Summer camps bring fun to patients with special needs

CAMP CURE – DIABETES: MISSION POSSIBLE
July 6-10, 2009
Diabetes will be "Mission Possible" at the 2009 Camp Cure, taking place July 6 – 10 at the Karns Recreation Center in Knox County for Children's Hospital patients with diabetes. The day camp features swimming; arts and crafts; sports and recreational fun; and educational games and activities for children to learn more about living with diabetes. One of the most important aspects of diabetes camp is during the week of camp, all the children in attendance are just like everyone else there. They are all diabetic, so they understand each other and don't feel different.

Children's Hospital partners with WATE-TV 6 to fund Camp Cure. For more information on Camp Cure, call Children's Hospital at (865) 541-8281.

THE DONALD M. GALLY SUMMER CAMP
Week of July 6 for children ages 5-11
Week of July 13 for teens ages 12-18.
The Donald M. Gally Summer Camp is held each July for children with 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 EAGLE'S NEST
July 27-July 31, 2009
Patients from the Children's Hospital Hematology/Oncology Clinic make Camp Wesley Woods in Townsend their home for one week each summer. Camp Eagle's Nest offers campers plenty of time to enjoy the outdoors by riding horses, canoeing, rock climbing, tubing and much more. 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 Eagle's 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 Eagle's Nest, call Children's Hospital at (865) 541-8476.

These three camps provide the highest quality experiences for Children's Hospital patients. Contributions are always needed to improve the camps, add more activities and ensure that all children wanting to attend camp can. Both monetary and food donations are accepted and greatly appreciated. These camps would not be possible without donations to keep them going every year. 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.