Camp Sunshine

Camp Sunshine is the primary setting for the novel. It is "a camp for kids with life-threatening illnesses" located in Maine (2). The camp is run by volunteers and is "completely free of charge for the families; they didn't need to pay a dime" (40). Camp Sunshine is designed as a retreat for the campers and their families from their otherwise challenging realities. At the school Jarrett attends, it is tradition to allow members of the senior class to spend a week volunteering at the camp. Jarrett's name is one of the six names chosen.

Throughout the novel, Jarrett spends a week at Camp Sunshine with his faculty chaperones and fellow student volunteers. When Jarrett first arrives, he is worried and afraid. However, after he meets the counselors and campers, he starts to relax. He builds close friendships not only with his peers, but with the campers, their families...