It all began in 1989 in California with a lay Greek Orthodox priest, Father John Bakus serving at a fundraiser for the local Children’s’ Hospital Foundation.  During his visits to the Children’s Hospital he witnessed the impact cancer had not only to the ill children, but also to their parents and siblings.  Because Father Bakus also helped the San Francisco Orthodox Diocese acquire the Saint Nicholas Ranch near Dunlap, California he knew it would serve as a great retreat center for families with children with cancer. Especially with its beautiful dormitories and surroundings as well as a large heated swimming pool.  Father Bakus requested to use the Ranch as a "time out" for the families.   The Ladies Philoptochos Society stepped up to raise funds and the local Candlelighter's made all the arrangements for the first camp, which was held in 1989 at Saint Nicholas Ranch in Fresno California.  Everyone had a wonderful time and the children called their respite from the hospital and painful procedures "The Camp of Sunshine and Dreams".



In 1995 the Philoptochos of Portland, Oregon organized a program at Camp Angelos on the Sandy River called “Camp Agape Portland”.  Camp Agape Portland was a well-organized camp with tremendous community involvement.  It was such a successful program that Bishop Anthony declared all Orthodox churches with outdoor camping facilities and active Philoptochos Chapters should consider similar programs for families with children with cancer.