Expanding Camp Breastie: A Retreat for Breast Cancer Survivors

The annual four-day retreat in Pennsylvania, known as Camp Breastie, has gained immense popularity among breast cancer survivors. Organizers plan to add a West Coast location due to increasing demand. The camp sees hundreds of attendees, all of whom are women impacted by breast cancer. A notable activity is the lakeside venting session, where participants rise early to engage in scream therapy.

In this session, women write their troubles on stones and cast them into the lake as part of the healing process. Shelby Jones and Emily Tout expressed emotions such as ‘Anger’ and ‘Fear.’ Leading the session, Nancy Antoine encouraged participants to release their burdens through screaming, allowing them to find solace. Antoine, a seasoned practitioner of scream therapy, shares her methods with others.

The camp attracts 500 women, including survivors, those living with advanced stages, and those who have taken preventive measures. This community atmosphere has led to sold-out events each year. Organizers reported tickets selling out in two weeks in 2025, and in less than two hours this year, underscoring the demand.

The camp’s appeal is enhanced by its focus on younger women, given the rise in breast cancer cases in this demographic. With more than 350,000 annual diagnoses in the U.S., the camp’s expansion reflects the growing need for support and healing spaces.

Participants at Camp Breastie are divided into cabin groups named after fruits, such as Apple. This fosters a strong sense of community and connection among attendees, further enhancing their retreat experience.