up is working to challenge the cultural taboos that surround illness and individual need for psychological support throughout their experience.
Way Up is a true immersion into Italian culture and the outdoor opportunities that our region of Italy has to offer; over the course of the week participants will take part in a variety of alpine sports as well as excursions to historic towns and breathtaking natural sites. We work with expert guides and local staff and to create programs where participants will feel challenged but supported in learning the basics of a variety of sports.
JOIN A COMMUNITY
Way up is designed to be inclusive of each person’s physical, emotional and personal needs. Every participant should feel they have had the opportunity to try something new, and be able to share these or other experiences with a small group of peers. All Way Up programs are open to a maximum of 13 people.
WHERE WE ARE
The Way Up week takes place at Castel Campo, in the North of Italy. This centuries old castle and organic farm is private property and will be of exclusive use of participants. Deep within the woods in Trentino, our home base is ideal for retreating from the daily noise of everyday life and is a place where it is possible to learn connect with the natural environment and its rhythms.
At the foothills of the Dolomite Mountains and 20 km from Lake Garda, Castel Campo is the ideal location to create a community of individuals that is eager to explore the outdoors the unique culture of this region.
For info and applications:
info@associazionecampobase.org
Spaces are limited: Way Up is open to a maximum of 16 participants.
What kind of sports expertise is required?
Our programs were born to be custom designed for the participants. No specific sports skills are required, nor is a sporting lifestyle. Our goal is to give participants the chance to try new things in a safety context.
What other activities does the program offer?
A Way Up you can expect to participate in: hiking, sailing, rock climbing and / or artificial walls, mountain biking and / or ebike, swimming, canoeing, cave excursions. But also: sports massage, cooking classes or wine tasting, cultural and tourist visits … And maybe, if you are lucky, you will also be able to read a few pages of that book that you have long been on the bedside table.
Who will the other participants be?
Way Up is open to patients and ex-oncohematologic patients who have received a diagnosis in non-pediatric age, and who are 18-45 years old. Participants will always be accompanied by the Campo Base staff and professional guides.
I don't have a cancer diagnosis, but another serious illness. Am I eligibile to apply?
In this case, please e-mail us at info@associazionecampobase.org, and we can discuss!
Can I stay only a few days and not the whole week?
Those who can participate in the whole week will have precedence. An important goal of the project is to know how to share and network among peers: we think that taking the time to do this experience is important.
Can a family member come with me?
Way Up is designed for patients and former patients. We absolutely recognize that the disease can affect all the members of a family very strongly, but unfortunately it will not be possible to share this experience with them live. This will be a space to be dedicated only to oneself, in order to be able to talk and share (if desired) of one’s own experience and life with peers outside one’s daily context.
Will I have time to visit the local area?
This project is designed to be with the people we meet. We will spend the evenings together around the bonfire, as even the “free” moments are meant to be shared with the group. Although no one is forced to stay anywhere, this will not be a typical vacation.
We will take some time during the week to visit a nearby city.
Is there Wi-Fi? - or "Why No FI?"
CONNECTIVITY: In Castel Campo there is no WIFI. We ask you to organize your personal and business needs so that you can (almost) completely disconnect from the connectivity to the technology. We will ask you not to use mobile phones during activities, during meals, in moments of sharing.
What does "Free" participation include?
WHAT IS INCLUDED: Participation in WAY UP is free for eligible participants who have received the invitation to participate. Specifically, the following will be included: All meals; Transportation (excluding travel to and from a major Romanian airport); Accommodation; Participation in the Itinerary Activities.
You will have to provide for:
- Campo Base can partially sponsor your trip to our location. Please contact us for more information.
- If you plan to stay extra time in Italy, we will not cover any of those expenses
- Any spending money and souvenirs
What kind of equipment should I bring?
WHAT TO BRING: At the time of confirmation of participation we will send you a list of things to bring. No technical equipment is required other than a good pair of mountain boots and a medium-sized backpack.
Info about gluten free food
Celiac disease
The camp can cook with specific products for celiac disease and with adequately clean and prepared equipment, but it is not equipped with a second separate “gluten free” kitchen, that is, it cannot guarantee the total absence of any contamination since it does not have separate areas and equipment for food preparation. We ask you to specify your need in the form and give us as much information as possible about it. For info write to us at info@associazionecampobase.org