Camp Snapshot - SeriousFun Children`s Network

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Our Global Reach
SeriousFun Children’s Network, founded by Paul Newman, is a growing global community of independently
managed and financed camps and partnership programs which have come together with a common purpose –
to serve children with serious illnesses around the world, free of charge. SeriousFun camps are located in the
United States and Europe, as well as in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Through
its Global Partnership Program, SeriousFun works in collaboration with other international organizations to
deliver the camp experience to children with serious illnesses in more remote parts of the world.
Learn more at www.seriousfunnetwork.org.
AFRICA:
BOTSWANA ∙ Camp Hope (GPP)
ETHIOPIA ∙ Camp Addis (GPP)
LESOTHO ∙ Camp ‘Mamohato (GPP)
MALAWI ∙ Camp Hope (GPP)
SWAZILAND ∙ Sivivane Camp (GPP)
UGANDA ∙ Sanyuka Camp (GPP)
TANZANIA ∙ Salama Camp (GPP)
ASIA:
CAMBODIA ∙ Camp Lotus (GPP)
INDIA ∙ Camp Rainbow - Bangalore (GPP)
INDIA ∙ Camp Rainbow - Chennai (GPP)
JAPAN ∙ Solaputi Kids’ Camp*
VIETNAM ∙ Camp Colors of Love (GPP)
EUROPE:
FRANCE ∙ L’Envol
HUNGARY ∙ Bátor Tábor
IRELAND ∙ Barretstown
ITALY ∙ Dynamo Camp
UNITED KINGDOM ∙ Over The Wall
LATIN AMERICA:
MEXICO ∙ Huantiknemi Campamento (GPP)
PARAGUAY ∙ Campuka (GPP)
HAITI ∙ Kan Etwal (Camp of Stars) (GPP)
MIDDLE EAST:
ISRAEL ∙ Jordan River Village
UNITED STATES:
CALIFORNIA ∙ The Painted Turtle
COLORADO ∙ Roundup River Ranch
CONNECTICUT ∙ The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp
FLORIDA ∙ Camp Boggy Creek
MICHIGAN ∙ North Star Reach*
NEW YORK ∙ Double H Ranch
NORTH CAROLINA ∙ Victory Junction
OHIO ∙ Flying Horse Farms
WASHINGTON ∙ Camp Korey
(GPP) Global Partnership Program
* Provisional Member Camps
Nor th America
California
The Painted Turtle
Year Opened: 2004
Located in the town of Lake Hughes,
California, set on 175 acres in the foothills
of the Angeles National Forest. The camp
is bordered by beautiful, tree-adorned
hills, complete with tranquil lakes, hiking
trails, and the sounds and sights of nature. Camper cabins,
the barn, boathouse, and the modern recreational facility are
housed in gorgeous wood buildings with large windows that
celebrate nature, a perfect setting for camp! In addition to
traditional SeriousFun activities, The Painted Turtle has an
organic garden and apple orchard, a Discovery Program, and
a Star Lab which create memorable experiences for children,
and their families each year.
Medical Conditions Include: Skeletal Dysplasia, Kidney Disease
and Transplant, Neuromuscular conditions (including Cerebral
Palsy and Muscular Dystrophy), Chronic Lung Disease, Metabolic/
Genetic conditions, Limb Deficiencies, Severe burns, Craniofacial
conditions (including repaired cleft palate), Rheumatic Disease,
Crohns Disease and Ulcerative Colitis, Hemophilia/vWD/
Thalassemia, Liver Disease and Transplant/PIDD/TPN, Asthma
and Allergy (Family Weekend), and Inhibitor (Family Weekend).
* May not be a complete list.
