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Programs & Services |
Camp Experience
Our Campers
Camp Heartland campers are geographically, socio-economically and ethnically diverse. They have a wide variety of life experiences, interests, talents and dreams. However, for each of the campers in our community, there is a common factor: HIV/AIDS. Each child or teen in our community is either living with HIV/AIDS, or has an immediate family member who is currently living with, or has passed away from, the virus.
Just Like Other Kids
Whether or not they are personally living with HIV/AIDS, our campers are typical kids and teens. They enjoy typical youth activities such as listening to music, dancing, playing sports and hanging out with friends. Almost all of our campers attend mainstream school programs and participate in activities in their home communities ranging from the school football team to church choir.
Medical Differences
Many of our campers living with HIV/AIDS have extensive medical regimens, and have had medication as part of their day to day life since birth. Thankfully, when taken regularly, HIV medications help keep our kids relatively healthy. Most of the campers in our programs participate along side other children in their communities throughout the year, living full and active lives. Unfortunately, some of our campers have higher viral loads and weaker immune systems than others. This may lead to complicated medical treatments and medication schedules, and may also lead to the kids feeling sick or tired more often. Some of our campers spend time in the hospital each year, either due to an opportunistic infection or as part of their regular treatment. When campers get sick during the year, they often miss more school than kids who don't have HIV/AIDS.
A Diverse Group
Camp Heartland campers live across the United States, including former campers from the West Indies and Canada. Many campers live in big cities; some live in very small country towns. Participants in our regular camping programs are age 7 to 15, but young adults age 16 to 20 remain active in the Camp Heartland community through our progressive Leadership Programs and Youth Retreat programs.
Members of the Camp Heartland community represent a wide range of ethnic backgrounds. Approximately 60% of our campers are African American, 20% Caucasian, 11% Latino and 9% are from other ethnicities. A large percentage of our campers live in households that are at or below the poverty level. In addition, a number of Camp Heartland campers live with extended relatives or in foster care due to the death or illness of their parents.
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