Ask those who remember blissful days at camp – canoeing, making s’mores and singing campfire songs – and they’ll probably say that it’s an experience at the core of their childhood. Kids who are chronically ill, however, are typically denied access to this quintessential experience by their healthcare needs. No longer.
In April, YMCA Camp Copneconic hosted a ribbon-cutting at their new, state-of-the-art Health and Wellness Center. In addition to providing resources to support safe camp operations, the new facility allows kids with debilitating illnesses such as Diabetes, Asthma, Autism, Crohn’s Disease and cancer to attend camp like other kids do. Thanks to a partnership with Hurley Children’s Hospital, Camp Copneconic can now provide treatment for children who might otherwise be barred from the experience of summer camp because of their illness.
The facility is equipped to administer dialysis, chemotherapy and other medicines to kids who are attending partnership camps while in active treatment for a medical condition. “Our new health center is a blend of high-tech medical facility and rustic lodge,” said John Carlson, Executive Director, who added that YMCA is pleased to collaborate with Hurley Medical Center because of their reputation in pediatric care. “This is an amazing place where we want kids to just be kids,” he said. Now more than ever, Camp Copneconic is that place.
PHOTOS BY MIKE NADDEO
