Programs for children living with health conditions.
ECU Health Maynard Children’s Hospital partners with other organizations to create these fun, safe and inspiring residential camp experiences for children living with certain health conditions.
Children’s Miracle Network
As a Children’s Miracle Network hospital, our patients, families and community benefit from the generous donations that make possible many of the services we offer. In order to provide the best care for kids, we rely on community support, as Medicaid and insurance programs do not fully cover the cost of care. Since 1983, Children’s Miracle Network has helped fill those funding gaps by raising more than $7 billion, most of it $1 at a time through Miracle Balloon icon campaigns. Its various fundraising partners and programs support the nonprofit’s mission to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible.
Learn more about how you can support the best care for kids through the Children’s Miracle Network.
Camp Needles in the Pines
This one-week residential experience is held each year for children with type 1 diabetes, ages 8 to 14. Activities include swimming, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, archery, crafts, rifle range, tenting, education and support to develop improved self-care skills for your child’s diabetes care. The camp is located at Camp Boddie Boy Scout Camp in Blounts Creek, NC. The cost is $250, and full or partial scholarships are available.
Insulin, meters and strips are provided. If your child takes any medications (other than insulin), please send them with your child to camp. If your child wears an insulin pump, bring pump supplies with you. The medical staff members are volunteers from regional hospitals, schools and universities as well as community members with diabetes. If you are a health care professional interested in volunteering, contact Lynne Braxton at [email protected].
Victory Junction Gang Camp
Victory Junction Gang Camp enriches the lives of children with serious illness or chronic medical conditions by providing life-changing camping experiences in a safe and medically sound environment. Victory Junction, located in Randleman, NC, also offers a “Neurology Week” for children with brain injuries and their families, in addition to Family Weekends throughout the year. Maynard Children’s Hospital is one of the founding hospitals of Victory Junction. Visit Victory Junction for information about the camper application process and volunteering to help.
Camp Rainbow
Camp Rainbow is a week-long summer camping experience for children with cancer, hemophilia and other chronic blood disorders and their siblings. Children who have lost a sibling to cancer are also encouraged to attend. A staff of physicians, nurses and other volunteers provide necessary medical support and emotional encouragement.
Camp goals include building self-confidence and independence, well-being, emotional and social development, and learning and sharing support with others who are living with a chronic blood disorder. Activities include sailing, canoeing, swimming (lessons adapted for handicapped), arts and crafts, music, campfires, nature, specialized support, and educational sessions.
Camp Rainbow is held at Camp Don Lee on the Neuse River near Arapahoe, NC. For more information about Rainbow Services programs, camp volunteer opportunities, or donation opportunities, please contact Jacquelyn Sauls at 252-744-4676 or [email protected].
Camp Hope
Camp Hope is a week-long camping experience for children with sickle cell disease. Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder affecting the ability of red blood cells to carry oxygen. Children with this disease tire more easily, may have recurrent severe pain, and must receive continuous medical care, thus restricting their ability to participate in many school and recreational activities.
Camp Hope began in 1991 with 49 campers and is held at Camp Don Lee on the Neuse River near Arapahoe, NC. Camp goals include building self-confidence and independence, well-being, emotional and social development, and learning and sharing support with others who are living with a chronic blood disorder. A staff of physicians, nurses and other volunteers provide necessary medical support and emotional encouragement.
Activities include sailing, canoeing, swimming (lessons adapted for handicapped), arts and crafts, music, campfires, nature, specialized support, and educational sessions. For more information about Rainbow Services programs, camp volunteer opportunities, or donation opportunities, please contact Jacquelyn Sauls at 252-744-4676 or [email protected].
Camp Wholeheart
Camp Wholeheart is a weekend camp in the fall created to provide a positive life experience for children and teenagers, ages 7 to 18 years, living with complex congenital heart defects. Camp goals include reducing isolation, increasing self-esteem and developing friendships among children with similar medical conditions.
Campers will participate in educational activities to increase physical activity and nutrition awareness in order to promote a healthier lifestyle. The half-day family support event in the spring reunites campers and is used to recruit new campers and promote congenital heart disease awareness in the community. This is the only camp of its kind in eastern North Carolina.
For more information, contact Dr. Priti Desai at 252-328-2866, email [email protected] or contact the Pediatric Cardiology office at the Brody School of Medicine at 252-744-5601.
Need help or have a question?
Call 252-816-3714