Welcome to Camp Boggy Creek. A place of dreams, of joy, of possibilities. A camp where children with serious illnesses and their families can forget the word “no” for a little while and embrace the promise of “yes.”
Camp Boggy Creek’s Mission is 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. Camp Boggy Creek never charges campers to attend and never asks them to contribute anything other than a positive, playful attitude and Above All, Have Fun!
Camp Boggy Creek was founded in 1996 by Paul Newman and General H. Norman Schwarzkopf, with one simple premise in mind … that every child, no matter their illness, could experience the transformational spirit and friendships that go hand in hand with Camp.
Since 1996, Camp Boggy Creek has made it possible for children with serious illnesses to enjoy a camp experience in a safe, medically-sound environment. Located just a short drive from Orlando, Florida, the 232-acre Camp serves children ages 7-16 who have been diagnosed with a serious illness. As a year-round retreat, Camp Boggy Creek is able to serve thousands of campers and their families through activity-packed weekly and weekend camp programs. The Camp offers children the chance to catch their first fish, go horseback riding or climb our ropes tower, all while making new friends. Beyond boundless fun, Camp Boggy Creek provides fellowship. Children can spend time with others who are just like them and share their life-experiences, which serves as a reminder that they are not alone.
My first visit to Boggy Creek helped me so much
because until then I had never been with kids
with the same disease.
This was the first time I had ever been away from home.
Everyone was so wonderful
and I had so much fun I didn’t want to leave.
— Lynn, camper
Campers are empowered to do things they never dreamed they could do.
Campers are infused with a spirit of accomplishment at every turn and allowed to forget that “they have what they have.” For many of them, it is the first time they have felt “normal” since their diagnoses.
During each of our overnight summer sessions, up to 150 children with like illnesses arrive for a week of fun, adventure, and independence. Each session of camp, we host a different illness group.
Laughter, giggles, friendships and excitement abound on the 232 acres of tall pines and majestic oaks. While keeping everyone feeling safe, respected, and loved, staff and volunteers empower campers to try new activities for the first time. Campers have opportunities to gain a spirit of accomplishment at every turn and to feel like a kid and forget that “they have what they have.” Campers can catch a fish, shoot arrows at archery, make a woodshop project, perform on stage and so much more, all while making some wonderful new friends who have similar medical experiences.
The prescription for the day is fun, fun, fun! Laughter, giggles, friendships, and excitement abound on the 232 acres of tall pines, majestic oaks, and nature trails.
Camp Bogey Creek is one of 14 member camps of SeriousFun Children’s Network. Founded by Paul Newman, SeriousFun Children’s Network is a growing global community of independently managed and financed camps and programs creating opportunities for children with serious illnesses and their families to reach beyond illness and discover joy, confidence, and a new world of possibilities, always free of charge.
The camp medical staff and facility accommodate children with many kinds of special needs, from bandaging a minor cut to administering chemotherapy. The medical presence is purposely kept in the background so the children can concentrate on filling their days with all the fun of a good old-fashioned camp experience.
At the moment a child steps onto the camp,
they realize they are not alone in this world
and are not different from all the other children,
but, instead, just like them.
Most importantly, rather than feeling excluded,
they are immediately accepted.
They take home an invaluable gift,
they are loved.
– Danny, Camper Dad
I really think that week of camp
was really the first normal week I have had
since being diagnosed.
-Sydney, Camper
David Mann, Camp Director
[email protected]
30500 Brantley Branch Road
Eustis, Florida 32736
352-483-4200
[email protected]
www.boggycreek.org
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