Connecticut
The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp
Year Opened: 1988
Surrounded by dense forest in northeastern
Connecticut, the camp is designed to feel like
an old western town. A tree-lined dirt road
meanders around stables, barns, and fields,
and across the camp’s lake stand totem poles,
teepees and wigwams, a boathouse, and a
gazebo. The camp also includes log cabins that circle a wide lawn,
a theater, an infirmary (the famous “O.K. Corral”), and a towering
dining hall modeled after a Shaker-style barn. A zero entry
swimming pool and warming room, a fully accessible tree-house,
and a wheelchair accessible miniature golf course make camp
activities fun for all of the children and families who participate
each year. Through the Hospital Outreach Program, camp staff
members make visits to children who are hospitalized, bringing
camp magic and laughter to additional campers.
Medical Conditions Include: Cancer, Serious Blood Diseases
(including Sickle Cell Disease, Hemophilia, Thalessemia, Aplastic
Anemia, etc), Hereditary and Acquired Immunodeficiency and
Metabolic Diseases. Also included are some children with very
rare diseases (i.e. primary pulmonary hypertension, FOP).
* May not be a complete list.
Just one week at camp taught
me that I can accomplish
anything I want as long as I put
my mind to it-no matter what
my limitations are.
- a camper
Colorado
Roundup River Ranch
Year Opened: 2012
Nestled in a canyon along the
Colorado River and sitting on
85 acres at an altitude of 6,300
feet in the heart of the Rocky
Mountains, Roundup River Ranch
features activities including
boating & fishing, arts & crafts, horseback riding,
archery, and swimming.
Medical Conditions Include: Cancer, Sickle Cell
Disease, Solid Organ Transplants, Congenital
Heart Disease, Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative
Colitis, Severe Asthma and Lung Disease, and
Immunodeficiency.
* May not be a complete list.
North America
Florida
New York
Camp Boggy Creek
Double H Ranch
Year Opened: 1996
Year Opened: 1993
Nestled on 232 acres of beautiful wooded land in
the Seminole State Forest, the camp was built in
a Florida Cracker-style, using the early settler’s style of wood
framed houses, metal roofs, and large wrap-around porches
to create a historic Florida feel. Camp Boggy Creek’s buildings
and cabins are decorated with quilts and handmade bears made
by volunteers, creating a cozy country atmosphere. Special
moments for the children and families who attend each year
include trail rides on horseback and trying to catch and kiss the
lake’s largest fish.
Double H, which stands for Health
and Happiness, is located in New
York’s scenic Lake Luzerne in the
Adirondack Mountains. It sits on 320 beautifully
wooded acres that include the fish-friendly Lake
Vanare. Double H Ranch provides fun and adventure
to children and family members through summer
residential camp, family-based programs, and a
unique winter adaptive ski program. Hundreds of
children with a wide range of physical abilities learn
to ski, snowboard, and snowshoe, thanks to the
efforts of over 200 volunteer ski instructors and the
National Ski Patrol.
Medical Conditions Include: Arthritis / Rheumatic, Asthma
(severe), Cancer, Craniofacial, Diabetes (family retreat weekend
only), Epilepsy, Heart, Hemophilia / Bleeding disorders, Immune
Deficiency, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Kidney, Sickle Cell,
Spina Bifida,Transplants, Ventilator Assisted Care (family retreat
weekend only).
* May not be a complete list.
Medical Conditions Include: Cancer, Sickle Cell
Anemia, Hemophilia/Bleeding Disorders, HIV/
Immune Disorders, Collagen Vascular Disease,
Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Neuromuscular
Disorders, and Mitochondrial Disorder.
* May not be a complete list.
North Carolina
Victory Junction
Year Opened: 2004
Built on 84 beautiful acres of rolling fields
surrounded by hardwood trees in the town
of Randleman, NC, this NASCAR themed camp echoes
the sights, sounds and feel of a real racetrack. Victory
Junction’s buildings and program areas include unique
attractions such as a universally accessible water park,
miniature golf course, adventure ropes course, tandem
zip line, paddle boats, and bowling alley. The creative
architectural theme creates an unforgettable experience
for all children and families who attend each year – can
you feel your heart race?
“You were able to restore to
him a piece of the childhood he
lost when he became ill.”
