Children of Saskatchewan gather in Saskatoon this week for the seventh annual Champs Camp.
The Children’s Healthy-Heart Activity Monitoring Program in Saskatchewan (Champs) is a week-long summer camp for children ages four to 17 with any type of heart problem.
The camp is meant to provide children with an opportunity to meet others living with heart disease and learn more about their own heart.
Dr. Charissa Pocket, one of the pediatricians at Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital, said, “It’s a great thing to help kids meet each other and know they’re not the only kids with heart problems. “
“It creates a social network for kids and they feel less like an anomaly and more part of a group.”
Camp is held at the University of Saskatchewan, where kids participate in swimming, basketball, an amazing running challenge, and other activities throughout the week. But perhaps the favorite among many campers is none other than a rock-climbing wall.
Apart from activities, it is also an opportunity to learn about the condition of the heart.
“It’s an environment I can fit in,” said fourth-year camper Melina Brandt.
“It’s not like real life and you have to hide who you are. You are accepted for who you are with your heart condition and it’s great to learn from everyone else and hear what they are up to.” Stay tuned and share your stories.”
For the Brasen Sim, who is attending his eighth year at the camp, it’s the people he misses more than his time at the pool.
“There are so many people you know and there are so many bonds that have formed and we take that out of camp as well,” he said. “It’s comforting to know that there are other people with you along for the ride.”
The last two years have been conducted online due to COVID-19, but are back in person this summer. Campers and families also have access to clinical health psychology sessions that focus on topics such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
“You’re right in that,” said fifth-year camper Keena Dunbar. “Don’t feel like you stand out or are a slow kid. Everyone’s gone through the same things and understands you.”
Next week, they will also run a teddy bear drive to help children leave the province for medical care.
“It’s the most exhausting week, but also the best week of the year,” said Dana Lahti, Champs Camp Co-ordinator. “I love knowing that these kids get to come here and have this experience.”
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