The National Pancreas Foundation and Rebecca’s Wish created Camp Hope, a pediatric pancreatitis summer camp for children and young people suffering from pancreatitis, or post-TPIAT. At Camp Hope, campers can experience all the joys of camp without limitations. It is also a place where they can meet to bond/build friendships in a fun and safe setting that includes camp activities such as swimming, archery, horseback riding, zip-lining, crafts, indoor basketball, photography, color war, campfires, and more!
At Camp Hope, campers can participate in things they have never been able to do while having fun, finding respite, and experiencing a new sense of belonging. All while staying safe under the guidance and care of an onsite medical and psychosocial team.
Our second in-person Camp Hope event will be held July 30 – August 4, 2023, at Morgan’s Wonderland Camp in San Antonio, Texas! This is for campers who are 8 – 18 years old. Camp is free for campers and volunteers (19+ years old). Travel stipends are available for those who need financial assistance.
“Being diagnosed with pancreatitis at 8-years-old was difficult because I didn’t know any other kids who were going through what I was going through.” -Lauren Smakosz
Lauren Smakosz, Camp Hope Testimonial
Our second in-person Camp Hope event will be held July 30 – August 4, 2023, at Morgan’s Wonderland Camp in San Antonio, Texas! This is for campers who are 8 – 18 years old. Camp is free for campers and volunteers (19+ years old). Travel stipends are available for those who need financial assistance.
About Morgan’s Wonderland
Morgan’s Wonderland is the world’s first ultra-accessible family fun park specifically designed with special-needs individuals in mind. The 25-acre park is completely wheelchair-accessible and features more than 25 elements and attractions including rides, playgrounds, gardens, and an eight-acre fishing lake.
The inspiration for the park came from CEO, Gordon Hartman’s 16-year-old daughter Morgan. Her soaring spirit despite personal challenges sparked within Hartman a deep desire to create a haven not only for those with special needs but also for their families, caregivers, and invited friends. “Inclusion is the overarching objective for Morgan’s Wonderland,” he explained. “Our vision is to play an instrumental role in helping establish more ultra-accessible family fun parks throughout the nation.”
Patient Story: Ezra
Ezra attended Camp Hope to help him understand his condition better and be able to share his story with other children that can understand his pain.
After picking up our son from Camp Hope, he declared it to be the “BEST CAMP EVER!” He shares his camp experience below:
“It meant a lot to me, getting to know other kids with my condition, and that I could relate to. I wished it would have lasted longer. My favourite thing to do at the camp was archery. During the scavenger hunt, everyone came together to help each other complete the challenges. The food was amazing! The staff was so kind and friendly. My counsellors were the best! I definitely want to go back again.”
HELP SEND A CHILD TO CAMP HOPE!
The National Pancreas Foundation provides an overnight camp experience to support medically fragile children whose families may not otherwise be able to afford a camp experience. It is funded solely through donations and the partnership with Rebecca’s Wish.
$1,500 sends a child or a volunteer to Camp Hope!
Please know that every donation helps!
Strategic Partners