- a parent
Medical Conditions Include: Bleeding Disorders,
Burn Survivors, Cancer, Craniofacial Anomalies,
Gastrointestinal Disorders, Genetic Disorders, Heart
Disease, Immunologic Disorders, Kidney Disease, Lung
Disease, Neurological Disorders, Rheumatological
Disorders, Sickle Cell Disease, Skin Diseases, Spina
Bifida, and Transplant Recipients.
* May not be a complete list.
North America
Ohio
Flying Horse Farms
Year Opened: 2011
Walking through the barn doors of a 100-year
old restored red barn, you will find Flying Horse
Farms, a place where children with serious
illnesses go to experience the magic of camp.
The camp, built on 200 acres of beautiful
farmland with trails, woods, and lakes in the
heart of the Midwest, offers traditional camp programs
such as arts and crafts, woodshop, and fishing, but also
takes advantage of the cool winter climate with their very
own Sweater Camp.
Medical Conditions Include: Heart conditions
(cardiology), Cancer & bleeding disorders (oncology/
hematology), Gastrointestinal disorders, Kidney
conditions (nephrology), Asthma (pulmonary), and
Arthritis & Auto-Immune disorders (rheumatology).
“The gift of camp is something
every child should experience,
but the experience is
something many do without.
You don’t understand what it
truly means to us kids dealing
with cancer to be able to enjoy
ourselves without worry of
any kind, free to be young
and alive. Thank you for the
happiness you have given me.”
- a camper
* May not be a complete list.
Washington
Camp Korey
Year Opened: 2008
Located on the historic 817 acre
Carnation estate with sweeping
views of the Cascade Mountains,
the famous dairy farm with a large equestrian center
and organic hay farm has been restored and made
accessible for campers. The camp’s pasture lands,
ponds, trees, gardens, and historic farm buildings
create a beautiful setting for the camp. In addition
to traditional SeriousFun activities, Camp Korey has
a unique pet therapy program and an adaptive ski
program.
Medical Conditions Include: Craniofacial
differences, Mitochondrial disease, Skeletal
Dysplasia, Solid organ transplants, Metabolic bone
disorders, Life-altering skin conditions, Sickle Cell
Anemia, Spina Bifida, Burn survivors, and Autism
Spectrum Disorder.
* May not be a complete list.
Europe
France
Hungary
L’Envol
Bátor Tábor
Year Opened: 1997
Year Opened: 2007
French for “take off,” this camp has served more
than 7,000 children from throughout the region
since it was first opened in 1997. The camp
gained national recognition in 2001 when Paul Newman toured
the camp with the former President of France, Jacques Chirac.
The only program of its kind
in Hungary for children with
serious illnesses and their
families, Bátor Tábor is a hidden world because it
is surrounded by meadows and forests on all sides.
Located in Hatvan near Budapest, Bátor Tábor is
a former pioneer camp which was renovated with
close attention to designing a place that would
be universally accessible and meet the medical
and psychological needs of campers. The camp is
very proud of their high-ropes course, rowing lake,
archery field, synthetic turf field and indoor sports
hall which bring a unique opportunity each year to
1,700 children and families in Central Europe.
The programs at L’ENVOL are designed and delivered with specially
trained camp staff who provides 24-hour care and support to each
child. All the activities at L’ENVOL embrace the camp motto, “I am
capable, I can do it, and I can overcome my fears!”
Medical Conditions Include: Prader Willi Syndrome, Hematology
/ Oncology (Leukemia, Oncology, Histiocytosis), Benign
Hematologic Disorders (Idiopatic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (Itp),
Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (Aiha) On Treatment, Sickle-Cell
Anemia, Thalassemia, Hemophilia).
* May not be a complete list.
Medical Conditions Include: Hemophilia, Diabetes,
Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Oncology.
* May not be a complete list.
Ireland
Barretstown
Year Opened: 1994
Housed in a fairy tale
castle in the beautiful
foothills of Ireland’s
Wicklow Mountains, the camp welcomes children
from Ireland and more than 22 European countries.
