Summer camps bring fun to campers with special needs

Camp Eagles' Nest
July 27-July 31, 2008
Patients from the Children's Hospital Hematology/Oncology Clinic make Camp Wesley Woods in Townsend their home for one week each summer. Camp Eagles' Nest offers campers plenty of time to enjoy the outdoors by riding horses, canoeing, rock climbing and tubing. A talent show and karaoke also provide spirited entertainment for the campers after the sun goes down.

Campers also get a chance to interact with their camp counselors, who are nurses and other clinical staff from Children's Hospital. The environment of the camp gives patients an opportunity to form unique bonds with the medical and hospital staff in a positive setting outside the hospital.

Camp Eagles' Nest is free for patients, thanks to financial and in-kind contributions to the camp and funding from Children's Hospital. For more information on Camp Eagles' Nest, call Children's Hospital at (865) 541-8476.

The Donald M. Gally Summer Camp
Week of July 7 for children ages 5-11
Week of July 14 for teens ages 12-18.
Organized by the Children's Hospital Rehabilitation Center, the Donald M. Gally Summer Camp is held each July for children ages five to 18 who have special needs. Campers enjoy activities such as arts and crafts, swimming and games directed by staff therapists, special education teachers and adaptive recreation specialists.

The Donald M. Gally Summer Camp takes place at the Kiwanis Club Fresh Air Camp on Prosser Road in Knoxville from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. The camp is provided at no charge. For more information, contact the Children's Hospital Rehabilitation Center at (865) 690-8961.

Camp Cure - Bearing It Together
July 7-11, 2008
Camp Cure will take place July 7-11 at the Karns Recreation Center in Knox County for Children's Hospital patients with diabetes. The theme this year is "Kids Under Construction." The day camp features swimming, arts and crafts, sports and recreational games, and opportunities for children to learn more about living with diabetes. One of the most important aspects of diabetes camp is that during that week, all the children in attendance are just like everyone else there for the week, so the camp experience and activities encourage healthy self-esteem.

Children's Hospital collaborates with WATE-TV 6 to fund Camp Cure. A "Hope-a-thon" is hosted by the TV station each year to get the East Tennessee community more involved in the important pediatric health issue of diabetes. Funds raised from the hour-long event help keep camper fees affordable. For more information on Camp Cure, call Children's Hospital at (865) 541-8281.

These three camps provide the highest-quality experiences for these Children's Hospital patients. Financial contributions are always needed to improve the camps, add more fun activities and ensure that all children wanting to attend can. If you are interested in supporting these camps, please contact the Children's Hospital Development Department at (865) 541-8441 or e-mail us.

For more summer activities for children with special needs, click here.