Heart Institute
Heart Institute Family Camp

The Heart Institute Family Camp graphic.

Heart Institute Family Camp

Registration Now Open for 2023 

About Heart Institute Family Camp

Heart Institute Family Camp is designed specifically for children and teens with congenital or acquired heart disease ages 0-18, along with their siblings and parents/guardians. Heart Institute Family camp allows for heart disease patients between the ages of 0-18 to experience camp with their loved ones and hopefully feel comfortable enough to attend Camp Joyful Hearts. Family camp is also a great way for families affected by congenital or acquired heart disease to interact, share experiences, and learn from one another. The weekend is full of fun family activities and educational sessions for parents, patients, and siblings.

Who is Eligible?

Children and teens with congenital or acquired heart disease ages 0-18, along with their siblings and parents/guardians are eligible to attend. Patients must be between the ages of 0-18 to qualify for Heart Institute Family Camp. Camper eligibility will be reviewed and determined by our medical board.

In addition, all eligible Family Camp participants must be fully vaccinated to attend camp in 2023. See the COVID policy section below for more information.

When Does Heart Institute Family Camp Take Place?

Heart Institute Family Camp is scheduled to take place Friday, May 19th - Sunday, May 21st, 2023. Check-in will take place on Friday, May 19th from 6pm-8pm.

Where Does Heart Institute Family Camp Take Place?

Heart Institute Family Camp takes place at Joy Outdoor Education Center in Clarksville, Ohio. Camp Joy is located about 50 minutes north of downtown Cincinnati on 315 acres of beautiful countryside. Hiking trails, a fishing pond, high ropes courses and an indoor climbing wall are just a few of the amenities that Camp Joy has to offer.

What are the COVID-19 Policies for Heart Institute Family Camp?

Vaccination is required for all eligible Heart Institute Family Camp attendees. Proof of vaccination will be required prior to Family Camp.  Attendees will need to adhere to mask guidelines set forth by Camp Joy. Additional COVID-19 precautions, such as a requirement for COVID-19 testing and negative result within 72 hours of arrival at camp, are also required. Check back for updates.

What are the Accommodations?

Traditionally, families attending camp sleep in shared cabins. Typically, two to three families share a cabin. Camp Joy cabins are charming and rustic with bunk beds, and modern shower and bath facilities.

Accommodations for 2023 Heart Institute Family Camp may look slightly different due to COVID-19. We will continue to monitor state and federal guidelines and recommendations and will work closely with hospital and Camp Joy leadership to determine sleeping arrangements for Heart Institute Family Camp. Updates will be shared here as we receive them.

For those that register for Saturday/Sunday-only, hotels are located in nearby Wilmington and Mason, OH.

All meals will be provided by Camp Joy. Camp Joy will do their best to accommodate special dietary requirements. Food and beverages are not allowed in cabins.

How Does Registration Work?

Registration Now Open for 2023 

What is the Cancellation Policy?

Those registered for Heart Institute Family Camp needing to cancel or modify their reserved spot will need to do so by Friday, May 5, 2023. If you do not cancel or modify your camp registration by this deadline, you will not be eligible to register or attend Heart Institute Family Camp in 2024.

Please check back for updates and new information. For questions, please contact heartcamp@cchmc.org.

Contact Us

Ali Barnes 
Email: heartcamp@cchmc.org
Phone: 513-803-1841 
Toll-free: 800-344-2462 ext. 31841

Rosie Paulik
Email: heartcamp@cchmc.org
Phone: 513-803-7250

Camp Joyful Hearts

If your child is between the ages of 8-18, consider signing him/her up for Camp Joyful Hearts. Click here to learn more about Camp Joyful Hearts camp activities, teen programs and camp staff.

View photos from Family Camp Weekend 2019.