The camp buildings have all of the modern
amenities and are fully accessible while retaining
a medieval theme with rough stone walls and high
ceilings. The Children’s Village, a collection of
cottages, overlooks the Sherwood Forest complete
with a secret garden with decorated and accessible
fairy houses, creating a perfect setting for a magical
camp experience. Barretstown offers a full range of
adventure activities and opportunities for creative
expression of the campers and families, including
programs in photography, pottery, boating, and
adventure courses.
Medical Conditions Include: Primarily Cancer and
other Hematological conditions.
* May not be a complete list.
Europe
Italy
Dynamo Camp
Year Opened: 2007
Located in the midst of a World Wildlife Foundation Reserve in the heart
of Tuscany is the first camp in Italy for children with serious illnesses.
The camp’s beautiful modern facility uses green energy and boasts
innovative architecture including a dining hall, theater, gym, pool, and
medical center. Bio-architecture and plenty of wood have created
elegant colorful facilities. Climbing, horseback riding, music, including a camp radio
station, cooking, photography, creative writing, archery, workshop, and nature games
allow the children and families served each year to establish new friendships in an
atmosphere of fun and emotional support.
Medical Conditions
Include: Oncology,
Hematological diseases
(Thalassemia, Hemophilia,
Anemia, Sickle Cell Anemia,
Thrombocytopenia), Spina
Bifida, and Diabetes.
* May not be a complete list.
United Kingdom
Over The Wall
Middle
East
Israel
Jordan River Village
Year Opened: 2011
Located high above the Sea
of Galilee on 61 acres of
gently sloping land, is the first
year-round, permanent site
in the Middle East designed
especially for children with serious illnesses.
Jordan River Village serves Jewish, Muslim, and
Christian children from Israel and neighboring
countries.
Medical Conditions Include: Cancer, Cerebral
Palsy, Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis,
Cystic Fibrosis, Epilepsy, Familial Dysautonomia,
H.I.V, Heart / cardiovascular diseases,
Hemophilia, Juvenile Diabetes, Kidney and Liver
Transplants, Neurological disorders, Obesity,
Rare Syndromes, Rheumatic diseases, Sever
Asthma, Thalassemia, and Trauma Victims.
* May not be a complete list.
Year Opened: 2004
Programs are held at several locations
throughout the UK. All of the sites are located
on large properties in the countryside with well
equipped accommodations, facilities for indoor and outdoor
activities, and stunning views. Together, these locations create
opportunities for children and families to swim, catch their
first fish, dance in the sunshine, perform center stage, and
create the memories of a lifetime.
Medical Conditions Include: Cancer, Crohn’s Disease and
Ulcerative Colitis, Epilepsy, HIV, Heart / Cardiovascular
Diseases, Hemophilia, Juvenile Diabetes, Kidney and Liver
Transplants, and Neurological Disorders.
* May not be a complete list.
Provisional Member Camps
In addition to 14 member camps and 14 Global Partnership Programs worldwide, we are also working
with several committed individuals around the world to develop new camps.
To ensure that each new SeriousFun camp opens and operates at the highest level of programmatic
and financial standards possible, we support these camps in development through strategic
consultations, staff training, and the sharing of best practices.
Japan
Michigan
North Star Reach
A Provisional Member camp, North Star
Reach is located in southeastern Michigan
and set among tall trees and rolling hills
with a beautiful lake and a clear view
of the sky above. Integrated within this
inspiring natural environment will be a
medical facility supported by partnerships with the University
of Michigan C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital and other area
children’s health centers. North Star Reach is a Provisional
Member working to develop their camp while sending campers
to other SeriousFun Camps through our Camp on the Move
program. North Star Reach became a Provisional Member of
SeriousFun Children’s Network in April 2012 and has plans to
open its gates to campers in 2016.
Medical Conditions Include: HIV/AIDS, Diabetes, Kidney
Disease, Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis, Sickle Cell
Disease, Spinal Cord Injury, and Spina Bifida.
