Q: What are Merry Heart Children's Camp camper acceptance guidelines?
A: Merry Heart Children Camp is a place specifically for youth with heart conditions. We do not accept or decline any youth over the phone or via e-mail. These guidelines are intended to help you as a parent/guardian determine if you should submit an online application. Please contact us if you have questions prior to applying.

In order to have an application reviewed by our medical committee, the youth must meet the following criteria:

• Heart conditions must be the primary health concern of the youth.

• The youth has a basic knowledge of their heart condition

• Be able to walk without any physical limitations.

• The youth must independently manage their daily routine.

  • Be self-reliant in caring for hygiene, toileting and eating needs.

  • Sleep independently in their own bed.

• A pediatric cardiologist and/or primary care provider must see the youth on a regular basis.

  • The youth needs to have been seen by their pediatric cardiologist within twelve (12) months prior to the start of camp but no later than June 30th.

  • If your youth is not seen on an annual base, then your primary care provider will need to see your child within twelve (12) months prior to the start of camp but not later than June 30th.

  • All up to date age specific vaccines and immunizations (as defined by the CDC). We are encouraging, but not requiring, COVID-19 vaccines (including all eligible boosters) for all youth attending Merry Heart Children’s Camp in-person, overnight camp.

• The youth has the ability to participate and engage in team-based activities.

• The youth demonstrates nonviolent behavior, follow the rules, i.e. staying with buddy/group leaders at all times.

• Be able to stay overnight for four nights.

If the youth has any other illnesses, disabilities (physical or developmental), or other health problems, Merry Heart Children's Camp will review those files on an individual basis and determine if the youth will be accepted to camp. If you have questions, please contact us.

Q:  How do I know that my youth is prepared for summer camp?

They might think they are ready, and you might be ready for them to go to camp – both of which are part of the process.

Start by reading “First Time at Camp? – Talking with your child about what to expect” and Ready for Camp Checklist, created by Bob Ditter, a licensed clinical social worker specializing in child, adolescent, and family therapy, and a long-time consultant for camps across the country and the American Camp Association.

It is not a set of absolute requirements for Merry Heart Children’s Camp, but rather a starting point for conversation and naming of growth opportunities for your camper.

The American Camp Association also has resources on their website to help parents and guardians support their campers in getting ready – try their Preparing for Camp page.

Has your camper spent much time outside? Although we’ve created what we consider a home in the woods at camp, and many of our campers really appreciate the opportunity to connect with nature and their peers, it’s important to be confident your camper can handle our rustic living set-up. Go camping for the weekend together, or research short-term programs that offer young people opportunities outdoors.

Q: What is the cost of camp?

A: Starting in 2025, Merry Heart Children’s Camp will implement a sliding scale model for camp payment. In an effort to make the organization sustainable, the camp’s board of directors decided that introducing this model will help pay for the steadily increasing costs and expenses incurred by the organization.

Camp costs Merry Heart Children’s Camp about $1,000 per camper. Given the rising costs of just about everything, we don’t expect that number to come down any time soon.

In our ten years of camp, no camper has been turned away because of a family’s financial situation. We will continue that tradition. Our goal is to ensure camp will be around for heart kids for the next ten years and beyond. Camp is not funded by any of the Oregon hospitals and while we continue to pursue grants, individual donations, and corporate sponsorships, establishing this payment structure will add one more source of funding to help cover our growing costs.

We will continue to ask for a $60 non-refundable registration fee. Payment beyond that will be determined by a sliding scale (see Registration page) based on income, as reported by you, the camp family. Payment above $250 is a tax-deductible donation.

Q: What if my youth cannot or chooses not to participate in some of the camp activities?
A: Our staff understands and respects the differences in each camper. We try to make every activity available at many different levels and hope your youth will choose a level of participation in which they are comfortable.

Q: As a parent of a camper, how can I volunteer?
A: Volunteers are the heart of our program. Although we do not allow parents of campers to volunteer as camp staff during the week of camp their youth is attending, we have many opportunities for parents to volunteer throughout the year. Please consider helping us with events, fundraising and camp program development.

Please contact us with any questions about volunteering.

Q: What is the goal of a Merry Heart Children's Camp experience?
A: At Merry Heart Children's Camp, we strive for the following goals and outcomes for campers:

• Increase acceptance of themselves and others.

• Develop and improve friendship skills.

• Become responsibly engaged through being a team player as a part of cabin group.

• Gain a greater sense of independence through being away from home and unplugged.

Q: How will my youth be placed in a cabin?
A: Campers are placed in cabins with other campers of the same gender and age range. We also consider your child’s health needs, in order to create a well-balanced cabin group. Camp counselors sleep in cabins with campers.

Q: What is Merry Heart Children’s Camp non-discrimination policy?
A: Merry Heart Children’s Camp serves all individuals regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status.

 Q: How does Merry Heart Children’s Camp support my youth’s gender identity?
A: Per our non-discrimination policy, Merry Heart Children’s Camp is a safe and accepting place that supports the development of personal identities, free of fear and stigma when promoting self-expression. Our campers think of Merry Heart Children’s Camp as a home away from home… a place where they are free to be their true selves. We couldn’t be more proud of this!  

Within the camper application, we ask: “Is there anything you would like to share about your child’s gender identity?” When a family responds in the affirmative, additional information is sought by Merry Heart Children’s Camp leadership. We work closely with families of campers that are transitioning to another gender or are identifying as another gender to ensure their youth’s camp experience is positive. As with ALL Merry Heart Children’s Camp campers, we maintain a strict level of confidentiality and respect for anyone involved in our programs.

Resources:
American Camp Association – http://www.acacamps.org/topics/transgender
Human Rights Campaign: http://www.hrc.org/explore/topic/transgender-children-youth
Family Acceptance Project: http://familyproject.sfsu.edu/
Gender Spectrum: https://www.genderspectrum.org/

Please contact us with any questions.