What Is the Relay For Life?

All About the Relay For Life

2008 Theme: "Celebrate, Remember, Fight Back "

Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society’s nationwide signature event. The overnight event raises money and awareness while serving as a celebration for cancer survivors, a memorial for loved ones lost, and a rally for the community. Over 4,000 Relays take place across the nation each year. The first Windham Area Relay was in 1997. There were 20 teams and $33,000 was raised.  In 2007 we had 75 teams that raised almost $200,000.

Teams are formed from businesses, clubs, families, friends, schools and other organizations. Each team has at least one member on the track during the 24-hour event. Each participant pays a $10 registration fee and tries to raise at least $125 - money that supports American Cancer Society programs of research, education, advocacy, and patient services.

As the Relay begins, teams pitch tents and some even decorate their campsites in a theme they have chosen. (Each team chooses a team name and theme. They are encouraged to print the name on the back of their T-shirts. Some examples include: “Leap For Faith ”, “Teen Angels”, and “Cancer Beaters”. It could be a dedication to a loved one lost to cancer.)  There will be limited area designated for campers/RV's.  Sign up ASAP to reserve your spot.

Team members bring sleeping bags, food, games and whatever they need to get them through the 24-hour event. Team members take turns walking shifts on the track. Throughout the evening and into the next day, everyone enjoys entertainment, fun and camaraderie. There are games, music, contests and lots of special activities. There are also special laps to commemorate groups ("Survivor's Lap", "Caregiver's Lap", "Quitter's Lap", "Fight Back Lap").  Some of the special activities include luminaria lighting, a Sunday morning sunrise interfaith service and a blessing of the luminaria.

Youth Teams (including college student teams):

• Must have a chaperone for every 10 youth member (at least 1 chaperone must be over the age of 25, others must be approved by Relay Officials)  At least 1 chaperone must attend a Chaperone Meeting (date yet to be determined).
• There is a curfew from 11:00 pm-5:00 am where no youth may enter or leave unless accompanied by a parent or chaperone.  In order for a youth to be on the grounds during the curfew, they must have a wristband that indicates that they have raised and turned in at least $100 in donations.
• Please refer to our rules sheet in the forms section of this web site concerning rules and restrictions concerning campsites, behavior, etc.  (For example... no glass containers, no smoking or alcohol, no skateboards/bikes, no pets, regulations concerning campfires/grills...)
• Campsites will not be issued to teams unless permission slips, chaperone forms, emergency contact form and verification of required donations collected are handed in by Bank Night.  Camping space is limited, so the earlier you register and meet the requirements the better chance you have of securing a camping space.