* May not be a complete list.
Solaputi Kids’ Camp
Solaputi Kids’ Camp serves
children with serious illnesses
and their families to improve
their quality of life by providing
outdoor experiences that address
emotional and spiritual needs. At
their specially-built camp facility, children and their
families can experience the joy of nature through
experiential activity programs in a relaxed and safe
environment. With the support of the nearby Takikawa
Municipal Hospital, doctors and nurses are always on
hand to take care of medical issues. Solaputi aims to
offer these children happy memories, wonderful new
friends, and hope. Solaputi became a Provisional
Member of SeriousFun Children’s Network in April
2012.
Medical Conditions Include: Blood, Circulatory,
Neurological, Liver, and other conditions.
* May not be a complete list.
Built on the same model as our camps, our Global Partnership
Programs (GPP) are adapted to fit the cultural context of each region
and address the social and emotional needs of the children. The result
is a locally designed, culturally applicable program that excites,
inspires, and empowers children to regain their sense of optimism,
possibility and hope. Currently, there are 14 Global Partnership
Programs in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
Botswana
Camp Hope
Camp Hope in Botswana is
situated in between the Kgale
and Oodi Hills in the capital
city of Gaborone. When camp
is in session, the dormitories,
activity rooms and fields are
overflowing with songs, creativity
and camp spirit. Camp Hope
operates in partnership with
Botswana-Baylor
Children’s
Clinical Centre of Excellence.
This GPP represents one of six
partnerships SeriousFun has
with Baylor clinics throughout
Africa.
Ethiopia
Camp Addis
Camp Addis serves orphans
and vulnerable children living
with HIV. Highlights of the camp
sessions include: a talk show
about living with HIV; a crazy
costume photo shoot; daily
sports; arts and crafts; and a
very special banquet dinner
and awards ceremony on the
final night of camp. Camp Addis
operates through a partnership
between SeriousFun Children’s
Network and Worldwide Orphans
Foundation
Lesotho
Camp ‘Mamohato
Camp ‘Mamohato is held in Morija in a beautiful, secluded setting
surrounded by trees and mountains. The camp is named for the first queen
of Lesotho, who gathered all of the women and children in a mountain cave
to protect them from invaders. The camp is operated through a partnership
between SeriousFun Children’s Network, Sentebale, the Ministry of Health
and Social Welfare, and the Baylor Children’s Foundation Lesotho.
Malawi
Swaziland
Camp Hope
Sivivane Camp
Camp Hope is located one hour north
of the capital city Lilongwe, Malawi.
Camp activities focus on healthy living
and relationships, addressing issues of
medication adherence, overcoming HIV
stigma and discrimination, and nutrition
and hygiene. Traditional camp activities
like campfires, team building games and
arts and crafts are also a big part of the
program. Camp Hope operates through
a partnership between SeriousFun
Children’s Network, World Camp Inc.,
and Baylor College of Medicine Children’s
Foundation Malawi.
A sivivane is a carefully
stacked pile of stones, that in
Swaziland, indicates a place
of safety or a refuge on a long
journey. Sivivane Camp weaves
this theme into its program,
where camp is always about
safety, love, and respect.
Sivivane
Camp
operates
through a partnership between
SeriousFun, Young Heroes,
Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric
AIDS Foundation and Good
Shepherd Hospital.
“I am now a completely changed person. I am very proud of
everything that I have achieved and overcome.”
Tanzania
- a camper
Cambodia
Salama Camp
Camp Lotus
Salama Camp is located in the midst of a narrow highland
valley framed by rolling green mountains on the outskirts
of Mbeya, Tanzania. Here, HIV-positive children have the
opportunity to build connections through nightly “Ala za
Roho” (sounds for the heart and soul) cabin chats; enhance
their creativity by designing outfits from recycled paper; and
strengthen their outlook on the future through a selection
of HIV related activities. Salama Camp is operated through
a partnership between SeriousFun Children’s Network and
Baylor Children’s Foundation Tanzania.
