One Heartland holds its primary camping sessions during the summer months. During summer sessions, we welcome hundreds of children, ages 7-15, from across the country to one-week sessions held at one of our three campsites. From climbing the 40-foot climbing wall and nighttime chats in bunk-beds, to trips to “Club Meds” infirmary and HIV/AIDS discussion groups, the camp program combines the carefree adventure of typical summer camps with the medical and emotional support vital to children impacted by HIV/AIDS. The camp schedule features days packed with fun and exciting programming.

Activities offered include:

Camp days end with exciting all-camp activities such as campfires, dances and scavenger hunts. Nights in the cabins are often filled with voices and laughter, discussing topics ranging from funniest memory of the day to personal hopes and fears.

Special Opportunities for Support and Community Building

While our camping program offers kids an experience of normalcy and fun, One Heartland’s programs also offer campers the option to speak about AIDS with other kids or staff. Throughout the sessions, campers are able to sign up for discussion groups to talk with their peers about HIV/AIDS-related issues, and to ask questions of nurses, social workers, psychologists and other professionally trained staff. In Willow River, campers enjoy walking along the Trail of Hope, a wooded trail featuring artwork and poetry created by campers about life with HIV/AIDS. Many campers find that discussing HIV/AIDS at Camp gives them a feeling of relief and liberation, helping them cope better throughout the year.