Camp Boggy Creek, nestled in the heart of Eustis, Florida, is a beacon of hope and joy for children with serious illnesses. Located within the picturesque region of Central Florida, this camp is surrounded by the serene beauty of nature, making it a perfect retreat. Not far from the bustling cities, yet peacefully secluded, it offers a tranquil environment for its campers, near notable landmarks such as the expansive Ocala National Forest and the sparkling waters of Lake Eustis.

The camp’s journey began with the vision of its founders, Paul Newman and General H. Norman Schwarzkopf, who wanted to create a haven where children could escape the everyday challenges of serious illnesses. Since its inception, Camp Boggy Creek has welcomed thousands of children, offering them a place to experience the joys of childhood without the constraints of their medical conditions.

At the core of Camp Boggy Creek’s existence is a powerful mission: to foster a spirit of joy by creating a free, safe, and medically-sound camp environment that enriches the lives of children with serious illnesses and their families. This philosophy permeates every aspect of the camp, ensuring that every camper can participate in activities that build confidence, foster friendships, and create joyous memories, all while receiving the medical care they need.

Camp Boggy Creek is uniquely designed to serve boys and girls of various age groups, typically ranging from 7 to 16 years old. The camp provides a wide array of programs tailored to meet the needs and capabilities of its campers, emphasizing inclusivity and fun. Whether through arts and crafts, horseback riding, fishing, or swimming, each activity is adapted to ensure every child, regardless of their illness, can participate fully and safely.

Camp Boggy Creek is more than just a place; it’s a community bound by strength, courage, and joy. It stands as a testament to the belief that every child deserves a chance to be a kid, to laugh, play, and dream, even in the face of serious illness.

Programs Offered by Camp Boggy Creek

Camp Boggy Creek offers an array of programs designed to bring joy and a sense of normalcy to children with serious illnesses. These programs are carefully crafted to ensure every camper can participate, regardless of their medical needs. The camp provides a mix of traditional camp activities and specialized programs, all within a safe, inclusive, and medically supportive environment.

Description of Programs

Summer Sessions: These are the heart of Camp Boggy Creek’s offerings, with one-week sessions throughout the summer. Each session caters to specific illnesses, ensuring tailored medical support and care. Activities include swimming, fishing, horseback riding, arts and crafts, and much more, allowing kids to experience the joys of summer camp.
Family Weekends: Held during the spring and fall, these weekends bring together children and their families for a two-day retreat. Family weekends are designed to provide a respite for the entire family, offering a mix of recreational activities, relaxation, and bonding opportunities.
Specialty Programs: Camp Boggy Creek also offers sessions focused on arts, sports, and science, allowing children to explore their interests or try something new in a supportive setting. These programs are integrated into the regular camp sessions, ensuring a diverse and enriching experience for all campers.

Length of Sessions

Summer Sessions: Typically, one week long, offering children a full immersion in the camp experience.
Family Weekends: Two days in length, providing a brief, yet impactful, getaway for families.

Specialty Programs

Arts: From painting and drawing to performing arts, children can express themselves creatively.
Sports: Adapted sports activities allow every child to participate, regardless of their physical abilities, including archery, fishing, and boating.
Science: Interactive and educational science activities spark curiosity and offer learning outside the traditional classroom setting.

Typical Daily Schedule

A day at Camp Boggy Creek is structured to maximize fun, friendship, and participation:

Morning: After breakfast, campers start their day with a camp-wide assembly, followed by a rotation through various activities, such as arts and crafts, horseback riding, or swimming.
Afternoon: Post-lunch, campers continue to engage in different activities. There’s also rest time to ensure everyone stays energized.
Evening: After dinner, the entire camp comes together for evening programs, which may include campfires, talent shows, or themed parties.
Night: Campers wind down with their cabin groups, reflecting on the day’s adventures before lights out.

Camp Boggy Creek’s programs are all about giving children a chance to be children, away from the constraints of their illnesses. The focus is on fun, friendship, and the creation of lasting memories, all while ensuring the medical and emotional needs of the campers are fully supported.

Accommodations in Camp Boggy Creek

Camp Boggy Creek is designed to offer a comfortable, safe, and inclusive environment for its campers and their families, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the full camp experience without worry. The camp’s facilities are specifically tailored to meet the needs of children with serious illnesses, providing a seamless blend of fun and functionality.

