National Camp Program
Each month the American Kidney Fund hosts virtual camp nights for pediatric kidney patients across the country. These virtual camp nights are provided free of charge and provide children with a break from dialysis, hospitals, and their illness.
The American Kidney Fund (AKF) partnered with the Johns Hopkins Children's Center to host their Camp All-Stars program for children with kidney disease in 2019. In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Camp All-Stars' in-person camp was canceled. AKF knew the importance of having these campers remain connected to each other, especially during a time of increased social isolation, so virtual camp was born.
Every month, AKF hosts virtual camp nights where pediatric kidney patients from across the country can sign up to participate in bingo, art night, gingerbread decorating – you name it, we do it! In addition, each camper receives a welcome to camp bag from AKF!
The power of virtual connections
Virtual camp provides a break from dialysis, hospitals and their illness — enriching the lives of children living with kidney disease by allowing them to just be kids. This virtual environment offers campers the opportunity to connect with others who truly understand what they are going through, which serves as a reminder that they are not alone. Campers share their life-experiences, form friendships, socialize with their peers and engage in creative, constructive outlets.
I also think it is so awesome that you guys give me pizza and gift bags since we couldn't go to camp this year. I got to see my friends from camp on Zoom and play BINGO! Thank you so much! You also helped my mom not worry a lot about me so much. - Miles, Camper
Bring virtual camp to your patients
Please contact us, if you would like to bring virtual camp to the pediatric kidney patients at your children's hospital or center. There is no charge for the centers to enroll their children in this camp, and there is no charge for the campers or their families.
Enter your contact information:
Current list of participating centers
As of July 2023, here is a list of centers taking part in AKF's National Camp Program:
- Johns Hopkins Children's Center
- Phoenix Children's Center
- Cincinnati Children's Center
- Stanford/Lucille Packard Children's
- Riley Children's at Indiana
- UPMC - Children's Pittsburgh
- Texas Children's Center
- Iowa Stead Children's
- Children's National Hospital
- Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters
- Boston Children's Hospital
I don't want to ever sign out of these zooms! This is the only time I can talk to people like me! - Trystian, Camper
WATCH: Catching up with Camp All Stars
Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, we were unable to host Camp All Stars this year. But we've learned that kids living with kidney disease are amazingly resilient.
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