Camp Heartbeat

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

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 2018 received support from the following: 
The ARC of Montgomery County, DoMore24 Fundraiser, Gene DX, Inc., donations made to Brainy Camps by members of Children's National's Department of Cardiology and other employees through the Employee Giving Campaign, Helping Children Grow Foundation, donations made to Brainy Camps through our Holiday Giving Campaign, a grant from Innovating Worthy Projects Foundation, Lockheed Martin's Employee PAC, MBK Foundation, the Mischa Cho Fund, a grant from the Ambassador of Qatar, Race for Every Child fundraiser, support from Johns Hopkins Pediatric Cardiology Department and private donations.