Sleeping Arrangements

Cabins: The camp features cozy, climate-controlled cabins that are accessible and equipped to handle the medical needs of the campers. These cabins are spacious and designed with themes to create a fun and engaging atmosphere. Campers are grouped by age and, when applicable, by medical condition, to ensure that each child feels comfortable and supported. Each cabin has experienced counselors who are trained to provide care and support, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all campers.

Dining Options

Meal Plans: Camp Boggy Creek offers nutritious, balanced meals prepared by culinary staff who understand the importance of both health and taste. Meals are served in a communal dining hall, where campers and staff come together to share meals, fostering a sense of community.

Dietary Accommodations: Understanding the varying dietary needs and restrictions of its campers, the camp is fully equipped to provide meals that accommodate a wide range of dietary requirements, including allergies, gluten-free, vegetarian, and medically necessary diets. The culinary staff works closely with healthcare professionals and families to ensure that each camper’s dietary needs are met.

Bathroom and Shower Facilities

The camp is equipped with accessible bathroom and shower facilities within each cabin. These facilities are designed to accommodate campers with different levels of mobility and are equipped with features such as grab bars and shower chairs to ensure safety and independence. The camp maintains high standards of cleanliness and hygiene, with facilities regularly cleaned and inspected to ensure the health and comfort of all campers.

Camp Boggy Creek’s accommodations are thoughtfully designed to remove barriers, allowing all campers to participate fully in the camp experience. From the moment they arrive, campers are welcomed into a supportive, empowering environment where their needs are anticipated and met with care and compassion.

Activities in Camp Boggy Creek

Camp Boggy Creek provides a wide range of activities designed to ensure every camper can participate fully and safely, regardless of their medical condition. These activities not only offer fun and excitement but also opportunities for personal growth, skill development, and the formation of lifelong friendships.

List of Activities Offered

Swimming: The camp features an accessible pool where campers can enjoy water games and swimming under the supervision of trained lifeguards.
Hiking: Guided nature walks and hikes allow campers to explore the beautiful surroundings of the camp.
Crafts: A fully equipped arts and crafts center provides a creative outlet for campers to express themselves through painting, sculpting, and various craft projects.
Horseback Riding: In summer camps with a stable on-site, campers can learn basic horsemanship and enjoy gentle rides, all adapted to meet their abilities.
Fishing: The camp’s catch-and-release fishing program offers relaxation and the thrill of catching fish in the camp’s well-stocked ponds.
Archery: Taught by experienced instructors, archery sessions help campers learn focus and coordination.
Boating: Canoeing and kayaking on the camp’s lake provide a serene and exhilarating experience.
Sports: Adapted sports activities, including basketball, volleyball, and mini-golf, are designed to ensure every child can participate and enjoy the thrill of the game.

Special Events or Traditions

Campfire Nights: These are a staple of the Camp Boggy Creek experience, featuring storytelling, sing-alongs, and marshmallow roasting. It’s a time for campers to bond and share their experiences in a supportive environment.
Theme Days: Special themed days and parties, such as superhero day or pirate day, add an extra layer of fun and allow campers to immerse themselves in imaginative play.
Talent Shows: Campers have the opportunity to showcase their talents, whether it’s singing, dancing, magic, or comedy, in a supportive and encouraging atmosphere.

Skill Development Opportunities

Leadership and Teamwork: Through group activities and team sports, campers develop leadership skills and learn the value of teamwork and cooperation.
Confidence Building: By trying new activities and overcoming challenges, campers build self-confidence and a sense of achievement.
Creative Expression: Arts and crafts, music, and drama activities offer campers the chance to explore their creative sides and express themselves in a variety of mediums.
Environmental Awareness: Through nature hikes and environmental education sessions, campers learn about the natural world and the importance of conservation.

Camp Boggy Creek is designed to be a place where children with serious illnesses can experience the joys and challenges of camp in a safe, inclusive, and medically supportive environment. The activities not only serve as fun and entertainment but also as vehicles for growth, healing, and the development of resilience and independence.

The staff of Camp Boggy Creek

Camp Boggy Creek prioritizes creating a safe, supportive, and enriching environment for its campers, which is significantly attributed to its dedicated and highly trained staff. The camp ensures a high level of care and attention to each camper through a favorable staff-to-camper ratio and a rigorous hiring and training process for all staff members.

