Every year Hemophilia of Indiana (HoII), in collaboration with the Indiana Hemophilia and Thrombosis Center (IHTC), hold a summer camp for children throughout the state with bleeding disorders. Last week was no exception, as we took 80 children ages 7-16 to Camp Brave Eagle, as we allow our children to soar into new opportunities and discover things about themselves they may have not known before. The camp is held at the YMCA Camp Crosley, located in North Webster, Indiana. We have held Camp Brave Eagle at this location for many years now, and cannot thank the staff enough for all they have done to make sure our children stay safe, while at the same time creating a fun yet educational atmosphere.
In addition to using the Camp Crosley staff, we bring an entire “army” of volunteers and staff from the IHTC and HoII. The nurses, doctors, social workers, and young adult volunteers allow for children with bleeding disorders to still have a true summer camp experience. Every camper has a different experience, but all agree on one thing, and that is that camp changes them for the better. For some of the younger children, they learn to infuse on their own! Many of the older children and teenagers credit Camp Brave Eagle as being the place they learned to infuse. Below are some testimonials from a few of the children and staff about their time this past week at camp…
“It was fun, I liked making new friends “ – Austin Moffit
“Camp is just another part of my summer routine, it is always a great time” – Jacob Higginbotham
“This was my first time going to Camp Brave Eagle, and it was absolutely incredible. These children and teenagers are unable to attend other camps because of their bleeding disorders. Each and every one of them is an inspiration” – Gavin Freeman, Community Outreach Coordinator; Hemophilia of Indiana.
Camp Brave Eagle 2012 was an absolute success. From everyone at HoII and the IHTC, we would like to thank those involved and the sponsors who allowed our young patients attend and have the absolute time of their lives!
