Boise State Students Help Kids with Cancer Explore Idaho Outdoors

University's health science students volunteer at Camp Rainbow Gold summer camp.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 12:58am

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A ghostly, translucent X-ray photograph showing the skeletal structure of a young child's hand reaching out, conveying the fragility and resilience of pediatric cancer patients.Boise State health science students provide vital support and enrichment for children battling cancer at an Idaho summer camp.Boise Today

Students and faculty from Boise State University's health science programs are spending their summers volunteering at Camp Rainbow Gold, a camp that provides outdoor adventures and support for children with cancer and their families in Idaho.

Why it matters

The partnership between Boise State and Camp Rainbow Gold allows health science students to gain valuable hands-on experience working with pediatric cancer patients, while also providing critical support and enrichment activities for the campers.

The details

Boise State students majoring in fields like nursing, public health, and kinesiology volunteer as counselors, activity leaders, and medical staff at the week-long summer camp. They lead the campers in outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, and arts and crafts, while also providing medical care and emotional support.

  • Camp Rainbow Gold runs for one week each summer in the Idaho wilderness.
  • Boise State students have been volunteering at the camp for the past 5 summers.

The players

Camp Rainbow Gold

A summer camp that provides outdoor adventures and support for children with cancer and their families in Idaho.

Boise State University

A public research university located in Boise, Idaho that offers health science programs.

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What they’re saying

“Volunteering at Camp Rainbow Gold has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my college career. It's allowed me to apply what I've learned in the classroom to make a real difference in the lives of these amazing kids.”

— Sydney Oleson, Nursing student, Boise State University

What’s next

Boise State plans to continue its partnership with Camp Rainbow Gold, sending more health science students to volunteer at the camp each summer.

The takeaway

The collaboration between Boise State and Camp Rainbow Gold demonstrates how universities can leverage their health science programs to provide meaningful support and enrichment for children and families facing serious illnesses in their local communities.