Traditional camp experiences are usually out of the question for children suffering from serious illnesses. That’s where Arizona-based Camp Soaring Eagle steps in, providing year-round, medically safe camping programs to children age 6-15 with serious illnesses — and their families.
Five camps are scheduled for this fall, and spaces are available.
“We work with hospitals and clinics to find [prospective] campers, but we would love to serve more kids who struggle with everyday illness,” says Anna Viviano, a camper recruiter for Camp Soaring Eagle.
Programs include, but are not limited to: Type 1 diabetes, respiratory diseases, cancer, collagen vascular disease, inflammatory bowel disease, metabolic syndrome, mitochondrial disease, neuromuscular impairments, retinoblastoma and blood disorders.
Camps are held at a 26-acre facility in northern Arizona. Charitable donations cover all costs, including transportation, Viviano says.
Campers’ families must submit an application for illness-specific sessions based on the recommendation of their physician.
Fall camps include:
- Sept. 9-11: Youth Diabetes Camper Weekend
- Sept. 23-25: Teen Diabetes Camper Weekend
- Oct. 7-9: Respiratory Camper Weekend
- Oct. 21-23: Respiratory Camper Weekend
- Nov. 11-13: Veterans’ Kids Camper Weekend
Camp Soaring Eagle welcomes contributions and volunteers. Find out how you can get involved.
Related: Special Needs camps in Arizona
