It all began when my sister and father attended the Davi Golf Classic and silent auction, raising funds for Camp del Corazon. Intrigued by the touching stories they shared about the campers and Camp Counselors, I decided to become a Camp Counselor myself.
Camp del Corazon, a nonprofit organization, offers a free summer camp experience to children aged 7-17 living with heart disease. These are resilient kids who have undergone surgeries, faced medical challenges and yet, find solace and connection on Catalina Island.
Becoming a Camp Counselor was stepping into the unknown. Alongside three fellow Counselors and a Registered Nurse, I was tasked with caring for seven children with congenital heart disease. What unfolded over those four nights and five days left an indelible mark on me.
The first year was a whirlwind of kayaking, rock wall climbing and the camaraderie of skit night. Yet, the most poignant moments occurred during our final camp closing. As we sat in a circle, each girl shared the impact of the experience. Tears welled up as stories unfolded — tales of being made fun of at school or finding the only true friendships at camp.
Camp del Corazon is more than just a getaway; it’s an immersive experience that forges friendships lasting a lifetime. One of our Support Staff calls it her “New Year,” a time that offers a fresh perspective on life. Personally, it became a lesson in gratitude for every facet of life. If these kids, with their myriad surgeries, could greet each day with a smile, it put my stresses into sharp perspective. It taught me the power of kindness, the joy of spreading love, and the beauty of selflessness.
My “New Year” unfolds on the last day of camp when I bid farewell to my campers and embrace the gratitude from their parents. It’s a moment when contact information is exchanged, promises to stay in touch are made, and tears flow because the haven of acceptance, perseverance, and recognition of personal strength won’t be seen until the next year.
Camp del Corazon, as a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit, dedicates itself to providing year-round opportunities for children navigating the challenges of growing up with heart disease. Its core mission is to holistically support children emotionally, socially, and physically.
At the heart of Camp del Corazon lies its residential summer camp, a tailor-made experience for children with heart disease. Beyond the summer camp, the organization extends its impact year-round with educational initiatives, counseling services, and community-building events.
If you’re considering ways to support Camp del Corazon, here are a few avenues:
- Donations: Your donation, irrespective of size, can significantly impact the lives of these resilient children.
- Volunteer: Offering your time and skills, whether in medical expertise, event planning, or working directly with the children, can contribute to the organization’s activities.
- Spread the Word: Amplify Camp del Corazon’s message through social media, community events, or simple word of mouth. The more people aware of this organization, the greater the potential for support and collaboration.
For more information or to contribute, please visit Camp del Corazon’s official website. Join me in championing this remarkable cause and making a positive impact on the lives of children living with heart disease.