Staff-to-Camper Ratio

Camp Boggy Creek maintains a low staff-to-camper ratio to ensure personalized attention and care. Although the exact ratio can vary depending on the session and the needs of the campers, the goal is always to ensure that each child receives the support and supervision they need. This ratio is particularly important given the medical needs of many of the campers, and it is designed to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

Hiring Process and Staff Qualifications

Hiring Process: The camp conducts a thorough hiring process that includes extensive background checks, interviews, and reference checks. The process is designed to select individuals who are not only qualified but also passionate about making a difference in the lives of children with serious illnesses.
Staff Qualifications: Staff members often have backgrounds in education, child development, recreation, nursing, or other related fields. Many also have previous experience working in camps or with children with special needs. The camp seeks individuals who are compassionate, enthusiastic, and committed to providing a supportive environment for campers.

Training and Certifications

CPR and First Aid: All camp staff are required to be certified in CPR and First Aid. These certifications are essential for ensuring that staff members can respond effectively to any medical emergencies that may arise.
Medical Training: For staff members involved in the direct care of campers, additional medical training is provided. This training is tailored to the specific needs of the campers and covers the management of various medical conditions, medication administration, and emergency response procedures.
Program-Specific Training: Staff members receive training specific to their roles, whether they are leading outdoor activities, arts and crafts, or other camp programs. This training ensures that all activities are conducted safely and are adapted to meet the needs of all campers.
Ongoing Professional Development: Camp Boggy Creek is committed to the ongoing professional development of its staff. This includes regular updates on best practices in childcare, special needs education, and medical care, ensuring that the camp continues to provide a high-quality experience for all campers.

The staff at Camp Boggy Creek are more than just employees; they are part of a caring community dedicated to creating a magical and transformative experience for children with serious illnesses. Their qualifications, training, and passion ensure that every camper has the opportunity to enjoy camp to the fullest in a safe, caring, and supportive environment.

Safety and Health in Camp Boggy Creek

Camp Boggy Creek takes the safety and health of its campers very seriously, implementing rigorous protocols and maintaining comprehensive on-site health facilities to ensure a secure and nurturing environment for children with serious illnesses. The camp’s approach to safety and health is multi-faceted, encompassing preparedness, prevention, and immediate response capabilities.

Safety Protocols and Procedures

Comprehensive Safety Plans: The camp develops and regularly updates safety plans that address a wide range of scenarios, from severe weather to unexpected medical situations. These plans are crafted with input from medical professionals, safety experts, and camp administration to ensure they are thorough and effective.
Regular Training and Drills: Staff and volunteers undergo regular training sessions that include emergency preparedness, fire safety, and active shooter scenarios. These training sessions ensure that everyone knows how to act swiftly and efficiently in an emergency. Drills are conducted periodically to keep the camp prepared for real-life situations.
Activity Safety: All camp activities are designed with safety in mind. Equipment is regularly inspected, and safety gear is provided as needed. Staff supervising activities are trained in both the safe conduct of the activity and basic first aid to address any immediate concerns that arise.

On-Site Health Facilities and Staff

Well-Equipped Medical Facility: Camp Boggy Creek has an on-site medical facility that is staffed by licensed healthcare professionals, including doctors and nurses familiar with the specific needs of children with serious illnesses. This facility is equipped to handle routine medical care as well as to respond to any health issues that may arise during camp.
Partnerships with Healthcare Providers: The camp maintains strong partnerships with hospitals and healthcare providers to ensure that campers have access to the best care possible. These partnerships also facilitate the presence of healthcare professionals who specialize in the campers’ various medical conditions.

Policies on Handling Emergencies

Immediate Response and Care: In the event of an emergency, the camp’s medical staff are prepared to provide immediate care. If a situation requires more advanced care than the camp can provide, protocols are in place for rapid transport to a nearby hospital.
Communication with Families: The camp has a clear policy for communicating with families in the event of an emergency. Parents and guardians are promptly informed of any issues, and the camp ensures they are kept updated on their child’s condition and care.
Ongoing Review and Improvement: After any incident or emergency, the camp conducts a thorough review to identify any lessons learned and to improve safety protocols and emergency response plans accordingly.

Safety and health are the top priorities at Camp Boggy Creek, ensuring that all campers can enjoy a fun and enriching camp experience in a safe environment. Through meticulous planning, rigorous training, and a compassionate, professional on-site medical team, the camp strives to protect and enhance the well-being of every child it serves.

Cost and Registration in Camp Boggy Creek

Cost of Attendance and What It Includes

No Cost to Families: Attendance at Camp Boggy Creek is completely free for children and their families. This includes all camp activities, meals, accommodation, and medical care provided during the stay. The camp operates thanks to donations, grants, and the support of volunteers, ensuring that no financial burden is placed on the families of the campers.

