Daring to Dream
Patients Make Memories at Summer Camp
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| Hemophilia patients and their counselor take a walk through the woods at Camp Njoyitall. |
Summer camp is a magical experience full of challenge, friendship and adventure. But most children with debilitating illnesses or chronic diseases never experience the thrill of scaling a three-story tower in the woods or the pleasure of whispered conversations between brand-new friends after "lights out."
At Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, patients with a variety of conditions – from life-threatening to profoundly challenging – have the opportunity to experience summer camp just like their friends and siblings. They make memories, experience nature, build lasting friendships and interact with other kids who are dealing with the same issues.
"When parents learn their child has a chronic or debilitating disease, they ask us: 'Will my child ever be able to run, jump or play?' They want normal joys for their children, and camp gives them that and so much more," says Polly Partin-Welch, MSW, LISW, Division of Hematology / Oncology.
Over the Hill and Through the Woods
For decades the medical center has sponsored summer camp programs. Since 2001 more than 600 children have attended summer camps organized by staff from Cincinnati Children's. The camps are free or are offered at a reduced cost to patients. Physicians, nurses, social workers, camp counselors and parents work together to make the camps successful. Round-the-clock medical care and a fully staffed clinic meet every camper's health needs. Cincinnati Children's currently offers camps for children with:
When medically fragile children attend camp, they do all the things everyone else does: sing songs around the campfire, learn new games, make crafts and even try out the high and low ropes course. "All of what we do is 'challenge by choice.' We make sure every activity is one that all campers can do," says Betsy Adler, RN, CPNP, Division of Cardiology.
Camp Stories
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| A child on the ropes course at Camp Wekandu. |
Amy Cova's 13-year-old son Justin has severe hemophilia, yet he has attended Camp Njoyitall for children with bleeding disorders since he was 9 years old. "We initially wanted him to go so he could meet other boys with his condition," Amy says. "We didn't realize camp would provide the breakthrough for Justin to become more independent." After four summers at camp, Justin now gives himself his medication three times a week. Last summer he even showed younger campers how it's done.
At Camp Dreamacres, a summer camp for patients battling cancer, it's not the type of cancer that connects children to one another but their experiences with the disease. If they're not bald at camp, they've been bald; chemotherapy makes them sick; they've all had invasive procedures. For many, summer camp is their first experience getting to know other kids who share their condition.
Campers with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis amaze their counselors at Camp Wekandu. "Camp staff can't believe the strategies kids have to take care of themselves and how well they handle their own mobility and dexterity problems," says Pamela Heydt, LISW, Division of Rheumatology.
Children with sickle cell disease have episodes of severe pain. "At camp we have an opportunity to show them new pain management strategies and see them really excel," Polly says.
An Added Benefit
"Camp is great for our staff too," Betsy adds. "At the hospital, we usually don't get to see our kids having fun. Being with them outside the clinic is very motivating." Campers also inspire the year-round camp staff. "The program provides learning opportunities for everyone involved. Many on our staff have developed lasting friendships with the campers," reports Amy Thomson, camp director, Joy Outdoor Education Center, where some of the camps are held.
