Summer is a unique time in a child’s life – a time to relax, make friends, and have fun! It’s also a time of adventure and trying new opportunities. For children with sickle cell disease and their parents, it may also be a time filled with ambiguity and worry. Unluckily, these worries and fears may keep children from participating in summer activities or camps, just when they need these programs the most! Camps can provide benefits that actually improve a child’s ability to cope with and manage their flares. For example camps can help build one’s self-confidence, develop peer support and increase independence.

Each summer, we host the Sickle Cell Kids Camp at The Center of Courageous Kids Camp in Scottsville, Kentucky. The kid’s camp is special because it is designated exclusively for children with serious and/or life-threatening illnesses. At summer camp, the campers are surrounded by energetic and caring counselors that facilitate creative and fun activities throughout the week. During the week there are qualified medical professionals on-site to offer assistance and provide support when needed. Campers will make long-lasting memories while participating in activities such as: boating and fishing, horseback riding, arts and crafts, cooking, and the campers’ favorite: messy games – a camp wide food fight. The sickle sell kids camp builds self-esteem and increases the overall quality of life of every courageous camper.

The Center for Courageous Kids MISSION:
Instilling inspiration and empowerment, while enhancing the lives of children with serious illnesses.

The Center for Courageous Kids EXPERIENCE

In an effort to honor the mission statement, the following goals were established to provide specific outcomes for the camp program:

  • To establish multiple supportive relationships with adults and peers.

  • To enhance self esteem and confidence.

  • To promote growth through self discovery and expression.

  • To develop a sense of independence and group interaction.

  • To experience an environment of physical and emotional safety.

  • To provide the finest medical care that is non-intrusive to camp life, thus providing a “normal” camp experience that would otherwise be unlikely due to medical challenges.

All children age 7-16 living with sickle cell disease are eligible to apply.

The Sickle Cell Foundation of Tennessee will provide transportation to pick up and drop off children in Memphis and Nashville.

ALL CAMPERS AFFILIATED WITH THE SICKLE CELL FOUNDATION OF TENNESSEE ARE GIVEN PRIORITY FOR ACCEPTANCE.

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Improving quality of life for those living with sickle cell disease