CAMP HONOR
The Arizona Hemophilia Association began a summer camping program for children with bleeding disorders in the summer of 1994, and is now enjoying its fifteenth season.
Summer camp is both a crucial break from the strain of living with a chronic illness and a perfect opportunity to provide life-skills for all of the children with bleeding disorders like hemophilia, von Willebrand’s Disease, and Thrombophilia. It is a chance for children whose medical problems have often robbed them of childhood to regain some of what has been lost. It is a welcome relief for protective parents to be able to send their children for the first time to summer camp that can meet the special needs and conditions of each child.
It was our privilege to expand Camp HONOR (Hemophiliacs Overcoming New Obstacles Resourcefully) beyond the bleeding disorder community to include any child with an HIV/AIDS diagnoses. We were approached by the Bill Holt Clinic at Phoenix Childrens Hospital to include its patients (non-hemophiliac) with HIV/AIDS as well. Since so many children with hemophilia contracted HIV in the late 70’s and early 80’s from the blood products they used in the course of their treatment, it seemed a natural fit for us to accommodate a population of children with whom we had expertise. Camp HONOR is the only residential children’s summer camp serving kids with HIV/AIDS or bleeding disorders in Arizona.
Because chronic illness affects the entire family, brothers and sisters of our campers are encouraged to attend as there are many great benefits for siblings. Besides for enjoying swimming, canoeing, sports, archery and arts and crafts (to name a few fun things), there is also the opportunity learn more about their sibling’s disease, and to meet others who share a similar situation.
Camp HONOR is staffed with volunteer counselors, physicians, nurses and activity leaders.
Camp Honor Downloads:
Camp HONOR 2008 Photos:
Please follow the link, below to view the wonderful photos of Camp HONOR taken by professional photographer, Mark Duran.
http://duranphotographic.com/camphonor2008_web/index.htm
Camp HONOR 2009 Photos:
Please follow the link, below to view the wonderful photos of Camp HONOR taken by professional photographer, Mark Duran.
http://duranphotographic.com/camphonor2009_webgallery/index.htm