Each child experiences the traditional sleep-away camp experience, while gaining confidence and independence. For some, it may be their very first time away from home. Campers meet other children with medical problems similar to their own, and “teach” to their counselors and cabin-mates. They learn new skills and improve techniques for managing and coping with their medical condition. Most importantly, the children participate as fully as possible in all camping activities, and meet a diverse group of campers and camp staff, from around the world.
The program is based in our state-of-the-art dialysis unit in the Guenther Wellness Center at Frost Valley. The center is equipped for hemodialysis, continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), and care for both the post-transplant and pre-dialysis camper. The unit is staffed by experienced pediatric nephrologists and nephrology nurses, under the supervision of the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore. Special attention is given to the individual medical, social, and developmental needs of each child. Treatment schedules are arranged to allow for maximum participation in camp activities. Back-up medical facilities are provided locally by area hospitals in the Catskills region, and by the Children’s Hospital of Montefiore, in coordination with the campers’ home facilities.
