Summer Camp Programs for Children With Serious Illnesses

Summer camp is meant to be an experience that is both enjoyable and educational, and one that helps children develop social skills. The memories of swimming in the lake and building campfires last a lifetime. For children with serious illnesses, summer camps that cater to their specific needs provide an opportunity to have fun in the sun like "regular" kids, while surrounded by others who don't judge them and do understand their challenges.

  1. For Children with Serious Illness

    • Camp Hole in the Wall Gang in Ashford, Connecticut, and Camp Boggy Creek in Eustis, Florida, were both founded by the legendary screen actor Paul Newman.
      Both camps are open to children free of charge and offer memorable childhood experiences like horseback riding, swimming, boating, and adventure and high-ropes courses. There is a medical facility on-site at both camps.

    For Children with Developmental Disabilities

    • Aaron's Acres serves children with developmental disabilities in Lancaster, Berks, and Dauphin counties in Pennsylvania. Five days a week, children participate in activities like music therapy, therapeutic horseback riding, animal therapy, stories and swimming. According to its website, Camp Huntington considers itself a program for children with "hidden abilities," rather than disabilities. Located in High Falls, New York, the facility offers little campers the chance to participate in a ropes course, indoor wall climbing, nature study, costume making and expressive arts.

    For Children with Diabetes

    • Camp Granada in Monticello, Illinois, has been giving children with diabetes the chance to just be kids for more than 37 years. Campers experience swimming, canoeing and many other fun and physical activities, while also learning to live successfully with the illness in a carefree setting. Camp Victory in Leesville, Louisiana, employs a staff of 75 physicians, nurses, social workers and dieticians and uses games to explain the aspects of diabetes and teach children proper insulin injection and healthy eating.

    For Children with Chronic Illness

    • Camp Carefree caters to children who have chronic illnesses. Located in Stokesdale, North Carolina, all campers have access to medical teams from UNC Hospitals and other area medical facilities. Along with swimming and campfires, children also have access to a petting zoo. Camp Oasis is specifically for youngsters living with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The program offers visual and performing arts, land and water sports, high ropes and other outdoor adventures. Many of the staff wrestle with the same illnesses and can relate to the campers' physical and emotional challenges and needs.

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