Children's National Health System - Brainy Camps Association

What is it?

Brainy Camps Association, a nonprofit subsidiary of Children’s National Health System, is a consortium of medically managed, condition-specific, residential summer camps and services for children with chronic health conditions. Located in West Virginia, each camp provides children and teens opportunities for them to gain confidence and build self-esteem. Campers participate in numerous activities, from the traditional – swimming, hiking, arts and crafts, and team sports – to the more novel – trapeze flying, rock wall climbing, go-cart driving and horseback riding.

Who is it for?

Children, teens and young adults with any of 10 types of chronic health conditions.

Why do they do it?

Brainy Camps enables participants to meet others with the same conditions, form support groups, learn directly from experts in the field and become partners in managing their own care.

Impact

Brainy Camps has served thousands of children over its 20 years of operation and inspired hundreds of young adults to pursue health-related careers. Campers gain skills to become counselors, leaders and self-advocates, serving as role models in the camps and their communities.

Contact: Sandra Cushner Weinstein
Director, Brainy Camps Association
Telephone: 202-476-5142
Email: scushwei@childrensnational.org