Camp Heartbeat

A Fun, Supportive, and Empowering Environment for Children and Teens with Heart Conditions

Virtual Camp Daily Schedule

10 am Morning Meet- Up

10:30 am First Activity

12:30 pm Bunk Brunch

2 pm Second Activity

3 pm Cabin/Chat Room; Support Groups

4 pm GO OUTSIDE

7 pm Evening Activity

Each day will begin and end with a Zoom session for all campers. Multiple smaller breakout sessions will be offered throughout the day where campers can choose activities that are of interest to them (i.e., crafts, yoga, scavenger hunt, games, etc.). They also will have the opportunity to participate in support groups led by our clinical psychologist and clinical social worker, as well as educational sessions led by medical experts in the conditions we serve. In addition, the campers will virtually meet together in “bunks” with their assigned counselors and bunkmates to create a feeling of unity and connection.  In the evening, the campers will participate in camp-wide virtual group activities like a “camp fire” sing-along and storytelling, talent show, and dance party. 

Camp Heartbeat offers children and teens with heart conditions, ages 7-18, six days and five nights of summer fun, education, and social connections in a safe and supervised environment.

Camp Heartbeat was developed by Brainy Camps in conjunction with the Department of Pediatric Cardiology of Children’s National Health System. Parents can feel comfortable that their children are under the constant care of trained and experienced doctors, nurses and healthcare providers who specialize in the condition. Dr. Charles Berul, division chief of the Cardiology program at Children’s National, along with Drs. Russell Cross, Kristin Burns, Libby Sherwin, Jennifer Webb and Sarah Clauss, also of Children’s National, and Dr. Jane Crosson of Johns Hopkins Hospital are the onsite camp physicians.

In addition to fun, the goal of Camp Heartbeat is to reduce the social isolation that is often associated with heart disorder, and increase the knowledge and understanding our campers have about their condition. The camp provides opportunities for the kids to work with professional staff and become better self-advocates and self-managers of their condition. They learn from peers and adult volunteers who live effectively with the condition, serving as role models and offering hope for a successful future to our campers.

Campers participate and choose from a myriad of activities. Support groups and educational programs promote knowledge, skill development and social connections.  Children and teens gain a better understanding of their condition, strengths and self-worth.

Please contact njosey@childrensnational.org for more information.

Camp Heartbeat 2019 received support from the following: 
 DoMore24 Fundraiser, the Mischa Cho Fund, Giving Tuesday donation, Helping Children Grow Foundation, donations made to Brainy Camps through our Holiday Giving Campaign, Lockheed Martin's Employee PAC, MBK Foundation, 2018 Race for Every Child fundraiser, support from Johns Hopkins Pediatric Cardiology Department - Keeping the Beat for Hopkins, Garnett Scott Memorial fund, Asa McKinney Birthday Bash, Carol Toney Memorial Fund and private donations.
 

Photos from Camp Heartbeat 2019