Registration Process and Deadlines

Application Process: The first step to attending Camp Boggy Creek involves completing an application. This can typically be done online through the camp’s official website. The application requires information about the camper’s medical condition to ensure the camp can accommodate their needs.
Medical Clearance: As part of the registration, medical clearance from the camper’s healthcare provider is necessary. This ensures that the camp staff is fully prepared to provide the appropriate care.
Deadlines: Registration deadlines are usually set for each camp session. Interested families should apply early as space is limited and demand can be high. The camp’s website will have the most current information on session dates and application deadlines.

Payment Plans, Refunds, and Cancellation Policies

Not Applicable: Since there is no cost for attending Camp Boggy Creek, there are no payment plans or refund policies. However, if a camper cannot attend their session for any reason, families are encouraged to notify the camp as soon as possible. This allows the camp to offer the spot to another child who is waiting for the opportunity to attend.

Availability of Scholarships or Financial Aid

Automatic Scholarship: Essentially, every camper’s attendance is covered by what could be considered a full scholarship, thanks to the camp’s funding model. There is no need for families to apply for scholarships or financial aid, as the program is designed to be accessible to all eligible children without regard to financial status.

Camp Boggy Creek’s commitment to removing financial barriers ensures that every child with serious illnesses has the opportunity to experience the joys and benefits of camp life, fostering a sense of normalcy, camaraderie, and adventure in a caring and supportive environment.

Parent and Camper Preparation in Camp Boggy Creek

Preparing for a stay at Camp Boggy Creek is an exciting time for campers and their families. To ensure everyone is ready for a fantastic camp experience, here’s a comprehensive guide covering the packing list, rules and policies, and tips for first-time campers and parents.

Packing List

While specific items may vary based on the session and time of year, a general packing list includes:

Clothing: Comfortable and weather-appropriate clothing, including t-shirts, shorts, long pants, underwear, socks, pajamas, a swimsuit, a hat, and a jacket for cooler evenings.
Footwear: Closed-toe shoes for activities, sandals or flip-flops for the shower, and water shoes if available.
Bedding: Although Camp Boggy Creek provides bedding, some campers prefer to bring their favorite blanket or pillow for comfort.
Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, comb or brush, sunscreen, and insect repellent. The camp can provide these if needed, especially for those with sensitive skin or allergies.
Medications: All medications must be brought in their original containers with clear labels. The camp’s medical staff will manage and administer these as prescribed.
Miscellaneous: A flashlight, a water bottle, and a small backpack for day activities.

Rules and Policies

Technology Use: To ensure all campers fully engage with the camp experience and each other, personal electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops are discouraged. The camp provides a digital detox environment, encouraging campers to connect with nature and each other.
Visitation: For the safety and security of campers and to maintain the integrity of the camp experience, visitation during sessions is generally not allowed. Parents and families are invited to specific events or closing ceremonies as appropriate.
Behavior: Campers and staff are expected to treat each other with respect, kindness, and empathy. Bullying, aggressive behavior, or disrespect towards staff or fellow campers is not tolerated.

Tips for First-Time Campers and Parents

For Campers:
- Be open to new experiences. Camp is a fantastic place to try new activities and make new friends.
- Communicate with your counselors. They are there to make your camp experience amazing and help with any worries or concerns you might have.
For Parents:
- Talk about expectations with your child before they go to camp. Discussing what camp will be like can help ease any anxieties.
- Stay positive and excited for your child. Your confidence in the camp experience will help your child feel more secure about being away from home.
- Trust the camp staff. They are experienced, well-trained, and dedicated to ensuring your child has a safe and enriching experience.

By following these guidelines and being prepared, campers and parents can ensure a smooth, enjoyable, and memorable experience at Camp Boggy Creek. The camp is designed to be a place where children can enjoy being children, away from the challenges of serious illness, and where families can find respite and a supportive community.

Camp Boggy Creek stands as a shining example of hope, resilience, and joy, offering a sanctuary where children with serious illnesses can embrace the joys of childhood without the constraints of their medical conditions. Nestled in the heart of Eustis, Florida, this magical place provides a blend of fun, friendship, and adventure, all within a safe, inclusive, and medically supportive environment.

Through its array of programs, ranging from summer sessions to family weekends, Camp Boggy Creek ensures that every child, regardless of their medical needs, can participate in enriching activities that foster growth, confidence, and lasting memories. The camp’s dedicated staff, carefully selected and trained, are the heart and soul of this nurturing environment, providing care, encouragement, and laughter every step of the way.