Find the Right Summer Camp for Your Child with Pulmonary Hypertension

Selecting the right summer camp for kids and young adults with pulmonary hypertension is important. Many types of camps offer ways to create memories and meet new friends. Carefully planning for camp will help prepare you and your child for their new adventure and a great camp experience.

How to Ensure Your Child Has a Great Experience

Make sure the camp can accommodate a child with special needs. Some camps cater to kids and young adults with heart and lung conditions, while others are for kids with chronic illnesses. Ask whether the camp has:

  • Activities your child can participate in with the other campers.
  • Accommodates dietary needs.
  • Staff who are trained to support campers with medical conditions.
  • Resource to help the camper feel supported, have fun and fit in with other campers.

See our Summer Camp Checklist for a list of other questions you should ask.

Make sure you know your child’s physical abilities. Ask about their interests and what they want to get out of summer camp. Look for camps that offer activities that interest your child and they would feel comfortable participating in. Does your child prefer day or overnight camp? Here are few considerations to ask prospective camps:

  • How are campers supervised during activities, especially physical activities?
  • How does the camp prioritize campers’ health and safety.
  • Does the camp have a physician and/or registered nurse(s) on site?
  • Are camp counselors trained to handle medical situations and/or emergencies?
  • Can staff administer and facilitate medication storage.
  • Is the camp accredited with the American Camp Association? The non-profit accrediting organization focuses on physical and emotional safety of campers and staff. The organization’s camp-finder tool can help you discover the ideal camp for your child.

Start your search early so you don’t miss the deadline registration. Ask other parents or your child’s care team for recommendations. Find other parents through PHA support groups for referrals and other helpful information.

Find a summer camp by region

PHA doesn’t endorse specific camps. This list isn’t comprehensive.

East Coast

Camp Boggy Creek, Eustis, Florida
Heart Summer Session
Camp dates: June 11-15, 2024
Ages: 7-17
Registration deadline: June 16, 2024

Double H Hole in the Woods Ranch, Lake Luzerne, New York
Double H Ranch | A Serious fun Camp
Camp Inspiration
Camp dates: June 12-16, 2024
Ages: 5-21
Registration is open until the camp reaches capacity.

Hole In The Wall Gang Camp, Ashford, Connecticut
There are seven camp sessions from June to August.

Featured sessions include:

  • Session #3 (Sickle Cell)
    July 12-18, 2024
  • Session #5 (Sickle Cell)
    July 29- Aug. 4, 2024

Ages: 7-15
Registration deadline: April 1, 2024

Victory Junction, Randleman, North Carolina
Session 6 – Heart/Lung/Kidney: July 14-18, 2024
Ages: 6-16
Registration is open until camp meets capacity. A waitlist is available. Decisions will be communicated to families between May 1 and June 1, 2024, depending on the session you applied for.

Midwest

Camp Joyful Hearts, Cincinnati
June 23-28, 2024
Ages: 8-18
Registration is open until the camp reaches capacity.

Camp Odayin, Stillwater, Minnesota
For children with heart disease

  • WI Summer Camp – Grades 1-11
    June 24-28, 2024, Elkhorn, WI ‘Nokasippi’
  • MN Summer Camp – Grades 6-8
    July 15-19, 2024, Crosslake, MN ‘Flambeau’
  • MN Summer Camp – Grades 1-6
    July 22-26, 2024, Crosslake, MN ‘Chippewa’
  • MN Summer Camp – Grades 9-11
    July 29 – Aug. 2, 2024, Crosslake, MN ‘Namekagon’

Registration deadline: April 1, 2024

Roundup River Ranch, Avon, Colorado
Campers and families are accepted in a lottery system.

  • Summer Camp 1
    June 6–11, 2024; Lung Disease, Moderate to Severe Asthma, & Celiac Disease
    Registration deadline for Summer Camp 1: April 5, 2024
  • Summer Camp 3
    June 25 –30, 2024; Congenital or Acquired Heart Disease, Heart Transplant
    Registration deadline for Summer Camp 3: April 11, 2024

West Coast

Camp del Corazon, Catalina Island, California
For children living with the challenges of heart disease

  • Session 1: Aug. 15-19, 2024
  • Session 2: Aug. 19-23, 2024
  • Session 3: Aug. 23-27, 2024

Ages: 7-17
Registration deadline: July 1, 2024

Camp Korey, Carnation, Washington

  • General Condition, Respiratory, Neuro
    July 7–11, 2024
  • Transplant and Cardiac
    July 14–18, 2024

Ages: 7-17
Registration is open until the camp reaches capacity.

The Painted Turtle, Lake Hughes, California
Spring Family Weekend: Pulmonary Hypertension
April 19-22, 2024
Registration deadline: April 9, 2024

Camp Taylor, Modesto, California
For children with heart disease and their families

  • Youth Camp Ages: 7-12
    June 11-15, 2024
  • Teen Camp Ages: 13-17
    June 18-22, 2024

Registration deadline: May 1, 2024

For other tools to find the right summer camp for your child, view our summer camp finder resources: