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Lilly F., 6, makes her way through an inflatable pirate obstacle course at Camp Quality on Thursday. The summer camp offers games and social activities for children of all ages with cancer.

Groups of laughing children try avoiding the mud as they run in opposite directions around Camp Farwesta, searching for their next clue. Though these children live their lives battling cancer, their greatest worry at Camp Quality is winning the scavenger hunt.

Adam Nutting attended his first Camp Quality in 1993 after he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia at age 10. Sixteen years later, he still spends a summer week at the camp, now as part of the staff.

“My favorite part is watching the kids jump off the bus, excited to have an incredible week,” Mr. Nutting said. Camp Quality Northwest Missouri began Sunday and runs through today in Stewartsville, Mo. The annual community-funded camp is a getaway for children who have been diagnosed with cancer.

Campers stay busy by participating in traditional outdoor activities, including canoeing, swimming or horseback riding. Other activities wouldn’t be expected at a camp, such as a drive-in movie, a talent show and even a prom, complete with tuxedos and ball gowns.

“We had a kickball tournament where everyone was sliding and they were completely covered in mud, but they didn’t let anything at all ruin their spirits,” Mr. Nutting said.

Tom Brand, director, said the overall theme of the camp, “Letting Kids with Cancer be Kids Again,” best explains why he returns every year.

“I love the spontaneous moments ... the things that seem to happen that we never plan,” Mr. Brand said. “It’s seeing a little girl peeking around the corner of the hall where prom is, trying to see what’s going on and just taking her by the hand, saying ‘Let’s go dance!’”

Rose Highbeger, medical director, started at the camp when it opened in 1986.

“Over the years I have seen what a week of camp can do for these children,” Ms. Highbeger said. “They find out they can do things on their own again and they instantly forget they are sick.”

The experience made an impact on the young campers. Precious, 7, whose full name cannot be used, listed swimming, horseback riding and dancing as activities she enjoyed.

Right before she joined the scavenger hunt, she ran up to a visitor and wanted to add one more thing that made a difference at Camp Quality.

“I really like the train,” she said.