Camp Courage

Overnight Summer Camp for Craniofacial Patients

At Camp Courage, every child’s possibilities are endless. From team-building activities to individual support, this camp has something for everyone. Camp Courage gives every child the chance to experience camp, build friendships and make memories that last a lifetime.

Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, in collaboration with Camp Twin Lakes, started Camp Courage to give patients with craniofacial conditions a fun opportunity to meet peers with similar medical conditions. Many Children's employees and community volunteers spearhead programs and activities throughout the camp to address issues, such as self-esteem and personal confidence.

Camp Goals

Every child needs to feel special. We promote positive self-esteem with fun and learning. The only requirements are to laugh, play, grow and explore.

Our goals are to:

Increase independence in daily living activities.
Provide fun, safe and appropriate camp activities.
Build self-worth, self esteem and social skills.
Encourage willingness to try new things.
Reinforce that campers are more than their impairment.
Give parents a respite break.

Read the information below to learn more about our opportunities for campers, leaders in training and volunteers.

Campers age 7 to 15

Camper fee: Camp Courage asks for a donation of $100 to help in covering the cost of camp for your child. However, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta would like for every child to attend, regardless of ability to pay. Please indicate on your application if you are interested in a Camp Scholarship for your child. Additional donations are always welcome.

Medical staff: There will be clinical staff available at camp 24 hours a day to administer medications and assist with any medical emergencies. Our volunteers consist of staff from Children's, along with community volunteers committed to making camp a safe and special week for your child.

Parent volunteers: While we are thankful that parents have expressed interest in volunteering at camp, our policy does not allow for parent volunteers during camp sessions. We are strongly committed to making camp be an opportunity for your child to gain independence and self-esteem.

Leaders in training – previous campers age 16 to 17

The Leader in Training (LIT) program is designed to grow and develop leadership and life skills that can be applied in many different settings. LITs are transitioning out of the camper role with increased responsibilities under the supervision of counselors and camp staff. During the camp session, LITs assist the counselors with daily activities, provide support for younger campers, help facilitate camper activities and participate in LIT-only programming.

LIT applicant qualifications:

Be age 16 or 17.
Be a former Children's Healthcare of Atlanta camper for one or more years.
Be able to articulate the benefits of the camp experience.
Possess mental and physical ability to maintain independent and consistent supervision of campers.
Have mental, visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to the activities of camp program.
Demonstrate the ability to be a positive member of the volunteer team.
Demonstrate flexibility in a changing environment.

LITs will be expected to:

Attend Leader in Training orientation session prior to camp.
Commit to participating the entire week of camp.
Be a positive leader and role model for all campers.
Be prompt at all times.
Maintain a positive and enthusiastic attitude.
Use appropriate language and behavior at all times.
Dress in appropriate attire.
Treat campers, volunteers and staff in a professional and respectful manner.
Keep all medical and personal information concerning campers confidential.
Be open to learning from the staff and volunteers.
Be a helpful team member for the counselors and fellow LITs.
Comply with Children's Healthcare of Atlanta policies and procedures, as outlined in the Leader in Training manual.

Duties and responsibilities of leaders in training:

Help provide general supervision of campers.
Help maintain a clean and safe camp environment.
Help guide activities and keep the campers engaged.
Work with counselors to provide age-appropriate activities in designated areas.
Provide support and encouragement to campers.
Design and direct an evening program at camp with other LITs, guided by camp and program staff.
Assist in the dining hall during mealtimes.
Communicate daily with counselors about needs, activities and issues of concern.
Discuss any problems, concerns or suggestions with camp and program staff.
Work with counselors and other staff members as a team.
Perform other tasks as requested by camp staff and volunteers.

Fee: Camp Courage asks for a donation of $100; however, Children's wants every child to be able to attend. If the suggested donation for camp is an issue, please indicate on your application that you are interested in a scholarship. Additional donations are always welcome.

Volunteers

Volunteers play a vital role in Camp Courage’s success. All volunteers are required to attend an orientation and to report to camp on May 28.

If you are a Children's employee, please review the Children's Employee Camp Policy.

Volunteer opportunities:

Cabin counselors: Counselors participate in all camp activities and sleep in a cabin with a group of campers.
Nurses: You must provide a valid nursing license in the state of Georgia. Nurses maintain documentation and provide any appropriate management of camper health care, including basic care, first aid and any other medical needs. You will help distribute medications, administer first aid or treatment of related medical problems and communicate with family members.
Nursing/pharmacy students: Students act as camp counselors throughout the week to gain a better understanding of the psychosocial effects of having a chronic illness.