MAGIC MOMENTS FAMILY CAMP

This year Magic Moments will host our 16th annual Family Camp during Memorial Day weekend at Children’s Harbor on Lake Martin. This , three-day weekend of summer fun fully accommodates the medical needs of the children we serve, while also providing a vital opportunity for their families to relax and spend time together in a stress free environment. The camp is open to children ages 4 to 18 who have received a magic moment and who are not already eligible for another illness-specific camp. Magic Moments Family Camp is offered to our families at no cost and we accommodate approximately 50 children and their families each year.

The campground facilities at Children’s Harbor fully accommodate the physical limitations of many disabilities, allowing children opportunities such as swimming, boating and fishing that would be impossible at a typical summer camp, or even on a typical family vacation. Children and families also participate in classic summer camp activities, such as arts-and-crafts, group games, talent show competitions, and themed dances.

Camp is no less fun or important for the parents who attend. For many, the most enjoyable aspect of camp is the opportunity to talk with other parents, gaining insights, suggestions and simple but rare empathy from those who are going through similar situations. Because critically-ill children often cannot be left alone without a trained caregiver, camp provides the only respite many parents have from their exhausting responsibilities. Here they have the simple luxury of a few hours to enjoy the company of other adults, while knowing that their child is safe and happy.

By offering fully-accommodating facilities and activities, 24-hour medical staff and a very low counselor to child ratio, Family Camp allows families to focus on simply having fun together, while forgetting, at least for a little while, the reality that has so long dominated their lives.

Family Camp 2013 will take place Saturday, May 25th - Monday, May 27th. Applications are due no later than April 30. If you have not received an application and are eligible to attend Family Camp, please contact Courtney Carson at 205-638-2431 or by email at Courtney.carson@childrensal.org. Applications are accepted on a first-come/first-served basis.

We also need volunteers! If you live or vacation in the Lake Martin area and would like to offer boat rides or just lend a helping hand please contact our office at 205-638-9372 or email Courtney at courtney.carson@childrensal.org.

Magic Moments would like to thank Children’s Harbor for generously providing the facilities for Family Camp.