2025 Camp Dates: Coming Soon!
Overview
Merry Heart Children's Camp is for youth with heart conditions who would benefit from connecting with other young individuals who share similar health, emotional and social concerns.
Any camper, 9 to 14 years of age (prior to August 18, 2024), with heart conditions can attend our five-day, four-night camp upon the recommendation from their pediatric cardiologist and approved by Merry Heart Children's Camp Medical Committee. The executive / camp director and your youth's pediatric cardiologist can help you assess if your youth should apply to attend camp.
Camper online registration is available in early February and needs to be completed by June 30th of each year. Registrations are processed on a first come, first served basis and we are limited to 48 campers: 24 boys and 24 girls. If registration goes over the 48 campers, the camper will be place on a waiting list. We will let you and your camper know by July 20th of each year whether the camper has been accepted. After your camper's registration is complete, you will receive additional information.
Is your camper ready for camp?
Start with 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.
Youth Acceptance Guidelines
Merry Heart Children Camp is a place specifically for youth with heart conditions. We do not accept or decline any campers 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 submitting an application.
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.
COST
Camp costs our organization more than $1000 per camper for the week, but the only charge for your youth is a nonrefundable registration fee of $60.
We encourage any family that is in the position to pay the full amount to please do so. Any amount over $60.00 will be considered a tax-deductible donation.
Merry Heart Children’s Camp is run completely on donations, grants, and volunteers. Every dollar donated helps!
Your financial support will help Merry Heart Children's Camp provide a camp experience for families that are not able to pay more to attend camp. Thank you.