Camp Kaleidoscope

A Life-Changing Experience

Sailing, swimming and sleeping outdoors are normal childhood rituals at summer camp, but serious illness keeps some children from joining the fun. A special camp run by Duke Children's Hospital allows sick kids to enjoy the same activities and freedom as other campers.

Camp K is a residential camp for children treated at Duke Children's Hospital & Health Center. More than 1,000 children and teens with chronic and terminal illnesses--such as brain tumors, leukemia, heart disease, asthma, and lupus--have attended Camp K since it opened in 1979. The camp is located on one of the four separate campsites at Camp Graham, which is owned by the Pines of Carolina Girl Scout Council and situated on Kerr Lake.

Many of the kids at Camp K are away from their homes and parents for the first time. They learn to swim, play sports, and practice arts and crafts in addition to being entertained by clowns, magicians, singers, and celebrity guests. The camp also provides a respite for parents who may become overwhelmed by the complex medical needs of their sick child.

The directors and counselors at Camp K are professionals and volunteers associated with Duke University Medical Center, including physicians, nurses, social workers, development staff, child life specialists, respiratory therapists, physical therapists, pharmacists and medical students. The camp lasts three weeks in July; each week is targeted to a different age group. Attending Camp K is free and is funded through donations to Duke Children's.

Camp K received a national award for innovation in the 1980s. It is believed to be the only program in the country that brings together children with a variety of medical problems, whereas most camps that focus on sick children specialize in a particular disease.

The primary goal of Camp K is to provide a once-in-a-lifetime experience for kids who would, otherwise, be unable to attend camp for reasons related to their illness. At Camp K, children can redefine themselves as just kids, rather than as sick kids.