Today we’d like to introduce you to Camp del Corazon!
Camp del Corazon, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Summer camp – long days on the water splashing in the ocean, roasting marshmallows by the fire with friends. This is the image we have of summer camp, one that you may not have experienced if you have heart disease. Many children with heart disease are told that summer camp isn’t for kids like them. If this sounds like you or your child, Camp del Corazon is for you!
Founded by a Pediatric Cardiologist and Electrophysiology nurse from UCLA Medical Center in 1995, Camp del Corazon is a place for kids to take a vacation from being “sick kids.” At CdC, being “different” is normal. We are proud of our scars! Camp is a community where kids meet kids who share their experiences and concerns and who really understand them.
In addition to our residential summer camping experience, we have developed impactful educational and experiential year-round programs for children and families living with the challenges of congenital heart disease. Camp del Corazon is a home for the entire Heart family.
Mission: Camp del Corazon is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides year-round experiential opportunities for growth, education, and support for children, young adults, and families who are living with heart disease.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
We try and accept as many campers as we can, but since covid we are trying to bring back our numbers.
As you know, we’re big fans of Camp Del Corazon. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Camp Del Corazon is a summer camp for kids ages 7-17 with heart conditions located on Catalina Island. We strive to make camp enjoyable for these kiddos who don’t get to experience these things at home. We have arts and crafts, kayaking, snorkeling, performing arts, adventure, rock wall, high ropes, archery, rifles, and so many fun activity rotations. We want to provide a sense of belonging to these kids who might not feel comfortable with their conditions back at home. At camp, they see other kids with scars or maybe the same condition as them, and they see that they are not alone. They build strong friendships on the island and leave feeling better about themselves and more confident. This is what Camp strives to do for each and every camper that comes to camp.
To see our upcoming events, check out our website! https://www.campdelcorazon.org/calendar
Next event is the Happy Heart Festival! February 24th in Irvine! Happy Heart is a fun filled day for both the kids and parents. Parents will learn about their child’s condition and have a chance to ask our doctors any and all questions they might have. While the kids do fun activities with our staff and learn more about each other and make new friendships.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.campdelcorazon.org/camp
- Instagram: Camp Del Corazon
- Facebook: Camp Del Corazon
- Twitter: Camp Del Corazon
