A SPECIAL CAMP FOR SPECIAL KIDS

from Healthy Living August 2015

SOBERING REALITY: THE TOLL OF UNDERAGE DRINKING

Just imagine a small child with a debilitating illness who spends most of their time at doctor’s offices and hospitals. But for one magical week, they find themselves fishing or paddle boating in a lake, climbing a rock wall, descending down a zip line or riding horses through the woods. These fun-filled activities offer a much-needed reprieve from endless medical treatments and allow them to feel like a normal child.

That’s the kind of magic that takes place at Camp Boggy Creek, which creates fun-ﬁlled camp experiences for children ages 7-16 with chronic or life-threatening illnesses.

Camp Boggy Creek, which is in its 19th year of operations, serves 3,500 children each year from throughout Florida. During the week-long summer sessions, children camp with other kids enduring the same medical condition. The family retreat weekends, held during the fall and spring, are therapeutic for both children and family members, allowing them to spend quality time together.

By attending these camps, kids feel no shame in being bald, conﬁned to a wheelchair or living with a pacemaker. They can participate in exciting camp activities and explore a world of new possibilities. But most importantly, campers are able to make friends, many of which last well beyond their camp experience.

“Being around children who are dealing with the same issues lets them realize that they’re not alone,” said June Clark, President/ CEO. “The camaraderie they develop with other children, staff and volunteers instills a sense of empowerment in our campers. They come to Boggy Creek and regain their independence. It’s a large boost to their self-esteem.”

The camp, which operates on a yearly $5 million budget, relies entirely on donations. Children attend camp at no charge thanks to the generosity of individuals, organizations, corporations and businesses that ﬁnancially support Camp Boggy Creek.

Volunteers can utilize their talents and skills in many different capacities—serving meals in the dining hall, teaching children arts and crafts, showing them how to ﬁsh, assisting at the pool as a lifeguard, or becoming camp counselors.

Pediatric doctors and nurses come from throughout the state to volunteer their time to ensure children have a safe and fun camping experience.

“Our volunteers come here wanting to give back, but when they leave they realize that they received much more than they ever expected,” shared June. “The children are an inspiration – it’s quite remarkable.”