Building self–esteem and a support network for children with Tourette syndrome
Medical Team: Children’s National Hospital Department of Neurology

Camp Connect TS offers children and teens with Tourette syndrome a week of summer fun and social connections. Children experience all the fun and adventure of a sleep-away camp with medical staff close at hand. For one week, the campers do not have to worry about how they are seen or what others think; they simply have fun.

The Department of Neurology of Children’s National provides the medical management of Camp Connect. A team of nurses, social workers, physical therapists, and psychologists provide medical coverage throughout the week. Counselors are trained in dealing with the issues associated with Tourette syndromes. Several counselors and volunteers live with the condition and share their experiences with the campers.

Camp Dates:

• 6/30 – 7/5

Building self-esteem and a support network for children with Spina Bifida. 

Medical Team: Children’s National Hospital Spina Bifida Team

Camp Super Bifida offers children and teens a haven of support and empowerment designed specifically for children living with Spina Bifida. Campers experience a unique and enriching experience that celebrates the abilities and potential of every camper. Camp Empower provides accessible cabins and adaptive equipment is in place to guarantee a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all.  

Camp Super Bifida creates a nurturing environment where children with Spina bifida can build lasting friendships, explore their strengths and embrace new possibilities. Our highly trained staff will provide information about self-care, living a healthy lifestyle, and having fun!  

Medical safety is a top priority, with on-site healthcare professionals available around the clock. We work closely with families and healthcare providers to ensure that each child’s medical needs are met, allowing parents to have peace of mind while their children have a fantastic and enriching camp experience. 

Camp Dates:

• 7/21 – 7/26

A fun, safe environment for children & teens with epilepsy
Medical Team: Children’s National Hospital Department of Neurology

Camp Great Rock is a week-long, overnight camp for children and teens with epilepsy. This specialty program provides campers with epilepsy a safe environment where they can have fun while building confidence, independence, and self-esteem.

Epilepsy is a common and unpredictable condition that often leads to feelings of social stigma and isolation. Camp Great Rock was developed to reduce the stigma and isolation while allowing children with epilepsy to meet others with the same condition and enjoy an overnight camp experience. Camp Great Rock is more than a summer camp—it is specially designed to help kids with epilepsy develop friendships, gain an understanding of their condition, and realize their potential and self-worth. At Camp Great Rock, one staff member is assigned to every two campers.

The Neurology Department of Children’s National provides the medical management of Camp Great Rock. The medical team provides 24/7 physician coverage of camp. Additional medical staff, including nurses, social workers, physical therapists, and psychologists, are on-site throughout the days of camp. Counselors are trained in seizure recognition, first aid, CPR, and the special needs of children with epilepsy. Many counselors and volunteers live with epilepsy and share their experiences with the campers.

Camp Dates:

• 7/7 – 7/12

A fun, supportive, and empowering environment for children and teens with heart conditions
Medical Team: Children’s National Hospital Heart Center

Camp Heartbeat offers children and teens with heart conditions a week of summer fun, education, and social connections in a safe and supervised environment. 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.

In addition to fun, the goal of Camp Heartbeat is to reduce the social isolation that is often associated with heart disorders 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.

Camp Dates:

• 6/23 – 6/28

A fun, supportive, and empowering environment for children and teens with hydrocephalus
Medical Team: Children’s National Hospital Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics

Camp Head Strong offers children and teens with hydrocephalus a week of summer fun, education, and social connections. Condition-specific camps have proven to be an effective way for children to learn more about their conditions and to develop adaptive behaviors. At Camp Accomplish, children learn from peers and adult volunteers who live effectively with the same health conditions and are offered hope for the future.

In addition to fun, the goal of Camp Head Strong is to reduce the social isolation often associated with this condition and increase each camper’s knowledge and understanding of hydrocephalus. The camp provides opportunities for the children and teens to work with professional staff and become better self-advocates and self-managers of their condition. Parents can feel comfortable that their children are under the care of trained and experienced doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals who are experts in the field.

Medical staff, including physicians, nurses, social workers, a physical therapist, and a psychologist, are on-site 24 hours a day and counselors are trained to deal with issues related to this condition.

Camp Dates:

• 6/30 – 7/5

A fun, supportive environment for children & teens with neurofibromatosis
Medical Team Leaders: Children’s National Neuroscience and Behavioral Medicine Center

Camp New Friends serves to reduce the stigma and isolation that is often associated with neurological disorders and chronic health conditions. Medical staff, including nurses, social workers, physical therapist and psychologists, are on-site 24 hours a day. Counselors are trained in dealing with the issues associated with NF. Many counselors and volunteers live with the condition themselves and share their experiences with the campers.

Camp Dates:

• 8/4 – 8/9

A fun, supportive and empowering environment for children with Neuromuscular disorders 

Medical Team: The Children’s National Hospital Multi-Disciplinary Neuromuscular Team 

At Camp New Moves, we prioritize creating a safe and empowering environment where every child can experience the joy of camp activities while addressing their unique needs in an adapted and accessible camp environment. Camp New Moves offers an inclusive overnight or day camp option designed specifically for children with neuromuscular diseases. 

Campers will have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of activities, including adaptive sports, arts and crafts, nature exploration, and team-building exercises. Our goal is to not only provide a fun and memorable camp experience but also to foster a sense of community and support among campers who may share similar experiences. 

Medical safety is a top priority, with on-site healthcare professionals available around the clock. We work closely with families and healthcare providers to ensure that each child’s medical needs are met, allowing parents to have peace of mind while their children have a fantastic and enriching camp experience. Trained counselors will be on site to aid children based upon their individual needs (such as transfers, bathing/ dressing, feeding, recreational activities, and ensuring each child feels engaged during the camp week experience). As safety is a priority, we will unfortunately not be able to accommodate campers with needs for non-invasive (CPAP/ BiPAP) or invasive (tracheostomy) ventilation, or routine required cough assist/suction. The camp is not currently outfitted with generators, although it is a goal for Camp Accomplish and Children’s National to expand inclusion for children with more complex medical care needs in the future. 

Camp Dates:

• 7/14 – 7/19

A fun, supportive, and empowering environments for children & teens with Diabetes
Medical Team: Children’s National Hospital Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes

Camp Take Charge aims to reduce the social isolation that is often associated with Diabetes and increase knowledge and understanding of this condition. The camp provides opportunities for youngsters to work with professional staff and become better self-advocates and self-managers of their condition. Parents can feel comfortable that their children are under the care of trained and experienced doctors, nurses, diabetes educators, pump specialists, and other healthcare professionals who are experts in the field.

Camp Dates:

• 7/28 – 8/2

A fun, supportive, and empowering environment for children and teens with Sickle Cell Anemia
Medical Leader: Children’s National Hospital Sickle Cell Program

In addition to fun, the goal of Super Campers Always is to reduce the social isolation that is often associated with this condition and increase every camper’s knowledge and understanding of sickle cell anemia. The camp provides opportunities for the children and teens to work with professional staff and become better self-advocates and self-managers of their condition. Parents can feel comfortable that their children are under the care of trained and experienced doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals who are experts in the field.

Medical staff, including doctors, nurses, social workers, physical therapists, and psychologists, are on-site 24 hours a day and counselors are trained to deal with issues related to sickle cell disease.

Camp Dates:

• 6/23 – 6/28