For many children, the traditional summer camp experience—horseback riding, campfires, being away from home for the first time—is part of growing up. But for some children, traditional summer camp isn’t always possible because of health restrictions caused by chronic illnesses.
Thankfully, because of dollars given through Community Health Charities of Nebraska (CHC-NE), children with chronic health issues are able to attend medically-specific camps, which not only give them a summer camp experience, but also allow them to meet and spend time with other kids who share the same needs and experiences they do. Additionally, children are able to gain independence and learn about their disease and how to manage it. Camp also provides a brief break for parents and guardians from their roles of caregiver, allowing them the opportunity to spend much-needed time to attend to their own needs.
CHC-NE member charities are offering the following summer camps this year: Camp SuperKids, American Lung Association, (402) 502-4950; MDA Summer Camp, Muscular Dystrophy Association of Nebraska (402) 390-2914; Camp Tap-A-Vein-A-Day-A, National Hemophilia Foundation, Nebraska Chapter, (402) 742-5663; Camp Oasis, Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America, Nebraska/Iowa Chapter, (402) 505-9901; Camp Spirit, Arthritis Foundation, Heartland Chapter (402) 330-6130; American Diabetes Association of Nebraska Camps. (402) 571-1101.
For more information about CHC-NE and the work of its member charities, go to www.chcne.org and www.facebook.com/CHCNebraska or call 800-990-2423.