Located 45 minutes outside of the capital Phnom
Penh, Camp Lotus provides residential camp
opportunities to children living with HIV and
AIDS in the communities served by New Hope for
Cambodia’s Children (NHCC). The NHCC village is a
perfect setting for camp – complete with clusters
of cottages surrounding a community kitchen and
a basketball court. Camp Lotus operates through
a partnership between SeriousFun Children’s
Network and NHCC.
Uganda
Sanyuka Camp
Sanyuka Camp focuses on healthy living and building
self-esteem. Highlights include: a field trip to the
Entebbe Wildlife Refuge; daily swim lessons; music,
dance, and drumming; a cooking session; and a camper
versus counselor capture the flag game. Sanyuka Camp
is operated through a partnership between SeriousFun
Children’s Network and Baylor College of Medicine
Children’s Foundation Uganda.
Vietnam
Camp Colors of Love
At Camp Colors of Love, outside of Ho Chi Minh City,
campers have the opportunity to stay in platform
tents, splash on slip and slides, paddle in canoes,
and enjoy a festival night. Camp Colors of Love,
which began serving children in 2008, is operated
through a partnership between SeriousFun
Children’s Network and the Worldwide Orphans
Foundation.
India – Chennai and Bangalore
Camp Rainbow
Camp Rainbow-Chennai was the first Global
Partnership Program to serve HIV-positive children
living in India. Building upon this successful
foundation, in 2014 an additional camp opened
its doors to share the camp magic with children
in city of Bangalore. At Camp Rainbow, campers
are given the opportunity to design beautiful
mehndi on their hands at culture night, sing the
dosa song before each meal, receive specialized
Super Chutti or Minchuva Nakshetra awards,
play cricket, and learn about living positively
with HIV. Camp Rainbow operates in partnership
between SeriousFun Children’s Network, Y.R.
Gaitonde Center for AIDS Research and Education
(YRGCARE), Community
Health
Education
Society (CHES), and Action Service Hope for AIDS
Foundation (ASHA Foundation).
Paraguay
Campuka
Campuka (formerly Campamento Tape Jerovia) is the
first Global Partnership Program to serve children living
with cancer. This camp is operated in Asuncion, Paraguay
through a partnership between SeriousFun Children’s
Network, Arapacha, the Pediatric Hospital Niños de
Acosta Ñu, and Centro Materno Infantil. At Campuka,
campers have the opportunity to splash and swim in the
pool, solve the mystery of the missing fish, relax at the
camp “spa,” create masks to parade in the Camp Carnival,
and star in their very own music videos.
Haiti
Kan Etwal
Kan Etwal, or “Camp of Stars,” is a shining experience for children living
with HIV in Haiti. Taking place in the mountains of Kenscoff, far from the
devastation of the earthquake, campers sing “Pran medikaman’m” as
they receive their medication and take part in nightly “Coeur a Coeur”
(Heart-to-Heart) cabin chats. Children also have the opportunity to
discover the importance of environmental stewardship by transforming
recyclable materials into handcrafted jewelry. Kan Etwal is operated
through a partnership among SeriousFun Children’s Network, Worldwide
Orphans Foundation, and Saint Damien Hospital.
Mexico
Huantiknemi Campamento
Located in Valle de Bravo, about 90 miles from Mexico
City, Campamento Huantiknemi, which means “let’s
walk together” in the local language of Nahuatl, serves
children with cancer. Founded as a partnership between
SeriousFun, Dr. Sonrisas, and Valle Verde, the program
launched in 2014. Camp activities include Mexican folk
arts, stained glass making, and making piñatas, along with
traditional camp activities like stage night, wilderness
exploration and cooking.
get involved
There are many ways to get involved and bring the joy of
SeriousFun to children around the world!
For more information on how you can help,
visit us at www.seriousfunnetwork.org.
Like us at facebook.com/SeriousFunCamps
Follow us at @SeriousFunCamps
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