Supporting Families. Saving Lives.
We at the foundation are always looking opportunities to allow our SADS kids to get together and network with each other, make friends, and share tips about their experiences in dealing with a SADS condition. The following is a list of camps for kids with heart conditions that provide the curriculum and activities we would recommend to any SADS family looking to show their child that they are not alone in their efforts to live and thrive.
California - Camp Del Corazon (www.campdelcorazon.org)
"Camp del Corazon is a non-profit organization that provides year-round experiential opportunities for children faced with the challenges of growing up and living with heart disease. We provide a residential summer camp experience for children ages 7-17 as well as programs that offer opportunities for growth, education and support for children, young adults and the families who are living with heart disease."
Minnesota - Camp Odayin (www.campodayin.org)
"Camp Odayin provides a residential camping experience for young people who have heart disease, where campers discover outdoor, athletic, and creative activites in a safe and medically supervised environment. Our state-of-the-art facility is fully staffed with highly trained pediatric cardiologists, cardiac nurses, and a full cadre of trained counselors and program directors. Campers enjoy horseback riding, boating, nature and much more while fostering lifelong relationships among youth who share similar health, emotional and social concerns."
California and Hawaii - Camp Taylor (www.kidsheartcamp.org)
"Camp Taylor offers several free programs for young people and families of children with heart disease. Our flagship program is our well known medically supervised free residential summer camp sessions. We offer 5 camp sessions catering to the under-served population of pediatric cardiology. Camp programs are offered in the states of California and Hawaii and serve hundreds of families from across the United States each year. Our unique camp programs provide the calming surroundings of nature & nurturing, a safe haven a world away from the daily cares and challenges that life-threatening heart disease can bring."
Massachusettes - Pacer Camp (www.childrenshospital.org/pacercamp)
"This special camp provides a unique opportunity for children with implanted pacemakers and defibrilators, many of whom also have congenital heart disease, to experience organized activities and outdoor adventure that they may not be able to at regular camps. In the past six years, camps have been a tremendous success, and continue to be an anticipated highlight for many children. Camp is a magical place where children explore the outdoors, try unique and challenging activities, make new friends, and learn about themselves. For many children, camp is one of the most memorable experiences of their lives."
Michigan - Young @ Heart
"Come join us for an event celebrating and educating those touched by ICD's. Our goal is to educate in a festive yet relaxed atmoshphere while connecting with others who share similar experiences. This event is free of charge and graciously provided by Medtronic Inc." This year's camp will take place October 22, 2011 View the 2011 Flyer
Alabama - Under the Big Top (www.childrensharbor.com ) Alabama - WIRED Together ( www.childrensharbor.com ) Specifically for kids and teens with implated cardio defibrillators (ICDs). July 29- July 31, 2011
Florida - Camp Boggy Creek (boggycreek.org ) Camp Boggy Creek north of Orlando, FL is a wonderful camp for kids with different chronic and life-threatening illnesses. Each week of the summer is devoted to a different illness. One week is Heart week. It is staffed with medically trained professionals and counselors. No cost to parents if child is accepted. It is part of the 'Hole in the Wall Gang' camps started by Paul Newman. It is absolutely QT and she has been able to attend several summers. It is the highlight of her year!
"Popcorn, peanuts, cottoncandy? Get it here! We are delighted to invite you to another fun-filled weekend! We have some special events planned--and we know you can't wait! Virginia - Camp Heartbeat ( http://www.brainycamps.com/brainy-camps/camp-heartbeat.html ) Camp Heartbeat offers children and teens with pacemakers, arrhythmias, ICDs and congenital heart disease, ages 7-16, four days and three nights of summer fun, education, and social connections in a safe and supervised environment. At Camp Heart Beat, children and teens gain a better understanding of their condition, strengths and self-worth. This year's camp will be held on August 6-9, 2011 All Brainy Camps are held at Massanetta Springs, located near Harrisonburg, VA. View the flyer. Utah - Camp Kostopulos ( http://www.campk.org/ ) Since 1967 the Kostopulos Dream Foundation has been dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities through the medium of recreation and leisure education. Our longest running program, Camp Kostopulos, acredited by the American Camp Association, is a residential summer camp where kids, teens, and adults with disabilities are able to choose from two options a five day residential camp or travel trips.