Camp Odayin: A Summer Retreat with Heart
A camping experience where kids (with special hearts) can be kids
Every year, tens of thousands of kids are born with congenital heart defects in the United States – destined to live a life framed by their condition. With medical advances, these kids are living longer than ever before. But surgeries, devices, drugs and doctors are only part of the healing process.
"When I hear from campers that they are more independent and confident as a result of their experience, or see a mom send her kid to camp with peace of mind, I understand the strength and importance of the experience." Sara Meslow, Founder and Executive director of Camp Odayin.
That's where Camp Odayin, a camp specifically designed for kids with heart disease, comes in. Camp Odayin offers swimming, boating, horseback riding, nature walks, and sports – all under the watchful eye of highly trained counselors, pediatric cardiologists, and cardiac nurses. It's an experience Sara understands very well. She was first diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat at 13. She received an implantable cardioverter defibrillator when she was 29.
"After getting my defibrillator, I volunteered at a camp for kids with heart disease," she says. "My time there inspired me to create a place in the Midwest where kids like me could safely experience the magic of summer camp."
In 11 years, the camp has grown from a single week of resident camp to four weeks, also adding a day camp, family camp and winter camp. In all, more than 450 kids visit the camp each year.
"This growth certainly validates our mission," says Meslow. "It is humbling to realize how Camp Odayin can change lives."