Connective Issues Spring 2022

for Kids and Families Returns Camp VICTORY

The Foundation is delighted to bring back Camp Victory for Kids and Camp Victory for Families in person this summer and fall. Kids’ and family camps are set in Georgia, and we’ve added a kids’ and family camp in Ohio for the first time ever. Our expanded camp program gives community members from all over the country more opportunities for a camp experience that is safe for kids with Marfan, Loeys-Dietz, and VEDS. Why Attend Camp Victory? Participation in Camp Victory provides invaluable benefits to kids with connective tissue conditions – increased independence, self-confidence, acceptance, connection, and friendship. Skill-building, personal development, and growth are other tangible benefits campers receive. All participants, young and old, with or without a disability, will benefit from meeting others with whom they can truly relate, often leading to lasting friendships and expanded ongoing circles of support. In addition to trained camp sta ff and volunteers, each camp will have an on site social worker o ff ering support and

programming and a nurse familiar with connective tissue conditions

assisting with medication management and other health-related matters. Strict COVID protocols will be followed, and camps are subject to change pending pandemic status and local, state, and federal regulations. Camp Victory in 2022 July 24-29

p Camp Director, Andrea Friedman, MSW, with her son, Alex

Camp Twin Lakes - GA Camp Victory for Kids

August 7-12 Sept. 23-25

Camp Joy - OH

Camp Victory for Kids

Camp Twin Lakes - GA Camp Victory for Families

Sept. 30-Oct. 2 Camp Joy - OH Camp Victory for Families Check registration information and details at Marfan.org/get-involved/ community/marfan-camps . Or, for more information about a camp near you, please contact Andrea Friedman, MSW, Client Services Manager, at afriedman@marfan.org or (516) 464-8891. Space at all camps is limited and registration is available on a first-come, first served basis. A Note from Our Camp Director, Andrea Friedman, MSW: I'm thrilled to be serving as the Camp Director for Camp Victory for Kids and Camp Victory for Families in 2022! In my experience working with children and families, the ability to bring people together who share commonalities provides an invaluable opportunity for validation and acceptance. With participation in fun camp activities together in a supportive environment, parents, guardians, and children are in for an incredible, life-changing experience! Whether you are a returning camper from prior years or joining us for the first time, I'm looking forward to meeting everyone this summer.

10

Marfan.org